In honor of Prosthetics and Orthotics Career Awareness Month we are highlighting Master of Prosthetics and Orthotics student, JackRyan O’Neil, who has an interesting background as an adaptive ski instructor and is currently volunteering with the Outdoors for All program.
We asked JackRyan to tell us about himself and his chosen education path.
What specialty are you pursuing?
I am in my first year (second quarter) of prosthetics and orthotics (MPO).
Why did you choose this specialty?
In this field, I’ll be able to work with my hands, apply my creative brain, and help individuals with various mobility deficits improve or return to activities they do every day and potentially try new activities they didn’t know they could do. Working as an adaptive ski instructor the past four years in Colorado with the BOEC (Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center) I enjoyed learning how to use various pieces of adaptive equipment with my students and saw how those devices could empower them to push their boundaries and thrive. Some of my students used prostheses or orthoses to get around and ski so it was fascinating to learn about those devices and how all are uniquely fitted to the individual! One of my favorite things about that job was during or after a lesson when my student would say to me, “I didn’t think I could do that.”
I have been given much in my life, so if I can empower someone to be independent in their daily lives and push their boundaries with new activities through the prostheses and orthoses I create for them, that sounds like a pretty awesome job to me!
Where are you from and where did you earn your undergraduate degree?
I grew up in Brier, WA (close to Mountlake Terrace), and studied Health Sciences at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA.
What are you doing for research/research interests?
Since it is early in the program, we’re not doing any research yet, but I am interested in learning/ working with sporting equipment like running blades, ski feet, or buckets (for sit skiing, rowing etc.)
What are your plans after completing your current program?
Not sure because that’s a couple years out but probably looking to work in an outpatient clinical setting, or rehab hospital setting. 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy anything outside, specifically running, or skiing (in the winter). I like to draw portraits as well! A group of my classmates and I will attempt to finish the Ski to Sea relay race in Bellingham in May, racing from Mt. Baker to the Puget Sound with segments including skiing, biking, running, canoeing, and kayaking!
Is there anything else you’d like share?
There are great opportunities to volunteer in the adaptive sports world here in the Seattle area with Outdoors for All! I have been teaching ski lessons with them throughout this winter. They also do rock climbing, biking, and paddle sports! We work with folks that live with various physical or cognitive disabilities and help expand their potential to try new, or improve on existing skills.
Successes/awards/interests?
I received the instructor of the year award with the BOEC for the 2022/23 winter season!
You can learn more about how you can pursue and make a difference in a Prosthetics Orthotics Pedorthics (POP) career here.