The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics Canada

What led you to enter the Prosthetic/Orthotic Profession, and what would you consider to be your greatest joy about doing the work you do?
I visited a P&O facility before I choose my major at university and was impressed by artistic yet well engineered devices that helped improve life of people with mobility issues. What I loved the most was that engineering techniques and medical expertise went hand in hand. My greatest joy is being challenged every day by my clients and trying to find ways to bring smile on their faces. I always say our profession is truly rewarding. It is wonderful how we work as a team with other professionals to ensure our clients achieve their daily
mobility goals.

What led you to become involved with ISPO Canada?
Being a member of ISPO international for the last two decades and volunteering at the Scientific Committee since 2017, I have enjoyed connecting with P&O professionals globally. Also during my PhD and postdoc fellowship, I collaborated with P&O manufacturers and research groups on R&D projects to develop new techniques and components for amputee rehabilitation. By joining the ISPO Canada, I will bring my background as a clinician, educator and researcher to promote ISPO mission among my fellow professionals in Canada. Being exposed to diverse patient populations as a clinician, from Middle East to Southeast Asia and North America, my goal is to support diversity in the Canadian P&O care.

What impact do you think ISPO has had on persons accessing assistive devices and rehabilitation services?
I believe ISPO has provided grounds for engaging various professionals, end users, industry, scholars, and governments to build a better world together. Every two years, professionals from around the world gather during ISPO congress to share their experiences and knowledge on providing better care for those in need of assistive
devices and raising the standards of P&O education.

Can you offer any advice to recent graduates and students in your chosen profession?
Learning is an ongoing process in P&O profession. As students, you may not see all conditions and types of assistive devices, so when you start as a fresh P&O clinician be open to exploring new techniques, take risks and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Qualifications will get you to the interview but experience and passion will get you further. Our clients rely on us as professionals so our job is to listen to them and keep ourselves up-to-date to provide quality care. Embrace every opportunity to volunteer in P&O communities to connect with other professionals and assistive device users.

What are your hobbies and activities outside of your professional life?
I enjoy travelling to meet new people and places. Exercise is key to a healthy life, so I like walking and jogging few times a week.

Any other comments or thoughts you would like to share?
Our profession has a lot to offer to the community and it is on every one of us to promote it both nationally and internationally. We can build “A world where all people have equal opportunity for full participation in society”.