Russell McConahay is an ABC-certified orthotist for Hanger Clinic in Provo, Utah.
As a clinician with more than 31 years of experience in the field, Russ specializes in re-working designs and devices to get his patients the maximum amount of stability, mobility, and function possible. Russ was introduced to the world of orthotics when he became partially paralyzed from the waist down at 18 years old. The first time he tried walking with custom leg braces made by an orthotist he was able to walk 500 yards—and he hasn’t stopped walking, hiking, working with horses, or living life to its fullest since—all with the help of his orthoses.
Russ is dedicated to helping his patients get past the limitations imposed on them and go further than they ever thought possible. He considers it an incredible blessing to spend his days helping people succeed, and is well known and loved for his kindness, compassion, and willingness to bend over backward to help a patient in need.
His most rewarding experiences come when he is able to witness a patient stand or take their first steps with the help of a device he created. His mission both professionally and personally is to give people wings—to remove the pain and the limits that their bodies, their fears, and society have placed on them so they can progress and move forward to lead the life they dream of.
Outside of work, Russ enjoys gumbo, jeeping, watching things grow, and creating productive things that make the world better and more meaningful—whether through welding, carpentry, blacksmithing, construction projects, or rebuilding vehicles. Above all else, he loves people, especially his family, and being circled around a campfire connecting with his wife and four children is one of his greatest joys.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Northwestern University
- Certificate of Orthotics, Northwestern University