Five Questions for Ingrid Frank, CP

Ingrid Frank was raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where her father, Ernest S. Boas, CO, owned Boas Surgical, Inc., a surgical supply company that also provides prosthetics. "As soon as I was old enough, I worked part-time in my father's facility," she says. Frank was the first woman to graduate from New York University's bachelor of science in O&P program in 1975. After working for several other practitioners, she started Ingrid Frank Prosthetics, Natick, Massachusetts, which specializes in "one-on-one" personalized O&P services.

1. What are your top priorities/goals when working with patients?

My first priority is always high-quality patient care. Collaboration through discussion and education results in better outcomes when dealing with patients and their families.

2. How early in the process do you like to get involved with amputee patients?

Unfortunately, as far as I am concerned, my local community does not involve the prosthetist early enough. I don't usually get called until the patient has his/her staples removed. Ideally, I would like to be able to start the process before the amputation.

3. How important is the prosthetist/surgeon relationship?

The relationship between the prosthetist and surgeon is crucial. Lines of communication must be open in both directions, especially to address changes in technology. Just a few months ago, a patient of mine saw a new doctor for a routine check-up, and he gave her skin-care advice that caused her residual limb to develop a rash. Although he is an excellent surgeon, he wasn't familiar with her type of liner and suspension system. Fortunately, he was willing to meet with me so I could go over the use and care details, which will prevent this from reoccurring.

4. What advice would you give to new prosthetists about building relationships with surgeons?

The best way to build a healthy relationship with a surgeon is to communicate early and often. The prosthetist must be willing and able to provide any assistance the surgeon might need or want.

5. What do you see in the future for O&P?

Modular prosthetics and plastic orthoses were just being introduced to our field when I graduated in 1975. Now high-tech techniques such as osseointegration and neuroprosthetics are just a small part of what's in store for us. These changes will revolutionize our field.

Five Questions for Ingrid Frank, CP

Hi-Tech Military Rehab Center Opens

Researchers to Test Osseointegration Infection-Reducing Product

Researchers to Test Osseointegration Infection-Reducing Product

RECENT NEWS

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Certified Orthotist & Orthotic Technician

Prosthetic/Orthotic Technician – Boise, ID

Certified Orthotist

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Five Questions for Ingrid Frank, CP

Support authors and subscribe to content

Subscribe

Related posts:

Hi-Tech Military Rehab Center Opens

Researchers to Test Osseointegration Infection-Reducing Product

Researchers to Test Osseointegration Infection-Reducing Product

RECENT NEWS

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Certified Orthotist & Orthotic Technician

Prosthetic/Orthotic Technician – Boise, ID

Certified Orthotist

Login to your account

Reset Password

Signup to your Account

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Login to your account

Reset Password

Signup to your Account

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation