The Collaborative Spotlight

Recognizing Veterans

Fanny Schultea
MS, MSEd, CPO, LP, FAAOP(D)

How long have you been in the profession?

Since 2013

What is your educational background (college through certification)?

It began with a degree in textile and fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, CA. I worked in the fashion industry for several years before joining the US Army in 2002 as a Military Police, serving in OIF in the GWOT. After my time in service, I received my BS and MS in Exercise Science from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. I also received my Sport Nutritionist (CISSN) and Strength and Conditioning (NSCA-CSCS) certifications. I served as a faculty in the Exercise Science Dept at UMHB and consulted as a sports nutritionist. I transitioned professionally when I pivoted into O&P (long story). I received my degree (MS) and completed my residency with the inaugural class at Baylor College of Medicine. I am a CPO and an LP in TX.

What are your professional affiliations?

I am the executive director for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research. I just concluded eights years as an assistant professor with the Baylor College of Medicine O&P Program in Houston TX.

Why did you choose this profession?

It was the culmination of wearable technologies and human performance- everything I have ever done professionally, all in one. It was also another opportunity to serve, again, this time, in the service of patients.

What has changed most about the field since you first became a practitioner?

The growing recognition that a paradigm shift is needed in education, training, research, and practice for a fuller integration into the greater system as a healthcare provider.

What has been most satisfying about your decision to go into the field?

The incredible people and their commitment of service to patients. Another satisfying element is that O&P is still developing in healthcare- getting on the ground floor of that evolution is exciting and empowering.

What has been the most frustrating?

The chasm between those who are forward thinking and objective and those who have difficulties in doing so.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I tend not to think of any one thing as an accomplishment but as time points along a longer arc of impact. I will be able to say I accomplished something if I can look back and see that I have played a role in influencing change or transformation. These types of accomplishments take a long time to come into focus, so I don't have an answer yet!

If you were speaking to high school or college students, what would you say to encourage them to choose this profession?

It is rare to have the opportunity to make an impact on individual patients' lives and the entire profession that serves them. The size of the field and it's stage of development are prime for visionary young leaders to make a big difference in the direction of O&P care. O&P is filled with opportunity and relentless satisfaction.

How has your Academy membership been valuable to you?

I have been a member of AAOP since I was a student. I have been part of the AAOP Fellow program for years and appreciate the credential allowing me to demonstrate my commitment to and my support of excellence in O&P. My volunteer service in the Scientific Societies and work with O&P iQ have built relationships and created opportunities that have led to my current role with the O&P Foundation. I am so grateful that I continue to work closely with many exceptional colleagues who I have met directly and indirectly through the Academy. AAOP has enabled me to share ideas with the O&P community in a way that has facilitated incredible connections and partnerships over the years.

In an effort to get a sense of what your interests are outside of O&P, what do you like to do when you are not working?

I spend my free time exploring the world and going on adventures with my husband Austin and son Sterling- my two favorite people. I love resistance training, trail running, and rock climbing.

What’s one thing that people in the O&P industry would be surprised to know about you?

I think most people realize that I am a disabled combat veteran and that I am a dual national of France, where I was born and raised. That was two things...

How does diversity enhance the O&P field?

Diversity enhances any space, as it allows individuals and groups to have a greater range of perspectives and expand their understanding of the world at the micro and macro scales. O&P has the most diversified patient population, so it should be represented among O&P clinicians and leaders in the profession.