Paul Rothchild is changing the tradition that says prosthetics need only be functional. He's making them beautiful, too.
The Battle Creek Enquirer reports Rothchild believes the future for prosthetics is wide open to innovations that will create affordable, durable and comfortable pieces that look real.
"What I'm trying to do is change that whole conversation in the industry," Rothchild said
in the story. "This isn't just for looks."
As he tries to market his work, however, the young entrepreneur is fighting other prosthetists who believe the types pf prosthetics he makes don't work and he's bucking the notion that creating them is too difficult.
He's also up against insurance companies that do not pay for cosmetic upgrades, only functional prosthetics. Rothchild said his products offer both, but convincing insurance companies of that can be a battle.
The 28-year-old medical artist's dream is to have a one-stop shop for patients in which they can learn all the options and make the best choice for them.
Alex Karsten said she not only supports Rothchild's efforts, but is grateful that he chose to start his business in Southwest Michigan, where he fitted her with a lifelike foot in time for her wedding day.
Excerpt:
Karsten stepped into the foot, pulled on a pair of sandals and strode confidently across the room. Only a faint seam between the silicone rubber and her ankle bone betrayed that it was fake.
"I look at this and I think, 'What's going to happen in the next 20 years?'" she said.
Source: Battle Creek Enquirer
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