Experience
Dr. Thomas Karolewski, EdD, CP, FAAOP(D) is the past chair of the National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetic Education Board of Directors. He has over three decades of clinical and educational experience, having served in multiple leadership roles, including the Director of Prosthetic Education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Lab Supervisor of the Edward Hines VA Hospital Prosthetics department. Currently, he is serving as Assistant Professor at East Tennessee State University.
Tom also is a strong advocate for individuals in need of prosthetics and orthotic services attending the Policy Forum in Washington DC meeting with various congress and senate individuals. He recently attended the AOPA billing and coding seminar for a better insight into Medicare.
Tom continues to grow as a professional and will begin a new chapter this fall as Assistant Professor of Prosthetics at East Tennessee State University.
Education
1981 Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Special Education,
Adapted Physical Education, and Kinesiotherapy
Minor: Psychology and Coaching
The University of Illinois at Chicago Circle - Chicago, Illinois
1986 Certificate in Prosthetics
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Prosthetic-Orthotic Center- Chicago, Illinois
1995 Certificate in Orthotics
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Prosthetic-Orthotic Center- Chicago, Illinois
2010 Master’s of Arts/ Classroom teaching and curriculum design
Concordia University- River Forest, Illinois
2023 Doctorate in Education/ Curriculum and instruction (EdD)
Concordia University- River Forest, Illinois
Licensure and Certifications
1982-1990 Certificate in Kinesiotherapy - No. 908, American Kinesiotherapy Association
1982-present Illinois Teachers Certificate - No. 1724933, Physical Education, Type 10 Certificate State of Illinois Department of Regulations
1988-present Certified Prosthetist - No. 1673, American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc.
2001-present Licensed Prosthetist - No. 211.000136, State of Illinois Department of
Professional Regulations
Faculty, Research, and Professional Appointments
1992-1993 Clinical Instructor of Prosthetic Education (non-tenured)
Northwestern University Prosthetic- Orthotic Center Medical School, Northwestern University -
Chicago, Illinois
1992- 2012 Clinical Instructor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (non-tenured)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - Chicago, Illinois
2004-2008 Contributing Research Prosthetist
Center for International Rehabilitation - Chicago, Illinois
2012-2024 Adjunct Faculty
Teacher Leadership Program Concordia University - River Forest, Illinois
2012-2024 Contributing Faculty of Prosthetics
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - Chicago, Illinois
2012-2024 Contributing Research Prosthetist
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine - Chicago, Illinois
2024- Present Assistant Prosfessor of Rehabilitation Services
East Tennessee State University- Johnson City, Tennessee
Hospital/ Clinical Appointments
1992- 2009 Senior Prosthetic Consultant
The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Orthotic- Prosthetic Clinical Services - Chicago, Illinois
Treated various patients for prostheses and assisted the staff prosthetists in difficult cases.
1992- 2009 Prosthetic consultant
Northwestern University Prosthetics Research Laboratory & Rehabilitation Engineering Research Program - Chicago, Illinois
Assisted the research engineers and graduate students from Dr. Dudley Childress’ group in various studies pertaining to prosthetics. Provided my expertise through prosthetic design and implementation of prosthetic design.
1996- 2000 Prosthetic Consultant
Physicians Against Landmines - Chicago, Illinois
Provided expertise for Dr. William Kennedy Smith and Dr. Yeongchi Wu for curriculum design to be used in developing countries to train locals to provide clinical care for landmine victims.
2012- 2019 Consultant, Orthotics and Prosthetics Clinics
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital - Hines, Illinois
Consult on difficult-to-fit patients and fit upper limb patients.
2014- 2019 NCOPE Residency Director in Prosthetics
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital
Act as a mentor for the prosthetic resident by designing a state-of-the-art residency curriculum to provide an exceptional experience.
2019-2021 Orthotist/Prosthetist (Flex staff)
Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
Provide orthotic and prosthetic inpatient care for patients