Changing face of O&P: Education, research and new generation of clinicians 

The orthotics and prosthetics field has undergone what Fanny Schultea calls an “academic revolution,” driven by changes in the health care system, evolving resources and rapid technological advancement. Recently named 2025 O&P Woman of the Year by the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA), Schultea is using the honor to amplify her vision for further advancing the field through education, research and support for the next generation of clinicians. 

“It was never even a degree before, and it’s now sort of progressed all the way up to a master's degree,” said Schultea, MS, MSed, CPO, LP, FAAOP, the executive director of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research, which provides funding through scholarships, research grants and fellowships to advance the profession . “You have a different demographic of people just by the nature of the increased requirements.” 

A changing landscape of needs 

Twenty years ago, there weren’t many women in the O&P profession, but they now make up about 80% of the cohorts in degree programs, says Schultea. 

“We need to make sure as a profession to pay attention to those changes and to make sure that we support the new generation of clinicians to stay in the profession,” she said. “We want to make sure that we train individuals in a mindful, appropriate way for their generation and for their demographics. We want to make sure people feel supported, if not by their employer, then they should at least be supported by the profession.” 

Bridging the gap between research and access 

The OP Foundation’s vision is to increase the quality of care for the patient, says Schulte 

“There isn't a lot of support for clinical research that will bridge the gaps between the payers and the regulators and the legislators to get to get the evidence they need so that patients can get the care that they deserve,” she said. “So, looking at identifying those evidence gaps and addressing them through our grants is a major way that we can have a significant impact not only on the practitioners and in the way that they provide care, but ultimately for the patients.” 

The work is just starting 

For Schultea, the recognition means giving a voice to the profession and recognizing the work of the entire O&P community. 

“It’s really wonderful to be recognized as a woman leader contributing to the profession,” she said. “There are more and more really incredible women doing really wonderful things, often behind the scenes, so it’s nice to kind of pull the curtain back a little bit to showcase people who are making a difference. Maybe it’s a perfect storm, but I am very vocal and opinionated, so what this award means to me is recognizing efforts and giving a voice and amplifying how important this work is and how important the whole community is.”