Erik Schaffer, C.P. (President)

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

While still in high school, Erik began working in the prosthetics field.  By the time he went to college, he was already the head technician at a sizeable prosthetics and orthotics facility on eastern Long Island.
 
Erik obtained his B.S. in prosthetics and orthotics (graduating summa cum laude) in 1992, working at prosthetic facilities the entire time he was in college. Upon graduating, he worked as a resident and then obtained his American Board for Certification of Orthotics and Prosthetics Certification (Certificate #2518). Erik then worked as the head practitioner at a world-renowned Long Island prosthetic facility before opening A Step Ahead in 2001.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Since 1989, Erik has worked as part of the medical staff for the New York State Games for the Physically Challenged. He provides emergency prosthetic and orthotic treatment and repairs for participating athletes ranging in age from 4-17. From 1993 to 2000, he performed the same function at the Orange Bowl Games for the Physically Challenged in Miami, simultaneously acting as a team leader and chaperone for participants.

Since 1993, Erik has been the Support Vehicle Manager for the A.S.P.I.R.E. 10K and 50-Mile Ocean-To-Sound Relay, providing emergency prosthetic treatment and repairs to amputee runners.

In addition to these ongoing activities, Erik was a Medical Staff member at the D.A.V. Winter Ski Clinic in Colorado from 1997-2000. He set up pre-existing prostheses into functional positions to permit disabled veterans to ski, and provided emergency prosthetic treatment to participants.

In 1996, Erik ran the prep track and Olympic Stadium at the Paralympic Summer Games in Atlanta. In that capacity, he also oversaw last-minute repairs and modifications to Paralympic athletes' prosthetic componentry.

AWARDS

PANELIST

Ossur Pediatric Focus Group (April, 2003)

1 of only 7 practitioners worldwide invited to Iceland to participate in the development process of a new pediatric line of prosthetic products.

Ossur ICAP Conference (April, 2002)

1 of only 10 prosthetists in the United States invited to participate in industry overview by Ossur, a major prosthetic parts supplier.

COMMENDATION

N.Y. City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (1997)

Award given for primary role in prosthetic care, treatment, and rehabilitation of New York City police officer injured in line of duty.

PUBLICATIONS

2003 First Step

Authored article discussing hip disarticulation socket designs for Amputee Coalition of America publication.

2006 inMotion

Authored article titled “How to Protect Your Prosthetic Investment” for Amputee Coalition of America bi-monthly magazine.