<img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2005-12_10/HansRichardLehneis.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> An icon in the orthotics and prosthetics profession, Hans Richard Lehneis, PhD, CPO, died October 15 at age 72. As director of the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, New York, New York, through most of his career, he touched and influenced countless numbers of lives in the O&P community. He also was a consultant and research professor of rehabilitation medicine at the New York University School of Medicine. Tributes and comments of appreciation poured in as those professionals whom he mentored and influenced described their reactions to his passing. Typical reactions included such as the following: "Dr. Lehneis inspired one to regard the orthotic and prosthetic profession as an opportunity to do something really special," said J. Andre Bonneville, MD, MS, CO, of Ortholab Rehab, Port Jefferson Station, New York. "He went where no one had before by blending biomechanical theory with advanced design in a way that defined the highest standard of care...In my mind he will always be the gold standard for professionalism, integrity, and advancement in orthotic and prosthetic care." "As a teacher he made difficult concepts easy to grasp," remembered Glenn F. Hutnick, CPO, FAAOP, Hutnick Rehabilitation Support Services Inc., Holbrook, New York. "Under his employ, he was quite demanding of his clinicians, but through this they grew...It was Dick who instilled in me the need of continuing education and support for the Academy [American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists]. A day does not go by that I am not using some bit of advice or skill that [he taught me]." Dr. Lehneis started his own business in 1969, Lehneis Orthotic and Prosthetic Associates, Roslyn, New York. His sons Richard Lehneis Jr., CPO; Alfred Lehneis, CPO, FAAOP; and Roger Lehneis, MBA, carry on his work. A researcher, teacher, mentor, and inventor who held patents on eight devices, Dr. Lehneis was recognized internationally for the innovation and evolution of orthoses and prostheses, benefiting both the O&P profession and patients. He earned many honors and his contributions have been recognized globally in more than 80 publications. He was acclaimed worldwide for humanitarian efforts in Armenia. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, he immigrated to the US in 1954. Besides his sons, he is survived by his wife Mayumi and four grandchildren. If desired, donations may be made in his name to the Rusk Institute, 400 East 34th Street, Suite 600, New York, New York 10016; Phone: 212.263.6105. Donations should be made to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, attention: Mathew Lee. In the memo section of the donation check, it is asked that the name of Dr. Lehneis be made as an acknowledgment. <h4>Remembering Dad</h4> <b><i>By Richard "Rick" Lehneis, Jr., CPO</i></b> Before my teenage years, in the mid-'60s, I can recall my father working with patients who had been wearing conventional metal orthoses and fitting them with the new laminated plastic alternatives. He turned and asked me, "Which would you rather wear?"-making it clear how important it was to offer the best available orthosis for each person. As a result of his general distaste toward the metal and leather, strap and buckle, and lacing technology that was commonplace half a century ago, he was one of the early pioneers in the successful implementation of innovative technologies, without sacrificing the necessary control that an orthosis must provide. Dozens of new methods were developed, with the collaboration of his professional staff, to improve rehabilitation of the patient. This was inclusive of patient evaluation and biomechanical concepts; new casting techniques over right-angled, cylindrical, or conical portions of the body; as well as novel materials that required advanced fabrication and manufacturing processes. The results were even better than, I believe, he had expected, and his work helped orthotics and prosthetics evolve to a new level worldwide. During our high school years, my brother Fred and I helped our dad in the lab (All his students and employees know what this means!), and then it was off to college for us. With great instructors, soon our heads were spinning with our course curriculum and their admiration for Dad. At the time, we didn't really understand the impact he had on our small profession. "Big shoes you've got to fill," people told us. However, I don't think his shoes could ever be completely filled. His titles of professor and research scientist left him open to be tagged with affectionate nicknames such as "Composer" and "Mad Scientist" by colleagues in the P&O community. After graduation, Fred and I had the privilege to work with our dad in private practice, and later, our youngest brother Roger joined the practice as the business administrator. If only we could give back what he gave to his family, his patients, and his profession!
