Name:
Matthew Paul Nolan-Thomas
Job Title:
Spinal Clinical Specialist
What attracted you to the profession?
Had an interest in paramedical allied help roles and Orthotics sounded like a nice hybrid between formal book learning and hands on learning. Was also interested in biomechanics to help people by using external devices. Interested in understanding how things work.
What does your job entail?
The work is split evenly into clinically treating patients, providing physical and remote training to Southeast Asia, supporting the CAD team to help produce the CMP Brace range and doing the R&D of new products.
The SpineCorporation & Matthew Nolan-Thomas proudly support BAPO Prosthetists and Orthotists Day – 8th September 2021.
What type of patients do you see and what conditions do you treat?
Treating Scoliosis patients only, predominantly paediatric but also some adults. Paediatric patients will be idiopathic, neuromuscular, or syndromic cases. Adults will be degenerative cases or Hyper Kyphosis.
Tell us about your career journey:
Originally wanted to be an Osteopath but ended up going down the Orthotics route. When qualified, worked for OMP Services in which clinical services as a cover orthotist were provided. Had a significant preference to paediatric patients. Worked very hard to become the person of choice for Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Worked there for 15~ years, and specialised in the management of Cerebral Palsy, limb reconstruction and Scoliosis. Became a paediatric specialist for Blatchford’s and then became the training manager. After that became the QA and Paediatric person at a different company which was more of a managerial role, however the reduction in physical clinic time wasn’t as satisfying and wanted more of a challenge. Then joined The SpineCorporation treating Scoliosis at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, supporting ongoing education at The SpineCorporation. Started turning more traditional ways of measuring into more scanning and using mobile app. This led to more R&D. 1/3 of the time is spent in clinics however more satisfaction comes from supporting others with complex cases. Wants to raise the standard of treating Scoliosis.
Where do you work and which teams do you work in?
Working in clinics such as James Cook, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, and a part of spinal teams. At James Cook there are both paediatric cases and adult cases. In Sheffield Children’s Hospital it is paediatric. The R&D and the support to the CAD team is based in Chesterfield. Pre-covid, time was spent travelling to Southeast Asia helping to train and support medical professionals with the SpineCor brace, the CMP brace and SEM exercises. PSSE’s to compliment SpineCor and CMP. There is a commonality between PSSE’s and the braces.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Going out on walks with dog where it is less populated and it is most enjoyable in wintertime. Going to music gigs very often (once a month pre-covid) however going to gigs is enjoyable, but not as relaxing as walking the dog. Quite a workaholic as it is difficult to switch off from Scoliosis and needing to help clinicians in different time zones.