On 27th November 2015 Proactive Prosthetics hosted their 6th educational seminar for associated professions.
Proceeds from the seminar were donated to Sarcoma UK. Richard Whitehead MBE, patron of the charity, accepted a cheque for £2,000 on behalf of the charity and talked about his involvement helping others to realise their abilities whilst facing such a devastating disease.
Professor Saeed Za
hedi OBE spoke about the new generation prosthetics including the development of microprocessor joint control and the first integrated limb system. Saeed is profoundly knowledgeable and a great communicator, leaving the audience equipped with an advanced understanding of prosthetic technology and energy use and storage.
Pam Barsby, physiotherapist, gave a practical demonstration of gait training in prosthetics, and essential part of learning to walk again.
Stef Reid inspired everyone with a very personal, motivational talk about the role sport can play in rehabilitation; from the early days as a teenager, coming to terms with her loss, to meeting her husband and winning paralympic medals.
A panel discussion chaired by William Latimer-Sayer allowed questions from the audience to be addressed by the three speakers. A lively and interesting discussion!
Interactive sessions in the clinic
followed lunch. Stef Reid demonstrated her running blade with plenty of time for Q&As from the spellbound delegates. Pam Barsby and Jane Hunter (prosthetist) gave an insight and practical 
demonstration of the programming of a microprocessor knee while Christophe Cointet held a session prosthetic alignment.
Professor Michael Saleh discussed the key aspects of traumatic amputation surgery including the importance of considering future prosthetic fitting.
Richard Nieveen presented the most critical part of prosthetic fitting; socket comfort including key components and current trends in fitting.
Last but not least, Alyson Ballard gave a practical talk about the preparation for the rehabilitation of the prosthetic patient.
The final panel discussion was ably chaired by Anna Wiseman.
Here are just some of the feedback comments received:
‘A very interesting and useful day.”The whole day was very well put together and organised.’
‘It was great to see the process from start to finish.’
‘Very enjoyable informative day.’
‘Good to have time to review practice.’
‘Great session by Stef Reid; so inspiring.’
‘Very informative particularly around energy consumption.’