Isabelle “Issy” Mugnier, MSOP ‘25, has some advice for all of the students in the Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) program at Drexel University, Elkins Park campus: Ask all the questions you can during your residency.
“While this transition can be daunting for some, it’s a transformative moment in their careers that will help them develop into successful clinicians,” said Mugnier. “The integrated residency allows them to explore different clinics and specialties to refine their interests and envision their future career paths.”
Mugnier recently had the opportunity to share that message in person with students during the O&P program’s inaugural Residency Announcement Day – an event dedicated to celebrating purpose, connection, and the integrated residency model that defines the program. It also allowed students to reflect on the “WHY” that led them to the program.
“As the first cohort, we didn’t have anyone to look up to or ask questions from before us, so I believe sharing my experience helped ease some students’ nerves,” said Mugnier, who works at MedEast Prosthetics and Orthotics in Ambler, Pennsylvania.
Current O&P student Rebecca Semko ‘27O&P, said it was helpful to hear advice from someone who had completed the program and was currently working in the profession.
“There were two key things I took away from Issy’s speech: how much one learns in residency versus didactic education; and the importance of asking questions,” said Semko. Her first six-month residency will be at Allied O&P in Philadelphia, and second 12-month residency will be with For Motion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia. “Those two points are the things I am going to make sure I take with me into residency, no matter the situation. I will make sure I ask all the questions that I can, as this will be a constant learning environment, and it will only help me continue to build upon my skillset.”
The celebration culminated in an exciting moment of anticipation and joy as students eagerly discovered their much-anticipated residency placements - revealing each student’s first rotation site and state. The announcements were revealed on 3-D printed puzzle pieces. The students had to work together to assemble the puzzle, which, when completed, formed a dragon (the Drexel mascot), a powerful symbol of teamwork and Drexel pride.
Chad Duncan, PhD, CPO, Fulbright Specialist, chair and director of the Drexel O&P program, said he appreciated Mugnier’s willingness to share her insights on navigating the integrated residency experience and finding success in the profession with the current students.
“It was a meaningful event that united past, present, and future Dragons while celebrating the enduring 'WHY' behind O&P,” said Dr. Duncan.
