Three years ago, under the tutelage of Oscar Bermudez, CPO, Daniel Etienne and Dantus Gilles began their intensive, distance learning curriculum from Universidad Don Bosco in El Salvador and apprenticeship training at Hôpital Sacré Coeur in the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics. In January, both students sat for their practical and theoretical final exams. Weeks later they learned they had not only passed, but with flying colors. They will receive their University degree from Universidad Don Bosco crediting them as a Technician in Orthotic and Prosthetic, the middle or end of next year.
The nationwide program started with 35 Haitians. This year, 23, including Daniel and Dantus, took their final exams.
Those students who passed the exam and had their certification validated, by the office of the Health and Education Minister became among the first in Haiti to receive the professional Certified Prosthetics Orthotics (C.P.O.) title.
This fall, they will receive a certification from the International Society of Prosthetic and Orthotics (ISPO) crediting them as a C.P.O. Category II by ISPO. This means they can work in any country that follows the ISPO/WHO Guidance. Dantus and Daniel will both work at HSC for at least 3 years and hopefully train additional individuals interested in a C.P.O. career.
Daniel and Dantus wish to thank Hôpital Sacré Coeur, The CRUDEM Foundation and most especially the many donors who provided them with this life-changing opportunity. And, they offer a special thank you to Jacksonville, FL orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Lovejoy, Jr. for his tireless assistance and encouragement in making the Hôpital Sacré Coeur Prosthetics Lab one of the best in the country.
