Prosthetic Expert
For nearly five decades Jan J. Stokosa, CP, has been changing people’s lives in unimaginable ways with his work in prosthetics.
Jan J. Stokosa, C.P. opened the Stokosa Prosthetic Clinic in 1989 for the purpose of providing prosthetic care to persons with an amputation of one or more limbs.
Jan began his career at a very young age under the tutelage of his father when he began sweeping floors-prosthetic sockets were carved of wood then-at his practitioner father’s office. He learned fabrication procedures, assisting his father during his adolescent and teen years.
By age 14, he was shadowing his father, assisting with patients who were willing to be "guinea pigs" for the aspiring assistant.
Jan is well known for developing many new methods, procedures, and techniques that have allowed patients to return to fully productive lives.
Through continued research, experimentation, and creative problem solving, he has developed a particular expertise in responding to the needs of the person with a “difficult to fit” amputation.
As a result, individuals from all over the world continually seek treatment from him, many whose course of treatment elsewhere did not achieve optimum results. Unfortunately, many amputees suffer for years believing that pain is “something they will have to live with.” Perhaps they were told that their goals of returning to work and being comfortable were no longer attainable.
Jan said, “We feel differently and because we treat each person as an individual, we are able to guide them through customized fittings and offer the latest technology….allowing that person the opportunity to again live life to the fullest. Over the years we have seen clients worldwide that thought their situation was hopeless.”
He has a website that has been set up to introduce to his company’s process and beliefs, stories of success, and to educate interested parties in many aspects of prosthetics and amputation.
In 1967, Jan graduated from the first class of a pilot prosthetics program at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. He now practices in Okemos, Michigan, seeing patients from all over the world and specializing in amputees who caIn 1967, Jan graduated from the first class of a pilot prosthetics program at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. He now practices in Okemos, Michigan, seeing patients from all over the world and specializing in amputees who cannot get comfortable wearing their prosthesis. His patients have ranged from six months to 94 years.
Jan’s dedication to his patients was showcased in the book Whole Again by William G. Barr and Lee Whipple. His accomplishments have been profiled in numerous newspaper and magazine articles, as well as on many television and radio stations throughout the country. But, "The patient’s success is always the ultimate goal," Stokosa maintains.
Jan has taught and lectured at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Northwestern University, and others. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) and has received the Academy’s Distinguished Practitioner Award. He is a board member of the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP) and vice president of the Michigan Orthotic & Prosthetic Association. He also received the 1982 Outstanding Young Michigander award.
Jan is also a major contributor to the Blind Children’s Fund. The Blind Children’s Fund provides services and resources to families and educators for children who are blind and/or have multiple handicaps. He donates and sponsors an amputee golfer’s tournament. He also dedicates his time and resources to support the Michigan State University Children’s choir.
He also took truckloads of supplies to the Katina survivors in New Orleans and Mississippi after the hurricane.
For more information log on to www.stokosa.com.
