Lessons from the VA Amputation System of Care

Addressing Disparities in Limb Loss Recovery

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick speaks with Dr. Sheila Clemens about disparities in limb loss recovery and the complex factors that influence outcomes after amputation. Dr. Clemens shares insights from her research on functional recovery after dysvascular amputation, discusses the importance of multidisciplinary care and psychosocial support, and highlights how physical therapists can better identify barriers and advocate for equitable rehabilitation services. Resources: Clemens SM, Kershaw KN, McDonald CL, Darter BJ, Bursac Z, Garcia SJ, Rossi MD, Lee SP. Disparities in functional recovery after dysvascular lower limb amputation are associated with employment status and self-efficacy. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2023 Jul 3;45(14):2280-7. Clemens SM, Kershaw KN, Bursac Z, Lee SP. Association of race, ethnicity, and gender to disparities in functional recovery and social health after major lower limb amputation: a cross-sectional pilot study. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation. 2024 Feb 1;105(2):208-16.

Amputee Coalition Deep Dive: The Resource You're Not Using Enough

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick interviews Amputee Coalition Director of Operations Whitney Doyle to explore how physical therapists can connect patients with limb loss and limb difference to vital resources beyond the clinic. They discuss the Coalition’s impact through peer support, education, advocacy, and programs like the National Limb Loss Resource Center, while highlighting practical ways clinicians can support patients’ emotional, social, and functional recovery. This episode offers actionable insights to help providers expand the continuum of care and improve long-term outcomes for those navigating life after amputation. Links: https://amputee-coalition.org/ [https://amputee-coalition.org/] https://amputee-coalition.org/wp-content/uploads/inMotion-Spring-2026-Final.pdf [https://amputee-coalition.org/wp-content/uploads/inMotion-Spring-2026-Final.pdf]

Outcome Measures in Limb Loss Rehabilitation

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host William Riddick sits down with Meg Sions to explore the critical role of outcome measures in limb loss and limb difference rehabilitation. They discuss how combining patient-reported and performance-based measures enhances clinical decision-making, supports prosthetic prescription, and strengthens interdisciplinary communication. Dr. Sions shares practical strategies for selecting and implementing outcome measures, highlights common pitfalls, and emphasizes their power to motivate patients and track meaningful progress. The conversation also looks ahead to emerging technologies that may transform how clinicians assess real-world function. Links: Outcome Measure Resources - https://sites.udel.edu/megsions/outcome-measures/ [https://sites.udel.edu/megsions/outcome-measures/] Sions JM, Beisheim EH, Seth M. Selecting, Administering, and Interpreting Outcome Measures among Adults with Lower-Limb Loss: An Update for Clinicians. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep. 2020 Sep;8(3):92-109. doi: 10.1007/s40141-020-00274-4. Epub 2020 Aug 3. PMID: 33767921; PMCID: PMC7987109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-020-00274-4 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-020-00274-4]

Lessons from the VA Amputation System of Care

In this episode, Will Riddick talks with Patty Young, national program manager of the VA Amputation System of Care, discussing how the VA delivers coordinated, lifelong care for individuals with limb loss. She explains how the system uses interdisciplinary teams, standardized training, and strong communication networks to ensure consistent, high-quality care across the country, from pre-amputation through long-term community reintegration. Will and Patty talk about how to integrate these same practices outside of the Amputation System of Care.

Grief and Emotional Recovery After Limb Loss

In this episode, host Will Riddick explores the critical role of psychosocial aspects in limb loss rehabilitation with Dr. Emily Hawkins of Old Dominion University. They discuss grief, emotional coping, and practical strategies for clinicians to support patients through their emotional journey.