About David Van Auker, MA, CP
David Van Auker MA CP has a masters degree (MA) in studio art from Eastern Michigan University (with a bachelor's in art and journalism and a minor in economics), and his prosthetics certificate (CP) from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. He is board certified with the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics (ABC). He spent almost 12 years working for Pros-Tech Prosthetic Technological Center in Troy, Michigan, treating all types of amputations from post operative thru final prosthetic fitting. He fits above and below knee amputations as well as partial feet, hand injuries and upper extremities. He also makes facial prosthetics including eyes, ears and noses. He has established himself as the only practicing certified prosthetist and anaplastolgist in the state of Michigan, and one of a handful of specialists of this type nationwide. Before working at Pros-Tech, he worked as a researcher at the world renowned Sabolich Prosthetics and Research Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he was involved in the development of cosmetic finishing systems and silicone technology. He is currently one of less a handful of individuals in the United States that is certified in prosthetics and anaplastology!
Genesis was founded to offer a "concierge" approach for COMPLETE prosthetic care.
Genesis Prosthetic Arts tries give patients the whole package! Too many patients are stuck with mannequin or “vanilla” looks. Others need someone to make something special that is out of the mainstream of prosthetic care or most prosthetists experience or skills. Mostly Genesis Prosthetic Arts is about CHOICE. I want a patient to get all of their options up front! A lot of services that I consider as standard and made in house are done mail order at other places! A patient came to me for a leg prosthesis because the one she had hurt so badly that if she needed to endure the pain, she at least wanted it to look good. Now she is more active because I addressed the comfort issue as well as the appearance… and she looks good in dresses. She didn’t need to settle. Some patients do settle, but I am here for those who DON’T!
My Philosophy
Giving patients the highest quality prosthesis available anywhere as a choice is important. I think patients deserve to have more options, and the concierge approach allows me to give motivated patients choices that they may have been deprived of elsewhere. Unfortunately many prosthetic clinics don’t tell patients about someone like my self, sometimes because they don’t know, but mostly because they are focused on a list of "standard of care" services that they provide, not in fully educating the patient as to a fuller range of possibilities. I don't let codes fee schedules limit what I can offer my patients. I am not about being charming or giving false hope. The goal is to make prosthetics that are more customized for each patient, and to make a prosthesis you may not be able to get ANYWHERE! I love making a prosthesis for a patient that I know is the best available in all regards. I believe that a patient who is motivated to get a quality product deserves it. I also believe that if a patient will settle for less, then I can’t overcome their apathy. Ultimately I believe independence is the foundation for a quality of life. A good prosthesis fit for a motivated and educated patient is the beginning of having that quality of life.
Also, an MA (master's degree in art)
One of my watercolor paintings from graduate school (above).“My art background is extensive, including life drawing, watercolor, and sculpting. I am very comfortable with the human form and enjoy all subject matter from representative to abstract. I have even tried my hand at stone carving, working with limestone and alabaster primarily. I give credit to my sculpting professors at Eastern Michigan University with acquainting me with mold making skills that has been a foundation for much of my clinical specialties to date.”
Taking Inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci: Artist, Scientist and Inventor. The "divina" image/logo speaks to balance, proportion and symmetry prominent in my brand.
A gallery with a few samples of my artwork below:
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