We are pleased to announce that Walter Ramos, Licensed Orthotist and Physical Therapist, has joined the orthotist team at National Scoliosis Center. Walter brings a diverse background and a plethora of knowledge to our team, having worked in the industry since he was 14 years old. In fact, he is part of a very small group of professionals (approximately 10 in the world) with a dual discipline as an orthotist and a physical therapist trained in scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE). In addition, Walter is active in the scoliosis community. He has attended both the SRS and SOSORT annual meetings to learn more about innovative technologies, evidence-based, non-operative treatment of scoliosis, and the Rigo concepts.
Born in Bogota, Colombia, Walter was introduced to orthotics at his father’s company, Articulos Orthopedicos. At age 18, he went on to work for Alfa Ortopedica where he learned about plastics fabrication and scoliosis treatment, inspiring him to pursue a physical therapy degree from Universidad Nacional de Colombia.
Walter still wanted to learn more, so he came to the United States and attended Northwestern University in Chicago where he earned a degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics. He completed two residencies in Chicago at Scheck & Siress Prosthetics, Inc., and then he became the Lead Orthotist of a scoliosis clinic at the University of Chicago. He has also gained experience while working for Hanger Clinic and managing scoliosis clinics in both Florida and Texas.
In 2019, Walter met Luke Stikeleather (Founder, President, and Chief Orthotist at National Scoliosis Center) at the SOSORT conference in San Francisco. Walter heard Luke speak (as the SOSORT president) and thought, “Luke was someone I wanted to connect with, because I saw [and heard] that Luke was a believer in something bigger and that his purpose was service. And, I believe we are all here to take care of each other.”
Walter and Luke connected again earlier this year, and Walter decided to join National Scoliosis Center’s team part-time. “Initially, I came to visit and learn about the practice, but then I wanted to join because of how NSC has modeled its practice. It allows leadership, the hands-on modification of braces, and the opportunity to care for patients and their families.”
Luke says, “We welcome Walter to the practice. His knowledge and dedication to patient care match our vision, and we look forward to working with him for many years to come.”