Natasha Irani, OTD, OTR/L
Natasha Irani, OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist in the Hand Therapy Department at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital in Chicago and Principal Investigator of a multi-site clinical trial on 3D-printed finger orthoses. She also leads a dynamic orthosis walk-in clinic in collaboration with a hand surgeon, providing advanced upper extremity care and custom orthotic fabrication. Prior to entering the field, Dr. Irani worked at Goldman Sachs in New York City in Investment Banking Recruiting, managing processes for over 1,000 candidates across North and South America. Today, she brings that same strategic focus to innovation in rehabilitation.
Dr. Irani’s current research investigates the feasibility, usability, and functionality of customizable 3D-printed finger orthoses compared to traditional thermoplastics, with a focus on accessibility and patient-centered design. The study embodies diversity, equity, and inclusion by offering orthoses in 9 different skin tones, promoting aesthetic representation and personal dignity for individuals of all backgrounds. She initiated 3D-printing research during her doctoral capstone at Rush University, where she earned her Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree and was honored with the Excellence in Hand Therapy Award. She also holds a B.A. in Business Psychology from the University of Michigan and a 3D-printing certification from MIT.
Her past research has been presented at international and national conferences across the fields of healthcare, engineering, and public health, including the International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy and Surgery (UK) and Mechanical Engineering Medical Summit. Her past work has been published in The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy and recognized in global design competitions.
A passionate educator and advocate, she serves as an adjunct lecturer at Rush University’s OTD program and is the sole occupational therapist invited annually to speak at Endeavor Health’s Mini Medical School, where she introduces diverse high school students to the importance of hand & occupational therapy.