Resilient Woman, Who Lost Both Legs in Accident, Achieves Historic Milestone as First Disabled Medical Doctor in the US
okpe chinenye 
Shima Nixon's incredible journey from a life-altering accident to becoming the first medical doctor with a disability in the United States is a testament to her unyielding determination and unwavering spirit.
The life-altering event occurred in 2013 when Shima, then a nursing student at Pitt Community College, was involved in a traumatic car accident. The accident resulted in the loss of her left leg above the knee, and later, her right leg below the knee. However, Shima refused to let this tragedy define her.
Undaunted by the challenges that lay ahead, Shima embarked on her prosthetic leg journey, as documented by Hanger Clinic.com. With sheer determination and the aid of a prosthetic limb, she began the arduous process of rehabilitation. Over months of intense effort, Shima made remarkable progress, transitioning from a wheelchair to walking with two canes, and eventually regaining her ability to walk unassisted.
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Against all odds, in May 2016, Shima returned to school and completed an associate degree in Recreational Therapy Assistant. Her relentless pursuit of education led her to Georgia Southern University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy.
Shima's indomitable spirit also led her to explore adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball, and she began visiting fellow amputees, providing support and inspiration. It was during this period that she found her true calling. Seeing another amputee who lacked proper care motivated Shima to consider a career as a prosthetist/orthotist (O&P).
With her determination undiminished, Shima began applying to O&P master's programs and received multiple offers. She ultimately chose Alabama State University, the sole historically black college and university (HBCU) offering the program. Her decision was driven by her desire to address the racial disparities within the field of O&P, where patients of color often lack representation among clinicians.
Shima expressed her determination to "stand in the gap" and serve as a role model for other amputees, especially females and African Americans. Her mission is to show that individuals should pursue positions in fields where they may not initially see themselves represented. She believes that as a prosthetist, her patients will find solace in a clinician who not only resembles them but truly understands their experiences.
Shima's journey received a significant boost when she was awarded the Hanger Foundation Diversity Scholarship, providing critical support for her studies at Alabama State University. She subsequently achieved a Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics.
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Following her graduation, Shima commenced her O&P residency with Hanger Clinic in Miami. Working alongside a diverse group of world-class prosthetists and orthoticists, she is determined to empower others within the limb loss and limb difference community.
Shima is excited to serve a diverse group of patients and serve as living proof that representation matters. Her story is a powerful testament to the fact that anyone, regardless of the hurdles they face, can overcome adversity and live the life they've always dreamt of.
