Ixchel is looking forward to finishing her POP residency next spring. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work in healthcare and with children. She started on the premedical track in college, studying biology. Ixchel later switched to kinesiology, and after graduating with a bachelor’s degree, she explored a career path as a physical therapist where she gained useful knowledge and information working as a physical therapy aide for 4 years.

Neither pathway felt quite right because it didn’t provide an opportunity to think outside the box and help solve unique patient problems. However, once she discovered POP and applied to a graduate program, everything began to fall into place.

Ixchel is completing her residency at a small O&P practice with over 30-years history of making prosthetic devices in the Coachella Valley and has had many opportunities to help patients improve their mobility. She values the wisdom, knowledge and information offered by each new POP experience, and as a POP ambassador, hopes to inspire others to think outside the box.