In a world brimming with inspiring stories, the tale of our next protagonist shines exceptionally bright. Meet a remarkable amputee and empowered woman who defies conventions and exemplifies the strength of human spirit and who stands tall as the sole owner of a prosthetic and orthotic facility. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, […]
In a world brimming with inspiring stories, the tale of our next protagonist shines exceptionally bright. Meet a remarkable amputee and empowered woman who defies conventions and exemplifies the strength of human spirit and who stands tall as the sole owner of a prosthetic and orthotic facility. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, insights, and the profound impact her clinic has on both the industry and the lives of those she serves.
What makes me unique the most (because there are many things I could highlight for this question) is that I am a Hispanic Female Amputee Sole Owner of a prosthetic and orthotic facility, Dynamic Orthopedics (Florida) and I am not a prosthetist or orthotist!
I think what makes someone unique is something that makes a person stand out or separates one from the norm.
My late husband was a prosthetist/orthotist and an amputee as well. We started this business in 2002 and our vision was to provide quality in both the care and the product.
The challenge has been, especially post Covid, to maintain quality when costs of goods has increased and there is a scarcity of fabrication supplies. That combined with oppressing insurance reimbursements yields hopelessness especially for a small business.
It is a challenge for sure and I do not know what the future holds for Dynamic Orthopedics yet I am inspired every day to see a child’s gait improved and a smile on their face as they realize their newfound mobility. Or to see light in the eyes of an amputee because their hopeless situation has now been turned around by a prosthetic limb we provided.
I met my late husband during college. He was going to school for prosthetics and orthotics and I was in school for Physical Therapy. I agreed to go into his class as a ‘model’ for the students to practice making me a prosthesis. Talk about unique, you could have said I was a unicorn. A young female amputee walking into a sea of males. Back then, there was only one female in that class. Now, I have had time periods where I had ONLY female prosthetist/orthotist. I have also had a female technician. For years, there was a strong practice in Miami operated by a female owner while I ‘manned’ a female owned practice in Ft. Lauderdale. I feel that the scales have now been tipped and there are women all over this field which seeks to prove we as women are capable and successful in this niche occupation.
I have gone through stages with my covers. At first, I got a prosthesis with a soft foam cover and skin. It gave the message, «I am just like everyone else, pretend you don’t see anything different.» Then when I met my husband, he did not wear a cover and had his leg laminated with a pattern. I adapted to this as well. The statement was «No skin, just me. Accept me as I am.» Now I have used UNYQ covers for my last 3 prostheses and I feel the most comfortable with the statement which is, «See me for what I am. I am special, bedazzled, beautiful and complete.»
Melisa is wearing a UNYQ Camellia design from the C-Collection in Ocean and Gold.
Camellias are one of the first flowers to appear in late winter. Inspired by that, this UNYQ Camellia design celebrates those who find strength in adversity.
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