By Kareem Minnis
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Lewis Orthopedics offers a wide range of prosthetics, orthotics, and braces unlike any other, according to owner Joseph Lewis.
Lewis told Eyewitness News he has been in the business of prosthetics and orthotics for almost 40 years and his inspiration comes from helping many injured, amputated, and deformed individuals.
The prosthetist said although he has been offered countless offers to practice in places such as China, The United States, and Australia, he is determined to continue his business at home in The Bahamas.
“When I graduated high school, my mindset was working at Princess Margaret Hospital in the lab and I realized that there were a lot of people going off to school doing that type of thing,” he said.
Lewis said he was given the opportunity to work with an organization called The Cripple Children’s Clinic and later discovered his passion for the industry.
His education was sponsored by the Hanger company, a leading orthotic and prosthetic service provider founded by J.E Hanger.
Lewis said the company encouraged him to invest his talents into his home country.
“He said look you’re going back home take care of your Bahamian people and you don’t owe anybody anything,” he said.
“We paid for your schooling, and you made a lot of money for us.”
The owner of Lewis Orthopedics proudly said he is V.A certified, and can tend to veterans anywhere in the world.
When comparing his experience practicing in the US to The Bahamas, Lewis said there were less restrictions in his scope of practice in the US.
“Coming home is another story,” he continued.
“When I came home, I had wanted to go into all the schools talking about Scoliosis. Oh, wow I got reigned in like who the [expletive] do you think you are because you are trying to create panic in the country.
“So, you know I’m not in for argument. I walked away and I see more cases of Scoliosis than anywhere else,” Lewis said.
The certified specialist maintained, however, that he is a Bahamian 100 percent. He said he believes in The Bahamas and that he has volunteered for over 25 years at the Princess Margaret Hospital because he wanted to change how amputees were managed.
He also said he wanted to improve the way in which surgery was administered and its timeframe for amputees.
Lewis, who is now retired, plans to pass the family business onto his daughter, Jodie Lewis.
He said she has surpassed his expectations and completed her education in the same profession with high regards.
“Something that gets me upset is when Bahamians think that foreigners are better than you,” Lewis said.
“I’ve got news for you guys, the United States is way behind when it comes to prosthetics and orthotics,” he said.
Jodie Lewis, who is also an orthotist and prosthetist, said she finished top of her class, and she was intrigued by what her father does and wanted to be a part of it since high school when she saw him work.
“My vision is to see people coming into the office and getting what they need,” she said.
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