“I love to work with a diverse group of staff and patients and that I’m constantly learning and being challenged.”
Ahead of AHP day on 14 October, we hear from Sherelee Govender who works as a part-time orthotist at Whipps Cross Hospital.
Hi Sherelee, tell us a little bit about you:
I’m originally from South Africa, where I achieved my degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P). I moved to London three years ago to pursue only orthotics with Steeper.
Why did you decide to become an orthotist and what does the role involve?
I have always wanted to be a medical professional; O&P is a good mix between engineering and biology.
An orthotist is a healthcare professional who custom makes and fits braces and splints (orthoses) for patients who need added support for body parts that have been weakened by injury, disease, or disorders of the nerves, muscles, or bones based on diagnosis/referrals from consultants/physios/GPs. It is conservative management for patients who do not want to undergo or surgery is not an option.
We work on both inpatient, outpatient and community settings. Inpatient orthotic devices are often required to support patient discharge so we are an integral part of the hospital multidisciplinary team. In outpatients we work closely with orthopaedics, rheumatology and physiotherapy to provide and outpatient to provide a multidisciplinary team approach.
What do you love about your job?
The ability to work in different clinics with diverse groups of staff and patients. I’m always constantly learning and being challenged. There is variety in trialled treatments/prescriptions to cater for patient's needs, one shoe does not fit all, literally!
What are the challenges/ how was it impacted by Covid-19?
Orthotics is conservative management which is a long-term treatment plan. This is difficult for patients to understand and results are expected immediately. Although we accept referrals from other disciplines, there is a lack of MDT clinics.
My role mainly involved face to face appointments, hence during the pandemic the introduction of telephone/video calls were challenging. However, it's now become part and parcel of a review system which enables patients' easy access to appointments without the faff of finding a parking space!
Would you recommend the role to others?
I would definitely recommend the role; we can never have enough orthotists. If a fast-paced role, where you can be hands on, a creative thinker and a people's person then orthotics is definitely for you.