Vivian Athley: A Commitment to Patients & Public Awareness
Five years ago Vivian Athley (Hangar O&P, Tucson, AZ) had an idea – what if you could gather mastectomy patients, surgeons, medical specialists and vendors together in one room where you could address patient needs, build a community network, and at the same time inform the community that your O&P facility was a resource for specialized care? With her employer’s approval, Vivian tested the idea. It proved such a success that the event has become a much-awaited annual event each October in Tucson, AZ.
This commitment to her patients and the community shows in everything Vivian does, starting from the day she first began working in O&P. Starting out as an administrator for Hanger’s Tucson facility, Vivian grew concerned that patients did not have consistent access to a qualified mastectomy fitter. “I didn’t want these ladies to have to wait for a fitter to travel to town when they were ready,” explained Vivian. “When people walk in our door, most are hurting and have some challenges they are dealing with. They need to feel better.”
With approval from her employer, Vivian prepared for and succeeded in getting introductory training from CAMP Healthcare. From there she began to build a mastectomy service center at the facility. Interaction with patients revealed other care options, as mastectomy patients frequently need help with soft goods and dealing with related issues like lymphedema. Vivian was quick to expand her training into orthotics. As relationships with patients develop easily, they began to seek her help in other areas. Comfortable with their care, these women appreciated having a female orthotic fitter.
Vivian’s training didn’t stop there, and she welcomed the opportunity to be credentialed by ABC, as she believes in ABC’s reputation as a standard of excellence and national standing.
With 6 years of experience and a successful track record in building a mastectomy program, what does the future hold for Vivian? “For many fitters the ultimate goal is to go to school to be CO or CP. That’s not my ultimate goal. My goal is to do what I am doing and to tell everyone about the O&P profession and what it can do for them.”
“People need to know how we can help them make a better life,” said Vivian. She tells a story of walking past an O&P facility many times without knowing what they did. It looked like a drug store. Then, years ago when her son was born with Spina Bifida, she found out first hand what the O&P care offers. It started with trying to get a shoe insert properly fit. After a series of disappointments she was finally referred to an out-of-town orthotist. Naturally upset that her son suffered while waiting for care from a qualified orthotist, Vivian formulated a mission to “express to hospitals, rehabs, doctors offices, and the community all O&P care can offer.”
Vivian’s enthusiasm for the profession has rubbed off on her sons. Son Brandon now works at the same facility as an ABC registered fitter, and will likely work towards being an orthotist. We wish them both the best in all future endeavors.