Finding the “best” prosthetist can be a daunting task. Yet the decision of who will provide care often means the difference between obtaining COMFORT versus living with discomfort or worse, PAIN. Finding expert prosthetic services is often a primary factor in quality of life for the active amputee. Skill, experience, education and an unrelenting commitment to excellence are what separate the very best prosthetists from the rest.

Along with these skills a good prosthetist must be a good listener. With the hurried pace of healthcare today, caregivers may rush through each client evaluation not taking the time to really LISTEN. Too often amputees comment "I kept telling him -----, but he wouldn't listen". Listening to the thoughts and concerns of amputee clients is of utmost importance! Frequently, an amputee can communicate the cause of a problem…maybe not in precise terms but nevertheless in a way that is extremely valuable and helpful. Medical students are sometimes taught to, "listen to your patients, they are telling you their diagnosis". This is often true in prosthetics as well!

In March of 2002 Mr. Uellendahl was deeply honored to be recognized by his peers at the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists with the Clinical Commitment Award for his contributions to the prosthetics field. The award states:

Jack E. Uellendahl, CPO is known worldwide as a leader in clinical prosthetic services. His unexcelled clinical commitment is exemplified through his ability to consistently deliver prostheses that are functional, attractive, and long lasting, even when he has been presented with some of the most difficult cases.

His total commitment to clients enables him not only to meet their needs, but has led to the development of innovative designs that significantly advance the principles and techniques of upper limb prosthetics. Similarly, he has improved teaching methods for ischial containment sockets.

Jack Uellendahl meets each patient with a unique kindness, respect, and understanding. Above all, Jack Uellendahl is committed to finding solutions that solve the patient's challenges, often in desirable and elegant ways. He is a deep thinker who persistently pursues solutions to difficult cases that might stymie other practitioners.

It is altogether fitting for the Academy to present Jack E. Uellendahl, CPO with the Clinical Commitment Award this 21st day of March 2002