Patient Advocacy
Limb loss is a devastating life event. In the beginning, there is uncertainty, questions, and even overwhelming grief. But coping with the situation becomes a little bit easier when you have the support and companionship of someone who has “been there”. There is meaning, purpose, and hope in the face of your struggles. Our certified patient advocates want to share their stories in order to help someone else in a similar situation. Successfully living with limb loss, these peer visitors are available to give support, education, and encouragement to new amputees and their families.
Meet Our Patient Advocates
Amy Yates- Patient Advocate
Amy V. Yates is an American Board Certified and Ohio Licensed Prosthetist/ Orthotist. At the age of 14, Amy was involved in a bicycle accident that eventually led to the amputation of her right leg below the knee. During high school she realized that she wanted to pursue a career that would allow her to work with amputees. At the encouragement of her prosthetist, she began working as a prosthetic technician during college. She went on to earn her BE in Exercise Science from the University of Toledo (1990) and a post-graduate certificate in Prosthetics (1990) and Orthotics (1993) from Northwestern University. At Optimus Prosthetics, Amy serves as the Practitioner Patient Advocate for the Dayton office. Having worn a prosthesis since the age of 14 and with over 25 years of experience working with amputees of various levels, Amy is able to provide guidance to new amputees as they begin the prosthetic process. She consults with patients prior to surgery, fits post-operative devices, attends follow up appointments with their surgeon and completes initial evaluations for their first prosthesis. Amy is able to answer questions our patients and their families have not only from a clinical perspective but also from a personal experience.