Name:
Andrew James Mills
Job Title:
Spinal Clinical Specialist
What attracted you to the profession?
I first became interested in spinal orthotics during training, developing, and testing a modular low-density polyethylene TLSO brace for my final year project. Originally wanted to do biochemistry, but then saw an advertisement from a company offering scholarships in orthotics over the summer. I joined that for 3 months and liked it so much that I decided to pursue a career as an Orthotist.
What does your job entail?
The job entails the assessment, measurement, design and fitting of braces to help with Scoliosis. My educator role involves teaching SpineCor Dynamic Corrective bracing to doctors and orthotists around the world. Typically, I present around twelve 16-hour courses per year as well as numerous presentations at professional conferences on topics relating to scoliosis treatment.
The SpineCorporation & Andrew Mills proudly support BAPO Prosthetists and Orthotists Day – 8th September 2021.
What type of patients do you see and what conditions do you treat?
My scope of practice covers the treatment of both Adults and Children, although my primary interest is in paediatric spinal deformity. 80% of my caseload is in the treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis with the remaining 20% covering neuromuscular Scoliosis, Kyphosis and Adult Degenerative Scoliosis and Kyphosis.
Tell us about your career journey:
I started at the Sheffield Royal Hallamshire Hospital managing adults and children. My interest in Scoliosis developed here during an intensive year of learning from an experienced mentor, who subsequently left the hospital. I continued at the Hallamshire hospital for 8-9 years and then moved to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital and have been there ever since. I started with 50% spinal work, 50% other duties. During the past 21 years it has been exclusively Scoliosis.
Where do you work and which teams do you work in?
My principal place of work is at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Sheffield, working with the spinal team as the lead orthotist and the clinical lead orthotist for the BASIS study.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Used to play squash and run a lot, however bad knees made these harder to continue. Now a lot of cycling/mountain biking, walking the dog, gym, and swimming. Sometimes drinks wine/beer with friends.