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Orthocast Orthotics and Prosthetics was established by Rowan Berkowitz in 1991 as a Private Orthotic and Prosthetic practice, in Johannesburg.
The practice was initially based at Carstenhof Clinic in Midrand. In 1992, Sunninghill Hospital opened its doors, and the practice was invited to take rooms in the clinic.
In 1994 Gavin Shnier joined the practice and we expanded our services to Olivedale Clinic in Randburg. Morningside and Sandton Medi-Clinic’s were being serviced from the other 2 facilities.
In 1998 we were once again invited to expand the practice to Sandton Medi-Clinic, and both Gavin and Rowan relocated to Sandton Medi-Clinic.
A fully equipped manufacturing facility was opened in Bryanston, where custom made orthotic and prosthetic appliances were manufactured by a team of qualified Orthotist-Prosthetists, assisted by several workshop technicians.
In 2003, Morningside Medi-Clinic invited us to take rooms and conduct practice from the Sports Medicine Centre based in the clinic.
This brought the practice compliment to 6 qualified Orthotist-Prosthetists in the practice, based at the 4 facilities, making Orthocast Global the largest private practice in the country.
Due to the highly complex and specialised nature of several of the conditions we deal with, Rowan and Gavin opened a separate specialised practice in Bryanston to deal specifically with:
Both Rowan and Gavin have studied and trained extensively in the USA, Europe and the UK, in their particular fields of interest, and constantly update their knowledge and skills through attending international conferences, training seminars and courses in the field of O&P. Both Gavin and Rowan have authored/co-authored scientific, peer reviewed papers which have been published in local and international medical journals, and have given countless presentations at scientific meetings both locally and abroad. We have also both lectured to final year medical and orthopaedic surgery students, in our particular fields of interest.
In 2009 Berkowitz Shnier Inc.was established as a specialist Orthotic and Prosthetic practice dedicated to special fields of interest in Orthotics and Prosthetics. Based on our 25 years in private practice, working with many of South Africa’s top Orthopaedic, Paediatric and Neurology specialists as well as leading therapists we have amassed a vast amount of experience and expertise in our chosen fields of interest, we are able to give our patients the very best Orthotic and Prosthetic advice and services. We regularly attend and participate in international meetings and conferences in order to stay at the leading edge of our profession. We have been invited to present scientific papers at conferences and give lectures to both medical students as well as specialists in the fields of orthopaedics and neurology. We have hosted many seminars where we have introduced the latest techniques and technology to the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics.
We have invested many thousands of Rands in upgrading our equipment and facilities, and are proud to have been acknowledged by industry leaders both locally and internationally for our high standards and expertise. We have partnered with leading international industry leaders such as Otto Bock, Germany, Ortholutions , Germany, Pectus Services, USA, MD Orthopaedics , USA, Spinal Technology , USA, Boston Brace Company, USA to name a few.
We strive to be the best in our profession, and are dedicated to providing our patients with cutting edge Orthotic and Prosthetic intervention methods and assistive devices.
We cannot always change the way things are, but will continuously strive to make a difference.
We ARE outcomes driven!
Ashley has been an HPCSA registered Orthotist Prosthetist since 2015. She graduated in 2016 from Tshwane University of Technology with her BTech in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics (cum laude).
She completed her internship in the Military orthotics department, and moved to private practice in 2015. In 2018 she joined the BSI practice to gain clinical knowledge and expertise working under Gavin Shnier. She has completed numerous product training courses run by BSI’s trusted suppliers, and maintains up to date knowledge on the devices and components used within the practice.
With the wealth of knowledge and experience gained in the practice, she is able to insure that every device is manufactured to the highest quality standards, within a timeous manner. At Berkowitz Shnier Inc. patient care comes first. We are a small group of medical orthotist prosthetist’s, each with a different background. Individually we all bring something different to the practice, and collaboratively address every patient’s unique circumstances.
SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment)
IRSSD (International Research Society for Spinal Deformities)
ISPO (International Society of Prosthetist Orthotists)
Ponsetti International Association
ACPOC (Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics)
As well as the following local associations:
HPCSA (Health Professionals Council of South Africa)
SAOPA (South African Orthotic and Prosthetic Association) (Rowan is a member of the Executive Committee)
