Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Program Overview
Introduction to the Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics Program
The Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics Program at Baylor College of Medicine is a unique and rigorous program that prepares students for a career in orthotics and prosthetics.
Program Overview
The program is still in its infancy but has already established traditions that make it distinct, such as the White Coat Ceremony. This ceremony marks the completion of basic sciences and didactic coursework, after which students enter the clinical residency and research portion of the program.
Curriculum and Training
The curriculum has been challenging and rigorous, with students completing over 1,000 hours of class time, earning 76 credit hours, and fabricating and fitting more than 20 orthotic and prosthetic devices. Students also participate in hands-on training, gaining practical experience in the field.
Faculty and Mentors
The program is led by experienced faculty, including Jared Howell, director of the program, and other notable faculty members such as Earl Fogler, Lorin Merkley, Ashley Mullen, and Josh Utay. Each student is also assigned a mentor who presents them with a white coat during the ceremony, symbolizing their transition into the clinical phase of the program.
White Coat Ceremony
The White Coat Ceremony is a significant event in the program, where students are presented with a white coat, a symbol in medicine, acknowledging their role as healthcare providers. The ceremony is an intimate and personal reflection of the students' journey so far in the program and offers a look ahead to the next phase of their training.
Program Philosophy
The program emphasizes that orthotics and prosthetics is not just a job or career but a "calling" that requires dedication and passion. The faculty believes that this field needs people who view it as a calling, and through this calling, Baylor's MSOP students will help patients become whole again.
Student Experience
The program has a strong focus on student experience, with a class president who offers personal comments on each student, collected from their peers. This highlights the supportive and collaborative environment of the program.
Conclusion
The Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics Program at Baylor College of Medicine is a unique and rigorous program that prepares students for a career in orthotics and prosthetics. With its challenging curriculum, hands-on training, and experienced faculty, the program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field.