• Amanda Brown
  • Amanda Brown is a recent graduate from Northwestern University’s orthotic program and is currently enrolled in the school’s prosthetic’s blended learning program. She has a science degree from Penn State University where she split her time between the classroom and on the Lady Lion basketball court. After college, she continued her basketball career professionally in Los Angeles, Italy and as a member of the Canadian National Olympic Team. After an exciting career on the court, Brown decided to pursue a second passion — a career in O&P. She focuses her blog on her experiences in the education program and will provide anecdotal accounts of her struggles, success and expectations of clinical care education and a future in the O&P field.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Beginning My Orthotics Residency With Excitement

Amanda Brown

Graduating from Northwestern University a few months ago was not only exciting but also a little bit sad. I truly enjoyed my time in Chicago. My instructors were fantastic teachers and taught me the fundamental knowledge that I will need to start my O&P career. I will miss the relationships that I made with my classmates. Life as a student has been full of late nights and hard work, however I am now ready to move on to my residency.

Earlier this month, I began my Orthotics Residency at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas. I am thrilled about this residency because I will be able to learn from some very accomplished practitioners, as well as participate in a few outstanding research opportunities. This hospital is full of wonderful physicians, staff members and volunteers, and they all have one common goal, “to help the children.”

My last few weeks as a resident have been filled with orientation, welcome lunches, and many hours in the lab and clinic observing and learning the ways of the hospital. I am impressed by the high standards and new technology that help the O&P practitioners make the best decisions for each individual patient. I have been exposed to scoliosis and spina bifida clinics where I am able to interact with other health care providers and work with a team of physicians who are all focused on patient treatment.

I look forward to making the most out of my time here at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. These children are resilient and amazing people to work with. I also look forward to sharing my residency experiences with you!