Alessia Dinardi - Student Blog 9/21/26

Today marks the end of our first class as we pursue our MSOP at IIOP! It is empowering to look back and see how much we have accomplished in just four weeks.

We began the semester with a warm welcome at orientation before transitioning right into the rigor of Anatomy. Throughout the course, we explored muscles, nerves, special tests, and clinical applications while, of course, having plenty of “palpation parties!” 

Interactive activities such as mapping important anatomical landmarks on one another, rotating through palpation practice with different classmates, competing in palpation simulations, and creating fun mnemonics have helped us bridge the gap between learning anatomy from a textbook and applying it in a clinical setting.

Outside of the classroom, our cohort  had the opportunity to volunteer at a Florida Special Olympics swim event. We gained hands-on experience working alongside podiatrists to help ensure that athletes maintained healthy musculature and proper hygiene practices to support their overall health and optimal movement. Experiences like these have given us an even greater appreciation for the role healthcare professionals, such as those in orthotics and prosthetics, play in helping individuals move, participate, and feel their best!

As we close out our first class, we are excited to carry the knowledge and skills we gained in Anatomy into our next course, Neuroanatomy. We are eager to continue building on this foundation, learning new material, and developing the skills that will prepare us for our future careers in orthotics and prosthetics!