Medical Center Orthotics & Prosthetics

08/08/2025

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿

Our own Sara Hiller, research assistant extraordinaire, teamed up with the Red Cross to bring life-saving CPR training straight to MCOP.

The DMV clinical crew didn’t just attend, they owned it. From compressions to rescue breaths, adult to infant scenarios, our team practiced with focus, teamwork, and plenty of laughs along the way.

When we grow together, we’re not just stronger. We’re ready to save lives!

08/05/2025

𝗠𝗖𝗢𝗣 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗳𝗮𝘅 - 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Sarah Chaikind, Lead Prosthetist/Orthotist at MCOP’s Fairfax clinic, as she celebrates five years of dedicated service.

Sarah began her journey with MCOP as a resident and has since grown into a thoughtful, driven leader who brings both clinical excellence and genuine empathy to her work. With support from her mentor and colleague Ben Koch, Sarah has embraced her leadership role - fostering an environment where learning, collaboration, and patient-centered care thrive.

Her approach is deeply rooted in compassion - for her patients, her colleagues, and the community she serves. It’s no surprise that outside of work, she shares her life with Tilly, a three-legged rescue dog whose resilience mirrors the same spirit Sarah brings to every patient interaction.

As summer winds down, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with Sarah and reflect on the lasting impact she’s made over the past five years. Her leadership, curiosity, and heart have helped shape our Fairfax clinic into the place it is today. Here’s to five years - and many more to come.

07/31/2025

𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗖𝗢𝗣 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀

Every prosthesis starts with craftsmanship, collaboration, and a whole lot of plaster dust.

Here’s a peek into our Annapolis fabrication lab where our skilled team brings mobility to life - one socket, one alignment, one step at a time. From pouring molds to detailed modifications, this is where innovation meets human connection.

These aren't just tools and materials - they're the starting point of someone’s next chapter.

07/22/2025

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀

It’s never too early to explore the possibilities of your future - and for rising 10th graders in Gaston County, that future might just include changing lives through prosthetic care.

Our Charlotte team recently welcomed students from the Commissioners’ School of Excellence, a summer program designed to introduce future leaders to a wide range of career paths. These students had an interest in the tech and engineering side of healthcare, so we gave them a behind-the-scenes look at the world of prosthetics.

From learning about fabrication processes and microprocessor knees to testing out myoelectric and body-powered upper limb devices, they saw how science and compassion come together in our field. One of the most impactful moments came from hearing directly from Brian Andrews, a transradial amputee, who shared his story and experience living with a prosthesis.

Big thanks to the Gaston County Board of Commissioners for including us in this incredible program. Who knows—maybe one of these students will be the next innovator to push prosthetic technology forward.

07/17/2025

𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀

At MCOP, we’re all about helping people move—but every now and then, we meet someone who moves us.

Meet Joe Pleban: a left below-knee amputee, Paralympic snowboarder, and an all-around force of nature. After missing his shot at the 2022 Games to be present for his daughter’s birth, Joe’s now chasing redemption—and gold—at the 2026 Paralympics.

Before heading off to train in Utah, Joe teamed up with our Fairfax clinic and prosthetist Sarah Chaikind to build a custom snowboarding leg designed for balance, agility, and high-impact performance. His path to this point hasn’t been easy—childhood ankle issues, a brutal wakeboarding injury, a rare joint disease (PVNS), and ultimately, the decision to amputate. But watching the U.S. Paralympic Snowboard Team sparked something in him: if they could do it, so could he.

Now Joe’s not just snowboarding - he’s mentoring others, pushing boundaries, and showing the world what resilience looks like in action.

We’re proud to be part of his journey. Let’s get loud for Joe as he heads toward the 2026 Games!

07/10/2025

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙼𝙲𝙾𝙿 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗

We’re more than just a provider of orthotic and prosthetic care — we’re a community. The MCOP Connection is your inside look at inspiring patient stories, expert tips from our clinicians, the latest innovations in prosthetics & orthotics, and updates from across our MCOP family.

💬 Hear from real patients
🦿 Explore new technologies
🤝 Stay informed, supported, and connected

👉 Click the link to read the The MCOP Connection: https://anyflip.com/homepage/tfwbi

Because at MCOP, your journey is our mission. 💙

07/03/2025

𝗠𝗖𝗢𝗣 𝗟𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 | 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
𝘙𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘌𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘈𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘴

We’re proud to share the success of MCOP Leesburg’s debut CEU course - and what an incredible start it was! A HUGE thank you to the amazing group of healthcare professionals who joined us. Your energy, curiosity, and dedication made this kickoff event truly special.

At Medical Center Orthotics & Prosthetics, our commitment goes beyond supporting individuals with limb loss - we’re also here to equip you, the providers, with the knowledge and resources to deliver top-tier care.

Shoutout to the entire MCOP team for presenting an engaging and impactful course that set a high standard for what’s to come.

This is just the beginning! We’re looking forward to many more CEU events as we grow this vibrant community of learning and collaboration.

07/03/2025

𝗠𝗖𝗢𝗣 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

In observance of Independence Day, all MCOP clinics will be closed on Friday, July 4th.

We will reopen for regular appointments on Monday, July 7th.

Wishing our patients, partners, and community a safe & celebratory Fourth of July!

06/23/2025

𝗠𝗖𝗢𝗣 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗩𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗻𝗶𝗰
𝗝𝘂𝗻 𝟭𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 | 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗳𝗮𝘅

It was supposed to rain, but the sun came out, and so did our amazing MCOP Northern Virginia community! Patients, providers, families, and friends from Fairfax and Leesburg gathered at Lake Fairfax for a day that turned out to be so much more than just a picnic.

From sizzling burgers (thank you, Jon & Jeff!) to face painting, yard games, and tons of bubbles, the day was packed with laughter and connection. Providers Sarah Chaikind, Ben Koch, and Jon Jaskiewicz joined in, catching up with familiar faces, and welcoming new ones.

We were proud to host 5 incredible vendors:
👟 Potomac River Running (raffle fun)
💪 DPI Adaptive Fitness (battling ropes challenge)
🚗 Driver Rehabilitation Center for Excellence
🥗 Romy Nathan Nutrition Counseling
🧠 Meredith Adams, Mental Health Counselor

There was bracelet-making for limb loss awareness, chess games, spontaneous soccer, and the highlight of the day - our three-legged mascot Tilly! Her scavenger hunt ended with kids adopting plush pups and designing custom collars - pure joy.

A huge thank you to Grace K**r, our NOVA Patient Liaison, whose thoughtful planning made every detail shine. With sunshine, delicious food, and an atmosphere of pure community love, it was a day we’ll never forget.

From all of us at MCOP—thank you!

PR Run & Walk
DPI Adaptive Fitness Definitive Progression Ignited Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence

06/16/2025

𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀 𝟱𝗸 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗹𝗲𝗴

This ABC News story gives an inspiring glimpse into what’s happening behind the scenes at Medical Center Orthotics & Prosthetics - Ukraine, where our local team, alongside members of our U.S.-based MCOP staff, are helping rebuild lives every day.

In the video, you’ll meet Artem, a soldier who lost his leg in Kharkiv. After more than a year without walking, he received a custom prosthesis at our Kyiv clinic. Just seven days later, he ran a relay race to honor his fallen comrades - a powerful moment made possible by teamwork, skill, and determination.

Our American team recently traveled to Ukraine not only to assist with fittings, but also to train and support our Ukrainian clinicians, sharing techniques and knowledge that will help strengthen care long after they return home.

What you’ll also see in this piece is the heart of our mission - the collaboration, the care, and the behind the scenes work that goes into every success story.

None of this would be possible without our partner, Future for Ukraine. Their support is essential - from patient outreach and logistics to ongoing community care. Together, we’re making sure those who’ve given so much receive the care they deserve.

If you’d like to help support more soldiers on their limb loss journey, please reach out to us at:
• contact@mcopro.com.

ABC News’ Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz reports on a new American-run rehabilitation center in Kyiv.

06/11/2025

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗹’𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗮 𝗖𝗫 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱

We’re excited to share an update on our amazing patient, Cheryl D!

A few months ago, Cheryl visited our Silver Spring clinic to explore prosthetic hand options and had the chance to trial the Taska CX—Taska’s first small-sized bionic hand. Fast forward to today, and she’s now using one of her own!

The Taska CX is a major leap forward in upper limb prosthetics. It offers improved dexterity, refined control, and an anatomical design that makes daily use feel more natural. Powered by an advanced motor system, it provides faster, stronger, and more responsive grip performance.

Our upper extremity specialist, Jaime Vandersea, has been working closely with Cheryl to help her get the most out of the hand’s 18 integrated grip patterns—customized through the Bluetooth-enabled MYTASKA app.

We’re so proud to support Cheryl on her journey with this cutting-edge technology!

🔧 Empowering independence
🦾 Redefining what’s possible
🙌 One grip at a time

TASKA Prosthetics

05/08/2025

𝙰𝚍𝚊𝚙𝚝 | 𝚁𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 | 𝙿𝚞𝚜𝚑 𝙻𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚜 🛹

In 2006, 17-year-old Bryan was chasing summer freedom when a split-second decision changed everything. A spontaneous train ride ended in a traumatic injury—his right foot was caught under the wheels after hitting an embankment during a jump.

But Bryan chose to adapt. Still on crutches, he got back on his skateboard. Over the years, his love for movement never faded - he just found new ways to express it.

Fast forward to 2020: Bryan reignited his passion for skateboarding. Nearly five years later, he’s skating regularly at the graffiti-lined ramps of Poe Mill DIY Skatepark - carving lines, learning tricks, and reclaiming a piece of himself.

“𝗜𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹, 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗲.”

Bryan credits much of his progress to Sean Wooldridge, his prosthetist at MCOP Greenville, who worked closely with him to build a prosthesis designed for the impact and demands of skateboarding.

At Medical Center Orthotics & Prosthetics (MCOP), we believe recovery is about more than mobility - it’s about returning to the activities and passions that define you.

Whether it’s the board, the trail, or the job - our goal is always the same: 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿. 𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀.