FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
The master caster is an instructor-level certificate for
orthopedic technicians and to test for this level, the technician must have
successfully completed the registered orthopedic technician and certified
orthopedic technician examinations and have a minimum of five years of
experience as an orthopedic technician.
The exam is 100 questions based on Dr. Augusto Sarmiento’s
book of casting and splinting, titled “Manual of Fracture Casting and Bracing,”
published in 1979.
After successfully passing the exam, the practical portion
must be taken at any of the casting workshops offered around the country
annually.
The practical is a one-time attempt at rolling an advanced
cast in front of an ASOP Instructor for verification of measurements and
functionality. No second attempt is authorized. Approximately 10 people per
year are awarded the master caster certification.
This year, one military orthopaedic technician, Sgt. 1st
Class Heather Flores, was awarded this recognition. She is with the Subject
Matter Expert Department under the
Directorate of Training and Acadeic Affairs at the U.S. Army Medical
Department Center and School, U.S. Army Health Readiness Center of Excellence
on Fort Sam Houston.
Flores completed initial medical training as a combat medic
healthcare specialist in 1996 and later competed training as an orthopaedic
technician.
She is a certified orthopedic technician and registered
orthopedic. Her previous assignments include as a platoon sergeant, squad
leader, advanced individual training instructor, medical operations NCO and
NCO-in-charge of an orthopedic clinic. She has completed four deployments in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.