For Kinesiology students interested in the intersection of human movement, healthcare, and technology, an internship can provide a firsthand look at how these fields come together. For Anna Shegogue, that meant spending her summer exploring the field of orthotics and prosthetics.
Anna completed her internship with Infinite Technologies Orthotics and Prosthetics at its Fredericksburg and Fairfax, Virginia, locations, where she gained experience observing patient evaluations, learning about prosthetic and orthotic devices, and exploring the processes involved in their design and fabrication.
During her internship, Anna observed prosthetic and orthotic evaluations and fittings, assisted with 3D scanning and the fabrication workflow for foot orthoses, and helped with prosthetic socket modifications and finishing. She also observed cranial scanning procedures for infants with craniosynostosis and learned about upper- and lower-limb prosthetic components and patient care.
The experience gave Anna an opportunity to see how knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and human movement is applied to developing devices that support mobility and improve patients' daily lives. It also introduced her to the combination of technical skills and patient-centered care involved in the profession.
After graduating from Longwood, Anna plans to pursue a master's degree in prosthetics and orthotics. Her internship provided an opportunity to explore her chosen profession while gaining a better understanding of the clinical and technical work involved.
Anna's experience highlights one of the many career paths available to Kinesiology students and the ways their undergraduate education can provide a foundation for specialized graduate study and careers in healthcare.