The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics Canada

I first started in this profession as an Orthotic/Prosthetic Technician. I have always enjoyed tinkering with and making things, and when I first heard about the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics, it seemed to be a good fit for me. I could work with my hands and the work would be impactful to someone else’s life. 

Now that I am a clinician, my greatest joy is working with clients to help them achieve their personal goals – to increase their mobility, improve walking safety, prevent skin breakdown or reduce pain so that they can focus on other aspects of their lives. 

I got involved with ISPO because of Dr. Ed Lemaire, Past President of ISPO Canada and ISPO International. Ed encouraged me to join the Board of ISPO Canada. I have been a Board Member, Secretary, President and Past President of the organization over the past 20 years.

I feel that I don’t often see the direct impact that ISPO has had on persons accessing assistive devices and rehabilitation services, but this impact is evident when I attend the ISPO International World Congress. Through my involvement with ISPO, I now have connections to colleagues around the world working to provide Orthotic, Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Services to the people they serve. The training and support they receive from ISPO enables them to be more effective. The biennial World Congress allows me to connect with international colleagues and learn about the work they are doing to advance the field of Orthotics, Prosthetics and Mobility Devices in their countries.

At the moment I am trying to enhance my knowledge and skills to conservatively manage Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. This is an area I really want to learn more about. I enjoy working with this population and trying to provide optimal scoliosis braces that prevent worsening of scoliotic curves, with the goal of avoiding surgery for these kids and young adults. 

I would offer advice to recent graduates and students that I received when I was starting my career. Be curious! Ask lots of questions, view mistakes as learning opportunities to improve. Don’t get too stressed if things don’t work out. Keep trying until you reach a desired outcome.

Outside of my work, I volunteer with an organization called “Shelter Movers” that provides moving services for people leaving domestic violence and abuse, to help them start a new life. I also bicycle to work and go on bike-camping trips, and try to embody the phrase “Be the change you wish to see in the World” in my daily life. I don’t often reach that goal, but I’ll keep trying!

I would like to say that being involved with ISPO Canada has been at times demanding but also very rewarding. I have enjoyed getting to know so many people committed to providing high quality rehabilitation services to the people they serve, and dedicating themselves to the work of sharing their knowledge and providing opportunities for practitioners to learn from researchers and peers at ISPO Canada-sponsored educational events. 

The ISPO Board has always been a strong, focused group of people and I am fortunate to have gotten to know them over the years. The student volunteers have been a great strength of our organization, and the success we have had with student board members has attracted the attention of other member societies. Finally, being involved with ISPO Canada has enabled me to learn new skills that I will continue to benefit from. It has also enabled me to collaborate with other member societies and individuals – connections that will be life-long.