Orthotist/Prosthetist - Advanced Practitioner

The Orthotist/Prosthetist - Advanced Practitioner works as a team member of the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service within the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. The general responsibility of the Non-Supervisory Orthotist/Prosthetist is to provide the most complex clinical and laboratory prosthetic and orthotic services to disabled patients. PRINCIPALES MISSIONS : Duties for this position include but are not limited to: (1) Treatment of all amputation levels including upper limb, hip disarticulation levels; (2) Serving as an advisor to physicians, therapists and other medical professionals with regard to indications and contraindications of prosthetic and orthotic componentry, prescription criteria; (3) Authorizing the purchase, fabrication or repair of prosthetic devices; (4) Maintaining continuous liaison with manufacturers and dealers of prosthetic supplies, inspecting their facilities and services and participating in the award of prosthetic appliance contracts; (5) Participating in investigative/research project studies by selecting patients as pilot wearers of newly developed prosthetic items, evaluating the usefulness of such items and compiling of data; and (6) Giving technical and administrative advice and assistance on prosthetic problems to other facilities. This work requires a specialized knowledge of the medical and psychological problems directly related to the use of prosthetic devices; and a specialized knowledge and understanding of the fabrication and satisfactory fitting of prosthetic devices. An Orthotist Prosthetist at this level must have analytical ability, social awareness, tact and diplomacy, and good communication skills. The Orthotist Prosthetist at this level must be able to anticipate the need for action. He/she must also possess the ability to deal effectively with individuals and groups and to adjust to difficult or stressful situations. ABC or BOC Practitioner Certification is required at this level. An Orthotist Prosthetist at this level may serve as the (NCOPE) Residency Director for the site, or otherwise may be required to directly contribute to the education of Prosthetic-Orthotic Residents. Functional tasks for this position include but are not limited to: Identifies biomechanical condition. Conducts gait analysis, range of motion, coordination and balance, motor skills, and clinical assessment studies in accordance with occupational principles for unusual conditions, multiple complex interrelated conditions, etc. Interviews patients to determine expectations, lifestyle, home/work environment, ability to use the device. Takes necessary measurements, casts or scans to develop positive molds of the affected area of the body, which are used to create the orthosis and/or prosthesis. Recognizes physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications. Assesses patient for indications/contra-indications of appropriate treatment protocols and discusses the assessment with the physician/requesting provider for purposes of developing the overall treatment plan. Considers new and emerging technologies in designing unique or innovative devices to accommodate or treat a wide range of complex medical conditions, which include unusual problems or complications. Designs custom devices using standard components to optimize patient performance for difficult and complex conditions; may include CAD/CAM systems. Fabricates components, or selects and modifies components, and assembles these into the finished device. Uses CAD/CAM system as appropriate in this process and performs preliminary alignment. Fits the device on the patient, assures preliminary alignment, and performs subsequent dynamic alignment. Explains procedures and processes to the patient to reduce anxiety and gain support and cooperation in all stages of the process. Maintains the patient's record, including the electronic record, in accordance with established JCAHO/ABC/BOC/Medical Center/V

Salaire : $98,630 – $128,221/Per Year | Avantages : http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?