Chené Struwig

Founder & Practice Director – Orthotics Practice (Gauteng, South Africa)

Specializing in Breast Prosthetics for Post-Mastectomy Patients

(Dates of operation – 2018 - 2024)

• Established and successfully grew a specialized orthotics practice focused on providing breast prosthetics and compassionate care for women following breast cancer surgery.
• Scaled operations to a multi-branch practice employing and managing a team of 8+ staff, including clinicians and support personnel.
• Oversaw full business operations including strategic planning, financial management, HR, and patient-centered service delivery.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with surgeons, oncologists, and rehabilitation specialists to ensure integrated patient care.
• Led business development initiatives that positioned the practice as a trusted provider within Gauteng’s medical and rehabilitation sector.
• Successfully sold the practices after over a decade of growth to pursue new career opportunities and family priorities, demonstrating strong entrepreneurial, leadership, and transition management skills.

• Provided specialised clinical care to patients requiring orthotic and prosthetic solutions, with a strong focus on spinal surgery support and post-operative rehabilitation.
• Designed, fabricated, and fitted custom orthotic and prosthetic devices, including artificial limbs, spinal bracing, and complex orthotic supports, ensuring optimal function and patient comfort.
• Collaborated closely with orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, and nursing teams to develop integrated treatment and recovery plans.
• Conducted comprehensive patient assessments, gait analyses, and biomechanical evaluations to inform clinical decision-making and device design.
• Managed lab-based manufacturing processes, from material selection to final fitting, while upholding high standards of quality and patient safety.
• Delivered patient education, training, and ongoing follow-up to maximise rehabilitation outcomes and device compliance.
• Contributed to hospital research and innovation in spinal orthotics and rehabilitation practices.