Biography
Léa Richer, a certified prosthetist orthotist, joined the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics program in the Spring of 2026 after three years as a clinician, guest lecturing on topics ranging from medical anthropology, independent research, to clinical applications, and two prior careers in the restaurant industry and at Costco. Richer spent her clinical education (Century College/Concordia University, St. Paul), training (Minneapolis, MN, and Portland, OR, Veterans Administrations), and practice (Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital) focused on serving veterans within the Veteran’s Administration and understanding the associations between mental health and prosthetic use. Richer’s undergraduate degree from McGill University and multiple educational experiences in Latin America also allow her to serve patients and students from a multilingual and multicultural background. Richer came to the field of orthotics and prosthetics organically after three and a half years in a back brace for scoliosis. This varied background of experiences and interests allows her to serve students at the University of Pittsburgh with a non-traditional perspective.