Tech Q&A with Luis Cotto
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Luis Cotto, CFo, is a technician and certified fitter in the Peabody, MA, clinic. He fabricates braces, from modifying, all the way to finishing. He gives clinicians more time with patients while he is able to make adjustments to devices. He's always available to help and always puts the patients needs first.
How long have you been with Boston O&P?
I’ve been at Boston O&P since 2008.
What made you decide to get into this field?
14 years ago, I used to clean offices with my father. One of the offices was an O&P office. I started to learn how the fabrication was done and saw many patients using crutches because they had lost a limb. Seeing the reaction of patients walking out of the office with a smile made me want to become involved.
What is a typical work day for you like?
A typical work day for me starts with checking the days schedule and cleaning the lab. I make sure all tools are in the right spot and can be found easily. I receive stock and organize the inventory. I then begin my tech work and see all the patients that require an off the shelf device.
What is your professional specialty?
Molding and finishing braces have become my specialties. I am continuously learning new things.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
The favorite thing about my job is seeing the patients and fitting them with the right device.
How has the work you do touched your life personally?
The work I do has drastically touched my life. I appreciate more of who and what I have in life and complain less about the little things and to value them. I have become a better person while learning to care for others and making the best devices to help them live a better life. I have also learned to never give up. Seeing patients that may have lost a limb or cannot walk for a certain amount of time has taught me that things may get you down but you can keep going no matter what. The patients give me the strength I need to learn more and perfect my skills.
What has been the most challenging technical project you’ve had while at Boston O&P?
The most challenging technical project I have worked on is and Above the Knee (AK) cover. I did not have a lot of experience when I made my first one, but it worked great!
What’s the best reaction you’ve ever had from a client / patient to one of your fabrications?
I laminated a portrait of the patient’s grandchild to their prosthetic socket. The patient cried and smiled while telling me, “You do not know how much this means to me”!
What project or goal would you like to accomplish at Boston O&P?
I would like to be more involved with patient care. I plan to accomplish this goal by completing the Certified Orthotic Assistant (COA) program.