In honor of International Women and Girls in Science Day, Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. proudly celebrates the incredible contributions of our eighteen women clinicians and technicians. Historically a male-dominated field, orthotics and prosthetics (O & P) are undergoing a powerful transformation. Today, most O & P graduate programs are now made up of a majority of women. At Union O & P, we’re thrilled to mirror this trend. Half of our leadership team is women, and over half of our clinical staff under 40 are women, making us a great example of this exciting shift. Women make up 50% of our entire staff, including technicians, clinicians, and administrative staff. Today, we spotlight two remarkable young women who are helping to shape the future of our field: Caroline Calabrese and Allie Palermo, our current prosthetic and orthotic residents.

Meet Caroline Calabrese
Caroline joined Union in June of 2023 after earning her Master's in Prosthetics and Orthotics from the University of Hartford. Specializing in prosthetics, Caroline will complete her residency in June of this year and is excited to transition into her role as a full-time Prosthetist on our team. Outside of work, Caroline enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and exploring Pittsburgh. Originally from Houston, Texas, she’s excited to now call Pittsburgh her home. Caroline believes that women bring a fresh perspective, driving innovation and care in new, meaningful ways.

Meet Allie Palermo
Allie came on board at Union in July of 2024 after completing her Master's in Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of Pittsburgh. She is currently specializing in pediatrics and is passionate about focusing her career on this dynamic area of the field. Allie will finish her residency in January of 2026. Outside of work, Allie enjoys cooking and reading books. Originally from Erie, PA, Allie chose to attend school in Pittsburgh and fell in love with the city. She was eager to find a resident program nearby and is happy she found a new home at Union. She feels that her gender has never held her back in the O&P industry and instead has empowered her to embrace a unique role in the field’s future.

Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. is honored to support the new wave of women specializing in orthotics and prosthetics that are bridging the gender gap in the field. We proudly celebrate our eighteen women clinicians and technicians along with the rest of our exceptional staff.
 
“We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry.” — Maria Mitchell, Astronomer

Blog and video by Kathryn Painter

About Union O & P
Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. is a family-owned and operated company with over 100 years of service in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. We have always been dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care with a professional and compassionate approach. Our services and techniques are continuously being upgraded to achieve the highest standard of excellence.

Locations
Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. and De La Torre Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. now offer 19 locations throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Services may vary by location.