Abby Citterman
Background
Abigail Citterman is a second-year orthotic & prosthetic resident at Gillette Children’s and a research fellow with the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab. Her research interests include developing and validating novel rehabilitative technologies for individuals with neuromuscular disabilities. Abby graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Utah in 2022, initially aiming to work in the research and development of innovative orthotic and prosthetic devices. Inspired by her experiences with patient care, she shifted her focus toward bridging the gap between cutting-edge innovation in academia and the most optimal, personalized care in the clinic. She went on to earn a Master’s in Prosthetics & Orthotics from Northwestern University in 2024. Now, as a research-track O&P resident and a research fellow, Abby works at the intersection of engineering, design, and patient care. She is dedicated to advancing outcomes for patients while contributing to the evidence base that shapes the future of the field.
Why did you apply?
I am honored to have received the ABC Orthotist and Prosthetist Scholarship, the Chester Haddan Award, and the Microgrant throughout my training thus far. Each application reflected the same motivation: to strengthen my foundation as both a clinician and researcher so I can better serve patients and the profession.
The ABC O&P Scholarship and the Chester Haddan Award allowed me to focus on building a strong clinical foundation while remaining engaged in research, service, and advocacy. As a resident, I applied for the Microgrant to support my residency research project. Our team at Gillette was interested in the efficacy of integrating digital technology into fabrication workflows to provide the best care to patients and facilitate access for clinicians and technicians. While these tools were already part of our practice, their impact on patient satisfaction and clinical efficiency had not been rigorously studied. With this funding, we were able to pursue that important question.
How did the funding help you meet your goals?
The ABC Orthotist and Prosthetist Scholarship provided me with the funds to dedicate myself to my
studies and practical experiences. This award enabled me to reduce my hours, augmenting my ability to
remain steadfast in my commitment to my education.
The Chester Haddan Award enabled me to continue working with my team on our NUPOC capstone
research project beyond that which was required for the course. We prepared an abstract and presentation
for a national conference and have been working toward a full manuscript—efforts that would have not
been feasible without this additional support.
How did the funding impact your career?
These awards have been pivotal in shaping my development as an emerging clinician and researcher. They gave me the ability to devote myself fully to clinical training, research, and service. I’ve been fortunate to dedicate time to presenting and publishing my work, as well as participating in global volunteer opportunities that broadened my perspective in O&P care. The Microgrant specifically provided invaluable experience as a first-time principal investigator. From grant writing to project management, I have been developing numerous skills that will serve as a foundation for future research endeavors and have already enriched how I approach clinical problem-solving.
Equally important, these awards helped to create valuable relationships, connecting me with fellow awardees, prospective students, and established leaders who have generously shared their insights and encouragement. These connections have helped accelerate my personal and professional growth, and are a true testament to the O&P Foundation’s impact. I also believe these serve as a reflection of my commitment to advancing evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, which may help open doors to future clinical, research, or funding opportunities. Each award feels like an investment the O&P Foundation has made in me, and I am truly thankful for that trust. I am eager to see the ongoing impact these awards will have on my career trajectory and contributions to the field moving forward.
What did the funding mean to you personally?
I am profoundly grateful to be recognized as a recipient of the ABC Orthotist and Prosthetist Scholarship, the Chester Haddan Award, and the Microgrant. These honors reaffirm my commitment to advancing patient-centered, evidence-based care, and inspire me to uphold the legacies of leadership, service, and innovation they represent.
Above all, this funding reflects the unwavering support of my mentors, colleagues, friends, and family, whose guidance has shaped every step of my journey. I am sincerely grateful to the O&P Foundation for its role in my development and for supporting the mission to bridge the gap between academic innovation and personalized patient care, and improve outcomes for those we serve.
