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Byung Ho Kim's life history reads like an archetypal American story. Born in Seoul, South Korea, the youngest child of five began working at an early age after his father passed away. In 1960, Kim was offered work at a university hospital orthotics department, beginning an O&P technical career that has already spanned 40 years. When Ron Hong, a fellow technician who had worked at the university hospital before emigrating to the United States, told Kim that there were good opportunities here for techs, Kim considered the future he wanted for his wife and two young sons. "Wanting the best for my family and career," Kim says, "I placed my faith and trust in God to guide us from South Korea to the U.S." He found here opportunities to deepen into a career he excels in and a good life for his family. He says, "I thank my beautiful wife for her unconditional support and for raising our three sons and daughter."

1. How has your career progressed?
I've been working in orthotics for over 45 years. Although I moved to the States knowing very little English, language or cultural barriers were not issues when working hands-on as a technician. I was able to successfully work as an orthopedic technician and continue to help patients.

I am now the Central Fabrication Orthotic Supervisor at Wright & Filippis in Madison Heights, Michigan. I oversee orthotic technicians, train new technicians just beginning their careers, and share technical work with residents and practitioners. We all work together as a team to provide quality work and excellent service for our patients and customers.

2. What has inspired you in your professional pursuits?
Personal contact with patients inspired my passion to become the best technician possible. When first learning, I would meet with every patient the orthopedic doctors did, consulting with each patient for a half hour or longer to discuss and fully understand their needs.

3. What are your personal and/or professional goals?
My goal is to continue working as an orthopedic technician/supervisor and doing my best to provide the best service to our patients and customers. I also want to continue to teach and share what I have learned with coworkers so that our current and future patients have the best quality work and service possible.

4. What advice would you give to someone just entering the O&P profession?
The doctors and technicians I worked with in Korea provided me the best hands-on experience early on and helped me develop and build upon the skills I continue to use to this day. This has been the key to my success and pursuit of excellence in orthotics. I would recommend finding mentors to help you leverage your strengths and expose your weaknesses. Investing in these relationships has allowed me to be a strong member of teams, develop technical expertise, and become a mentor myself.

5. Please describe your approach to patient care. What are your top priorities/goals when working with a patient?
I make sure to listen to what my patients have to say and try to make them comfortable. I also want to build their confidence in me, my team, and my company through honesty and hard, precise work. This brings me tremendous satisfaction and real happiness, when our work makes their life better.