Hanger Clinic Teams Find New Ways to Provide Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, Hanger Clinic teams around the country have been working tirelessly to meet their patients’ orthotic and prosthetic needs.

From virtual consultations to on-site visits with appropriate safety precautions to curbside care, Hanger Clinic clinicians are using ingenuity to continue “empowering human potential” and ensure patients are able to perform essential life functions without interruption.

People Helping People: Stories from Around the Country

The Filbrun family kept their distance with Area Clinic Manager Jason Macedonia, LCPO, when they met in their clinic’s parking lot in Columbus, OH for curbside care. Both siblings use bilateral prosthetic legs and frequently need updated sockets, so they can stay active. Wyatt (9) was very excited to be cast for his new prosthetic legs, and Jemma (13) couldn’t wait to try out her new running legs. 

In Aurora, IL, seven-year-old Ethan Sappington was excited to be fit with a myoelectric prosthetic arm by his prosthetist Mary Hajduk Whalen, CP, CFm, ATC. Ethan and Mary both wore masks throughout his delivery appointment, where Mary ensured proper fit and functionality—“bringing so much joy and happiness” at this time, according to Ethan’s mother Theresa.

Across the country in Orlando, Vice President of Lower Extremity Prosthetics Kevin Carroll, MS, CP, FAAOP (D) and Sarah Wrigley connected without ever leaving their homes. Over video chat, the pair conducted a full virtual prosthetic consultation, evaluating the fit of Sarah’s above-knee prosthesis and discussing her upcoming needs.

Knowing that we can help improve our patients’ lives is what keeps us going, but seeing them reach their goals is what makes it meaningful. The dedication of many more Hanger Clinic teams around the U.S. will continue to ensure patients can care for themselves and achieve mobile independence during this challenging time.