Lukas Baner, CTPO, is a Certified Prosthetic-Orthotic Technician who joined Dankmeyer’s Fabrication staff two years ago. He was recently named a POP (Prosthetics Orthotics Pedorthics) Ambassador for the American Board of Certification (ABC). An ambassador is in contact with potential graduate school students who may be interested in the field - either as a clinician or technician. ABC matches inquiries with its ambassadors, and Lukas is only too glad to talk about what he does in the field.
Lukas heard about the program and applied because he wants to encourage people to enter O&P. He talks to them about the education available for technicians, and the reality of life as a technician. Lukas says, “A technician’s role is all hands on work. You get your hands dirty - there is plaster and dust and chemicals, but there is also the increasing use of 3D printing in the field, and that is very exciting!” Lukas likes to post on his own Instagram page as well as the Dankmeyer page devices he has made. He wants people to see what it takes to make artificial limbs and braces, not prosthetic ears and noses! He thinks that Instagram is not just a forum for entertainment, but education. He is proud of his Certification with ABC. He learned a lot about anatomy, and other clinical basics and feels that education hs made for a good bridge with clinicians. Eventually, he might like to teach others.
Lukas says he will be an ambassador as long as he can make the time - and he thinks it is important to make the time. For a profile on Lukas in the POP program, click here.
Congratulations to Dankmeyer practitioner Cole Branche, who has recently passed his Orthotics and Prosthetics certification exams! He obtained a new certification title: Cole Branche, CPO. CPO indicates an American Board Certified (ABC) Prosthetist Orthotist. What does this mean? That title represent a lot of hard work.
Each of our practitioners complete a rigorous post-baccalaureate or Master’s Degree in Orthotics and/or Prosthetics at a National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) accredited university. After school, students transition into an 18 month or 2 year residency program. After completing residency requirements, there are several written exams and an in person Clinical Patient Management exam to pass to receive certification.
Dankmeyer is an American Board Certified facility, and all our practitioners are ABC certified or working toward their certification via our residency program.
Congratulations to both Lukas and Cole!
