Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program organized the event “Transtibial Prosthesis Measurement Techniques”. At the event, held under the leadership of Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program Head Lecturer Kübra Akkalay, Specialist Orthotist-Prosthetist Tuğba Tanış and prosthesis user Muhammed Erduran met with students to share their experiences.
Üsküdar University Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program Head Lecturer Kübra Akkalay, Specialist Orthotist-Prosthetist Tuğba Tanış, and prosthesis user Muhammed Erduran attended the event held in the Yuşa hall of Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus.
Tuğba Tanış: “You also need to determine the area you want to specialize in”
In her presentation, Tuğba Tanış advised young people, “Don't stick to just one place. Research, broaden your horizons. This will be the point where you make a difference in the places you go. Everyone can make general speeches or give general information, but there should be something that sets you apart. You also need to determine the area you want to specialize in. In my opinion, it is not possible for one person to be an expert in prosthetics, orthotics, scoliosis corsets, and insoles simultaneously. You are either an expert in orthotics, prosthetics, or insoles. The more you spread your focus of interest, the lower your chances of reaching the top.”
Lecturer Kübra Akkalay addressed the psychological effects of prosthesis use
Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program Head Lecturer Kübra Akkalay shared stories illustrating the psychological effects of prosthesis use with the participants. Akkalay said; “There was a steep hill in Küçükesat, Ankara. There was a man in his 70s living there; he had been amputated below the knee due to diabetes. He had no wife, and his children lived in Germany. So, he was living alone. I will never forget that even I struggled to climb those hills, but he came every day with crutches. He persevered, and eventually, we completed his prosthesis process. Finally, we sent him off happily, walking with a cane instead of crutches. In the summer, this time, a truck driver in his 20s came. He had fallen asleep while driving long distances, had an accident, and was also amputated below the knee. His recovery process was actually short, he recovered in about a month, but his farewell was different. When he left, he put his prosthesis in a bag and just took it and left. The first old man had no one, that prosthesis was everything to him, he was as happy as if he had been reborn. But for the young man, the situation was very different. His life changed in an instant, he couldn't even accept it. Yet, we should have sent him off much stronger and ready. He put that prosthesis in a bag and just left…”
Muhammed Erduran: “This approach may not be valid for everyone”
Muhammed Erduran stated that a different language and support approach might be needed for individuals who cannot accept the process; “‘Visually impaired’ is a foreign and uncomfortable definition for many individuals. Many individuals experiencing vision loss do not adopt this word. Similarly, there are individuals who prefer the word ‘deaf’ instead of the definition ‘hearing impaired’ because they define themselves this way. Of course, this approach may not be valid for everyone. Especially for individuals who have not yet accepted the process, have withdrawn from social life, or have become introverted, a different language and support approach may be necessary.” he said.
Applied training took place
A practical application of measurement techniques was conducted with the students, accompanied by a Q&A session.
The event concluded with a group photo session after certificates of appreciation were presented to the guests.