Alex Miller has returned to his family’s Prosthetics and Orthotics practice in Belpre, Ohio. Follow along with his journey as he keeps us updated on his clinical rotation. His website also gives us a look at some of the numerous projects Alex has completed both at IIOP and professionally.

Miller P&O Clinical Rotation

Granadillas y Tortillas – Monday, September 7th

Just when life here in Quito could not get any better, each Thursday a fresh produce truck pulls up to the clinic like a less-fun ice cream man. I kid you not I can get a sack of sweet potatoes, tomatoes, onions, broccoli, carrots, and corn for $3.50! Also, something I need to address, the American dollar is the primary currency in Ecuador, so $50 cash can take you a very long way. I’m pretty used to traveling light and living out of a backpack but this place is like some sort of organic hippie paradise.

I spent the majority of the weekend locating and comparing the prices of different fruit & meat markets. Dave was able to help me out with a bike so transportation has really increased here in week 2. Something else I forgot to mention, the clinic and my apartment sit at 9,300’ of elevation so you can imagine I’m having to really acclimate coming from Tampa, Fl. Just 3 weeks ago I was running 8-10 miles at a time in Tampa and now I’m sucking wind trying to run a mile or two here in Quito.

I’m falling more in love with the Spanish culture and with the recent discovery of $1 a pound for chicken and the ridiculously cheap groceries, I think I could see myself returning. Well, it’s a busy Monday morning and I’m sure my molds are almost dry so back to work!

-Bryce

No Wifi, No Tools, No Problem – Wednesday, September 2nd

Alright well, I should have realized that wifi in a third world country would be challenging but I have to say it has been pretty cool leaving the good ol’ iPhone on airplane mode for a few days. I just wrapped up day two in the new clinic and I’m exhausted. This is where I show my support to all the nurses out there because I didn’t realize how tough 12 hours of working on your feet can be… mad respect.

The clinic is very new and we are still gathering components, tools, and improvising a lot. Tools like calipers, rivet head rounding tools, heel wedges, and pipe holders are all things you probably aren’t familiar with if not in the field of O&P; however, these are small tools that serve large purposes in any O&P clinic. What makes these tools unique is that they can all be fabricated from minimal material. In my previous semester at IIOP, we had to fabricate our own tools to have them handy when their purpose was called. As a result of my education at IIOP, I have been fortunate enough to supply the clinic here in Quito by applying the fabrication techniques I have learned.

So far I’ve seen my first pediatric patient ever with my preceptor (Master Yoda) teaching me his careful art of prosthetic alignment and patient evaluation. It’s been exciting to apply more of my education through ankle-foot-orthotic modifications; however, this week I’ve been instructed to keep preparing the clinic as the next week is going to be an all-out fabrication war according to Dave. Meaning, we will see a lot of patients next week and really get to test the limitations of this small but fearless clinic. Stay tuned, this is gonna be fun.

-Bryce