After posting on and off since I think 1996 or 1997, I am finally doing a profile.
If you can't tell I am affiliated with the brace company DonJoy. I have been since May 1993. I started as a representative with a territory of about 85 physicians. DonJoy uses exclusive distributorships (not company reps) thoughout the U.S.. I was an employee of one of those distributorships. In 1998, I left that distributor and changed fields within the medical sales industry and started selling equipment to be used in urology, gynecology and general surgery. I was absolutely miserable. In 2000, DonJoy approached me about being the new distributor in my state. I glady accepted and have taken on an area of over 210 orthopedic surgeons.
My education is a Bachelors in Business from a large university. When I began in 1993, I could not spell orthopaedic. However, the field of sports medicine and bracing was perfect fit for my personality and interests. I played sports in school, but not world class at anything. Got a grade III ankle sprain once in football, but nothing requiring surgery. I love construction, especially new homes and renovations. I also love being part of that team of physicians, therapists and athletic trainers, all trying to get that one player back in the game. I know I am not a huge part of it, but even that small role gives me a huge sense of satisfaction.
As far as my role on this Board, I feel I can certainly answer most questions about bracing (especially DonJoy), help resolve issues about problems with braces and address the myths or missinformation about the brace industry or marketplace. Often, I find myself defending braces, my industry or myself on this Board. I hate that it gets to that sometime, but it happens. I partcipate to help the readers who seem lost or need questions answered. I like to think I helped someone with an issue. I also like to think it gives an image that the reps of DonJoy DO CARE the same way I do. The fact is MOST are just like me and enjoy that they are helping get someone back to sports, work or to their favorite activity. Afer 12+ years of bracing thosands of patients with my two hands, in every sport imaginable, from ages 6 to 90+ years old, I can safely say that I am experienced in the field of bracing. I know what they can and cannot do. I will never make sweeping claims of anything about braces because there is NO CERTAINTY ABOUT BRACES OF ANY KIND BY ANY MANUFACTURER... PERIOD!
Lastly, the big question... Why no real name or city I reside / work listed?
That's easy. I am not here to promote ME. I am here to help. I use DonJoy Braceman because it is a pretty good description of what I do. I say DonJoy because even if I dropped it to just Braceman, the first question would be 'What brace company do you use?'. Also, it gives people with questions specific to DonJoy an easy outlet. Lastly, I don't want my name out there for personal attacks for people with bad intentions. Attack me on the Board if you must.
I hope this gives some of you some insight into me.
DonJoy Braceman
