Choosing a Prosthetist and/or an Anaplastologist
Finding a professional to help the amputee or facially disfigured individual is not always an easy task. It is my hope that the following information will help you find someone that is qualified to provide the best care available. Some handy links will are included to aid in in your search as well. Genesis does not mean to imply endorsements for a choice in clinicians, however, we do wish to help patients find information that will educate them and help find others who may provide some similar types of services in your area because we know not all of our inquiries are able to travel to be treated at Genesis.
Prosthetists should be certified by ABC (American Board for Certification). They may also be certified in orthotics as well and carry the title C.P.(Certified Prosthetist), C.O. (Certified Orthotist), or C.P.O. (Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist). The current requirements to attain this distinction are a bachelors degree and/or a post graduate (or masters) program in either discipline with a year and a half in residency followed by board exams that includes a practical, writtten, written simulation and oral testing. While some states have liceansed clinicians, others do not. This is important for patients to know, and they should ask their practitioner, if they are certified. Many will hang their credentials in the office area to attest to their training. Unfortunately, in states that do not have liceansure, a company may take advantage of that fact, and allow someone with little or no real training to treat patients. Make sure you are treated by someone with the minimum requirement of certification to ensure your quality of care!
Anaplastologists come from a variety of backgrounds, but most typically they come from either medical illustration programs or the the dental field. They are often trained in the basics of medicine and biology, as well as a strong proficiency in art. Most of the programs are post-graduate in nature, and are a masters degree. Whereas prosthetist are trained with function in mind, anaplastologists are focused more on artistry and the cosmetic aspects and more training is focused on the area of the face. It is very rare to find a practitioner that is able to do BOTH anaplatology and limb prosthetics. There are perhaps 12 people in the world that are in this dual credentialed catagory! Certification in this field is progressing, with the title certified clinical anaplastologist (CCA) being designated to qualified individuals through the BCCA (Board of Certification in Clinical Anaplastology).
