Determined Lady Overcomes Loss of Both Legs to Achieve Milestone as First Medical Doctor with a Disability in the US

In a testament to unwavering determination and resilience, Shima Nixon, a resolute individual who tragically lost both her legs in an accident, has risen above the odds to become the first medical doctor with a disability in the United States.Shima's life-altering journey began in 2013 while she was pursuing her education at Pitt Community College, studying Nursing. In a traumatic car accident, she suffered the loss of her left leg above the knee, followed by the loss of her right leg below the knee.

Undaunted by the adversity she faced, Shima embarked on a remarkable path of recovery, resilience, and reinvention, epitomized by her journey to adopt prosthetic limbs to replace her lost legs, a process overseen by the Hanger Clinic.

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She initiated her prosthetic leg journey with determined steps, progressing through months of intensive rehabilitation. Over time, she transitioned from relying on a wheelchair to walking with the aid of two canes. Her unwavering spirit and sheer perseverance eventually led her to regain the ability to walk independently.

Despite the immense challenges she encountered, Shima's pursuit of education remained unwavering. In May 2016, she made a remarkable return to school, dedicated to completing an associate degree in Recreational Therapy Assistant. Her academic journey was far from over, as she subsequently graduated with a bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy from Georgia Southern University.

Shima's story took an inspiring turn when she ventured into adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball and began visiting fellow amputees. This personal interaction illuminated her path, further motivating her to aspire to a career in prosthetics and orthotics (O&P). Shima's determination and ambition were validated when she received acceptance offers from multiple O&P master's programs.

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Unwavering in her dedication to challenge stereotypes and address racial disparities in the O&P field, Shima made a deliberate choice in selecting Alabama State University, the only historically black college and university (HBCU) offering the program. Her mission includes becoming a role model for other amputees, especially females and African Americans, who often lack representation in clinical positions. Shima emphasized, "I don’t mind standing in the gap, being the blueprint and showing other amputees, females, and especially African Americans as a whole, that those positions you don’t see yourself in are the main ones you should pursue."

Acknowledging the importance of representation, Shima firmly believes that her journey in O&P will bring comfort and inspiration to her future patients. Shima's determination was further recognized when she was awarded the Hanger Foundation Diversity Scholarship, providing essential support for her studies at Alabama State University, where she successfully earned a Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics.

Upon graduation, Shima commenced her O&P residency with Hanger Clinic in Miami. In this role, she collaborates closely with a diverse group of accomplished prosthetists and orthoticists. Her focus is to empower individuals within the limb loss and limb difference community.

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Looking forward to serving an equally diverse patient base, Shima intends to be a beacon of representation, proving that individuals can surmount hurdles and achieve the lives they've aspired to lead.In her unwavering pursuit, Shima Nixon demonstrates the extraordinary potential that can be unlocked with sheer determination and an indomitable spirit.