By
I am Noor Nawaz from Pakistan and I graduated with a Bachelor in Orthotics & Prosthetics from the Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic & Orthotic Science (PIPOS). I am currently working at the Peshawar Rehabilitation Service as an Intern.
What do you claim is your specialty – your O&P passion?
My specialty in O&P is lower limb prosthetics with a particular passion for sports prosthetics and high-activity devices. I love helping amputees regain mobility, whether it's for everyday walking or competitive athletics. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a patient take their first steps on a new prosthesis or return to activities they thought they’d never do again.
What do you like most about practicing O&P?
The best part of practicing O&P is witnessing the transformation in patients' lives .Whether it’s a child taking their first independent steps with a new orthosis or an amputee running again after years of being limited, these moments are what drive me. O&P blends technical skill, creativity, and patient car in a way that few other fields do—every day is a mix of problem-solving and meaningful human connection.
What frustrates you about O&P?
The biggest frustration in O&P is insurance limitations and delays in approvals It’s disheartening when a patient clearly needs a specific device or component for their quality of life, but coverage denials or bureaucratic hurdles stand in the way. Additionally, the lack of standardization in prosthetic/orthotic education globally can lead to inconsistent care quality, which is something I hope the field continues to address.
What is your greatest patient story in O&P?
One of my most memorable patients was a military veteran who had lost his leg above the knee in combat He had given up on walking without a cane and had resigned himself to a sedentary life. After working with him on a microprocessor knee and intensive gait training, he not only walked independently but eventually completed a 5K race. At the finish line, he told me, *"I never thought I’d feel this strong again."* Moments like that remind me why O&P is so powerful.
How do you build rapport with patients in your care?
Building rapport starts with active listening and empathy. Many patients come to O&P feeling vulnerable, so I make sure to ask about their goals (not just medical history) to understand their personal motivations.
