Double Take -- by Mark Sproxton

The choices for alternative job titles come swarming in when one thinks of the orthopedic technologist. Brace yourself, even though these playful titles are set in plaster, they can leave lasting impressions. Let's see, there's casting director, body cast, cast of millions, athletic supporter and on and on.

"We do a whole lot more than casting," said a local orthopedic tech. "Only 50 per cent of the work is dealing with fractures. Although we help set fractures with doctors, we remove stitches, change casts, read X-rays...." There's also work with splints, braces, and people.

Depending where the tech works, the job duties will vary too. When dealing with adults, they'll work with patients who need new hips, or knees. When dealing with children, not only do the techs have to help kids with club feet or twisted spines, they also have to interact with their parents and take on an educating/comforting role.

And despite the sometimes misguided public perception, the job seldom becomes monotonos. "It's an interesting job. We see a real wide variety of people." For more on orthopedic techs, visit this month's Industry Profile.