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Orthotics & Prosthetics
During a recent volunteer trip to Quito, Ecuador, Caitie Steele ‘26O&P, treated a patient named Jefferson who had his leg amputated below the knee after a car accident. He had no way of affording a prosthesis and thought his life was pretty much over.
But when Steele and her Salus at Drexel University classmate Mary-Kate Dennis ‘26O&P showed up as volunteers for the Range of Motion Project (ROMP) eight years after his amputation, Jefferson had hope. He had applied and been accepted as a patient for the Range of Motion Project and Steele was about to make him his first prosthesis.
“Even though he hadn’t been walking for eight years, he was up and walking without any assistive devices by the end of the week,” said Steele. “It was so rewarding. Everyone was so happy, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.”
The two Salus/Drexel students in the Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) program traveled to Ecuador from July 5 through July 14, 2024. While there, the Range of Motion group made 21 lower limb prostheses for people who otherwise don’t have access to that type of care.
ROMP is a non-profit based in Denver that provides high-quality prosthetic care to those in need. The organization’s officials believe access to mobility is a human right regardless of financial well-being, race, gender, orientation, or any other common barrier to care. And, it believes in equal access to prosthetic services that facilitate independence through mobility.
“These students are not only future leaders in orthotics and prosthetics, but also passionate ambassadors of change in orthotics and prosthetics,” said Chad Duncan, PhD, CRC, CPO, LPO, director of the O&P program at Salus/Drexel. “Their eagerness to embark on international service trips demonstrates a commitment to making a global impact. With hearts full of empathy and a willingness to assist others, they are paving the way for a future where compassionate service and their O&P knowledge work hand in hand to transform lives.”
According to Dr. Duncan, these efforts are not just a one-time occurrence for the students. Steele has also put together an Adaptive Climbing event for ROMP, which will be held Sept. 7 at Valley Forge National Park, as well as a Limb Disassembly Day on Sept. 13 at the Salus/Drexel Elkins Park, Pennsylvania campus.
“To see this amount of philanthropy early on in their careers makes me smile for the future of O&P,” he said.
Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Steele graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. She went to Ecuador with ROMP for the first time in 2021 and the most recent trip was her fourth time with the group.
“I went there and fell in love with patient care, and I decided to pursue the master’s O&P program at Salus and become a clinician,” said Steele.
She said she didn’t realize until this last trip how well-prepared she was by the Salus O&P program.
“This year, I actually knew what I was doing. I was able to apply all of the skills and knowledge that I’ve gained here in the program so far. And, I was able to take on a lot more responsibility with patient care this time,” said Steele. “It was fun seeing where I was this year compared to where my skills were on past trips. I knew so much more and I was much more competent.”
After graduating from the Salus/Drexel O&P program, Steele plans to return to the Midwest to work. She’s currently an ambassador for ROMP and would also like to continue to fundraise, raise awareness, and participate in ROMP projects.
“I would like to keep helping people that can’t afford it or don’t have access. I want to help give them access to mobility,” she said.
