Sidney Nicely, CP

When Sidney Nicely, CP, was a newborn in 1947, his sister kept asking their parents about a spot on his right foot. Physicians diagnosed the spot as osteogenic sarcoma, and Nicely underwent a transfemoral amputation at ten weeks old. At two years old, he began walking with his first prosthesis- the socket was made of leather, the leg had metal uprights, and the foot was crafted from a car tire. Today, Nicely wears a microprocessor knee, and this year marks his 46th anniversary working at Virginia Prosthetics, Roanoke-a career that has been influenced by his own experience. 1. How did you become involved in working in O&P? Certainly being an amputee all my life had some bearing on my getting involved in O&P. I've always enjoyed working with my hands and creating things. So when I was approached by the O&P practice that had been providing my prosthesis about working with them as a prosthetic technician, I accepted. Then a few months later I joined Virginia Prosthetics when the company was first formed. 2. Did a mentor motivate or inspire you? I had the privilege of working with Virginia Prosthetics' founder, Fred Murko, CP, PT, ATC, and his business partner, Ivan Letner Sr. Fred was my physical therapist when I was a child. He later became a certified prosthetist and taught me how to treat patients with enthusiasm and encouragement. Ivan had a wealth of knowledge and could craft any type of prosthetic device. 3. How has your career progressed? I began working at Virginia Prosthetics in 1967 as a prosthetic technician. In 1973, I became a certified prosthetist after completing courses at New York University, New York, and passing the certification exam for what was then the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC). The highlight of my career has been working with patients, particularly those I begin treating when they are children and then continue to treat as adults. I try to learn as much as possible about patients, including their health histories, hobbies, expectations, and any other information they share. I always listen to what the patients say, and I don't stop working with them until they're happy. Every individual, just like every practice, has his or her own personality and abilities. I just try to use mine as best I can to benefit patients. 4. What emerging trends or exciting advances do you see for your profession? The profession and the technology are certainly changing rapidly and faster than at any other time during my long career. The advances seem limitless, and I am particularly intrigued by osseointegration and myoelectric upper-limb prostheses. Having been involved in O&P for 65 years, first as a patient and later a prosthetist, and seeing the progress from my first prosthesis to my exoskeletal prosthesis of wood and rawhide to an endoskeletal prosthesis with a laminated socket and energy-storing foot, to silicone liners and a hydraulic knee and ankle and now to the use of a microprocessor knee and ankle, I feel there is no limit to what can be done with today's technology. My only concern is what the healthcare system will financially provide for patients. 5. What advice would you give to someone just entering the O&P profession or starting his or her own business? Even though I'm not an owner of the business, I've been with it since the beginning and have seen what it takes to be successful—patience and lots of time and energy to develop a patient base. Surround yourself with the most knowledgeable and dedicated employees available. Treat each patient as if he or she was the only one you have. Make as many professional contacts as possible.

Sidney Nicely, CP

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Sidney Nicely, CP

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Certified Prosthetist / Prosthetist-Orthotist (CP/CPO) Gates Prosthetics + Mobility Clinic — Mountain Home, AR

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CPO

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