Name
Youssef Salam
What first drew you into prosthetics, orthotics, or rehabilitation?
While I was a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Toledo Mechanical Engineering department (Ohio, USA) my thesis work was on the design of internal prostheses like total knee arthroplasties. Then I gave the undergraduate students an assignment on the design of a prosthetic knee joint; that’s when I got fascinated with prosthetics.
What does your current role involve day to day?
Being a P&O trainer and educator for an industry leading company, I am currently on a practical training program for P&O university graduates in Egypt. Besides, I am also practicing as a freelance clinical P&O consultant.
How would you describe the mission of your department or programme?
In an ever-evolving field of P&O, the clinical aspect is becoming the most significant part of practice; it is also the most knowledge and skill demanding. We are preparing the new P&O clinicians for their role in providing P&O devices through a quality patient centred service delivery system.
What has been the most important lesson you have learned as a department head or educator?
During my long journey in practical P&O trainings, I discovered that allowing trainees/students in exploring new ways (their way) of performing tasks, even when you see that leading to potential failures, is crucial to the learning process. So: “allow them do mistakes”
What mistakes or false assumptions taught you the most early in your leadership journey?
A false assumption I fell into was that trainees/students learn from the first time, or through observation alone. That lead me to realize that clinical and practical work require plenty of practice.
What advice would you give to younger clinicians who want to move into teaching or departmental leadership?
Knowing good enough your trainees’ limitations and potential is essential; address weaknesses fully, even if it takes a longer time. Learn more about pedagogy, it helps you in the teaching process
Building people and systems
What are the biggest gaps you see in current O&P education or clinical training?
Without any doubt, I can state that there is insufficient practical training in the P&O education programs in several universities in the region. Not incorporating advanced learning methods & not incorporating new technologies in the core curriculum are top gaps as well.
How do you help students or junior staff move from theory to confident clinical decision-making?
After offering them an extensive clinical training, I put a plan for weaning them off my support once they build enough knowledge through reasoning and analysis. They need to feel safe being on their own. Besides, trainees preparing and sharing their own case studies on their patients is a very strong tool in achieving self-confidence and overcoming internal fear
What skills do you believe are still under-taught in today’s training environment?
Clinical skills (hands on) in troubleshooting and understanding fitting problems is still under-taught. Knowing and analysing what caused a problem is the key to knowing how to solve it.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing O&P departments over the next five years?
Catching up with new fast-evolving technologies, especially AI, and integrating them within the current practices will be one big challenge. Balancing between conventional manual applications vs. high tech AI-driven applications and the decision of choosing which technology to apply is another challenge.
How should educators prepare students for a future shaped by digital workflows, AI, and advanced manufacturing?
Educators should fully understand digital workflows and gain enough experience with applying them clinically; staying abreast of new manufacturing processes and merging them with conventional methods. Educators will also need to learn about new teaching methods targeting a generation of new clinicians who will be utilizing AI based P&O. We might witness, and should be ready for, a new paradigm in P&O shift towards high digital & AI technology within the next few years.
What changes are needed to build stronger rehabilitation services in your country or region?
1) Incorporating multidisciplinary clinical intervention plans and putting them into action.
2) Looking deeper into simple effective technology solutions and applying them in less resourced settings
3) Use local resources and move away from import dependency
4) Upgrade the skills and knowledge of CPOs to become clinicians rather than technicians
5) Starting peer-support programs which is missing in many countries in our region
Personal perspective
What part of your work gives you the greatest satisfaction?
Seeing my trainees excel and assume high responsibilities independently, and when they do a better job than me
What keeps you optimistic about the future of the profession?
Looking back a few decades on the advancements made in the profession and today’s ongoing advancements leads one to be assured of a magnificent future for P&O. The spread of higher education (Masters and PhD programs) specialty in P&O will certainly lead to a better future for the profession.
What is one change you would most like to see in the IMEA O&P sector?
Patient centred care rather than revenue generating care
Best advice ever received
Do it right, never take short cuts
One book or resource for young clinicians
ISPO learn: https://ispolearn.org/
One skill every future CPO should master
Listen to, respect, and fulfil patient needs to the best of their abilities
Biggest current frustration in the sector
Competition
One reason to stay hopeful
Truth always prevails