What profession did you enter into, and what would you consider to be your greatest joy about doing the work you do?
Prosthetist/Orthotist, — I have been very fortunate in my career, I have been able to do so many different things in this profession from clinical care to education and global policy. It’s taken me all over the world to help people. I see the change and the possibilities for the future as we build the profile of the profession and in turn the service for users. I also still love making an adjustment to a device and hearing someone say … That feels so much better!
What led you to become involved with ISPO?
I had an interest in international development when I started in the field so as soon as I graduated I began volunteering with ISPO to help with tasks that were appropriate for my experience like editing articles for people whose first language wasn’t English who were submitting to Ortholetter.
What impact do you think ISPO has had on persons accessing assistive devices and rehabilitation services?
I believe both the quality and access to prosthetic orthotic services have been deeply impacted by ISPO and its volunteers. It’s been a transformative time for our disciplines globally, ISPO has been a lynchpin for prosthetic occupations and services, setting and monitoring standards, advocating for quality services and ensuring sustainable appropriate services.
Are there any current professional projects that you are engaged in?
Among other volunteer activities, I am currently the Chair of the ISPO Education Committee. This is the ISPO committee that manages the accreditation of prosthetic orthotic education programs and pathways around the world. We develop Education Standards and support faculty development for Prosthetic/Orthotic education institutions. It’s a pretty big job and we are very lucky to have many dedicated volunteers contributing to this work.
Can you offer any advice to recent graduates and students in your chosen profession?
In clinical practice with so many possible combinations of factors, I would say make sure that you don’t just memorize the list of content or the steps in a book or lecture. Work to understand why you’re doing (or asking) something that makes it easier to apply to your treatment plan and adjust the plan according to the unique circumstances of each individual.
For professional development, I would say that at the beginning of your career, it’s easier than you think to build networks and set yourself up for success in whatever direction you aim to move towards. Get involved in professional associations and service organizations. Offer to help with the things you know how to do that can help organizations. That might be taking minutes at a meeting, doing a social media takeover or taking photos at an event. Helping to share the load allows you to build a network that trusts you and people have more time to share and support you in return.
What are your hobbies and activities outside of your professional life?
I enjoy painting, travelling and of course I like learning. I believe all educators should regularly learn new things to remind them of where their students are. I try to balance courses across the learning domains; cognitive, affective and psychomotor. I’ve recently taken a course on using AI in teaching and building knowledge and skills for supporting individuals with mental health challenges, as well as courses in metalworking and glass blowing. I find it interesting to see how different instructors and topics can organize learning activities, and assessments and support learners you take much more than just the lesson at hand if you’re so inclined.
Any other comments or thoughts you would like to share?
You can find a bio here there is also a short video that has a lot of international imagery.
The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics Canada 