Jarrow medical footwear device designer set to showcase his talents on the world stage
Medical footwear device designs created by a South Tyneside man will be showcased on the world stage.
A South Tyneside medical footwear device designer could gain global recognition after taking a step in the right direction on a new career path.
Lee Whitfield, 38, has proved himself a shoo-in to success after switching from working as a manufacturing technician to degree apprentice in foot movement support science orthotics.
Jarrow-born Lee has proved such a talent he is showing sector rivals a clean pair of heels by having two of his designs showcased on the world stage.
Experts will study them at the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) World Congress in Bangkok in March.
Lee aims to show the benefit of traditional footwear pattern design methods alongside newer CADCAM technologies in bespoke designs for complex foot shapes.
He will attend with the backing of management at Newcastle-based Peacocks Medical Group, where he works in a manufacturing role while completing a degree.
‘A wonderful opportunity’
The family man joined Peacocks 13 years ago as a manufacturing technician and set about learning how to turn an orthotist’s prescription into a finished, custom-made device.
His first five years focused on manufacturing splints in the plastics department, and he then moved into a more clinical role for specialist wheelchair seating.
He returned to the plastics department before switching into footwear, utilising CAD/CAM patterns to design footwear uppers.
Two years ago, he grasped the rare opportunity to move from a manufacturing role to study a degree apprenticeship in orthotics at Derby University.
Lee said: “The opportunity to speak at the ISOP World Congress is a true career highlight and I look forward to sharing my thoughts and recommendations with orthotists from around the globe.
“Going back into studies after a break of ten years has not been easy and I also have a young family who need my time.
“However, I have adapted to work and study and have developed a routine that works for the business and my family.
“I have been given a wonderful opportunity to build a career as an orthotist, and I am currently shadowing senior colleagues within the business.”
‘Lee is a key member of our team’
Lee is in the third and final year of his degree but remains heavily involved in the clinical side of Peacocks’ work.
David Stevens, CEO at Peacocks Medical Group, said: “We were thrilled to be able to transition Lee from manufacturing to a clinical role as an orthotist.
“Essentially, once qualified, he will assess patients and design the very devices he used to make.
“That combination of clinical and manufacturing knowledge is very rare and puts patient care front and centre.
“We have little doubt that Lee’s advanced knowledge was immediately noticed by his lecturers at Derby University and hence the reason his outstanding insights are to be showcased at the ISPO World Congress.
“Lee is a key member of our team, and we are incredibly pleased that he is representing the business in Bangkok next year.
“Every member of staff is provided with the opportunity to grow and flourish.
“We are particularly proud of our record of providing young people from our local communities with the opportunity to take up a range of apprenticeships across the business that can result in long term careers.”