It amazes me how fast time goes. I remember older folks telling a much younger me that the years would fly, but you don’t truly understand that until you’ve lived it.
Cornell Orthotics & Prosthetics was founded on June 3, 1985. Back then, Ronald Reagan was president, and the world looked very different. There were no cell phones, no computers, no pagers, and certainly no internet. What we lacked in technology, we made up for with heart, skill, and a deep desire to help people live better, more independent lives through the power of orthotics and prosthetics.
In 1990, we had a small but mighty team of just four employees. Today, we’re proud to have grown to over 30 dedicated professionals across multiple locations. This year, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’re not just planning a company birthday party, we’re taking the time to reflect, reconnect, and express our gratitude.
Gratitude for the Journey
It would be impossible to reach this milestone without acknowledging the many people who have helped us along the way. To our employees, past and present, thank you for your passion and commitment. To the physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and countless others who have collaborated with us, thank you for your trust and partnership.
And most importantly, to our patients: thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives. Many of you came to us as children and now bring your own children through our doors. Those lifelong relationships are what define Cornell O&P, and what make the work in orthotics and prosthetics so meaningful.
A World of Change
In these four decades, the orthotics and prosthetics field has undergone an incredible transformation. We’ve seen the shift from plaster casting to electronic scanning, and from manual design to 3D printing and computer-aided modeling. Artificial intelligence is now part of our everyday workflow, and microprocessors have brought new levels of precision and personalization to devices.
Today’s prosthetic hands operate using pattern recognition software, and our clinicians use smartphones and tablets as essential tools of care. The role of the orthotist and prosthetist has expanded dramatically, we’re not just fitting devices, we’re participating as clinical professionals in each patient’s overall care plan.
A Family Legacy
For nearly all of this journey, I shared ownership of the company with my identical twin brother, Ken. Together, we helped shape Cornell O&P into what it is today. Ken retired in 2024, but his legacy remains deeply woven into the culture of this company.
We were also committed to advancing the orthotics and prosthetics industry beyond our walls. Ken served as president of the New England Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, and I had the honor of serving as president of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. These roles allowed us to contribute to the broader community and advocate for the future of patient-centered care.
Looking Back—and Forward
There are too many memories, milestones, and meaningful moments to recount here. And perhaps that’s the most gratifying part of this journey, knowing there’s been so much to look back on with pride.
As we celebrate 40 years of Cornell Orthotics & Prosthetics, I’m filled with gratitude, for the people, the progress, and the purpose that has guided us every step of the way. We’ve grown, adapted, and thrived, all while staying true to our mission: to improve lives through expert orthotics and prosthetics care.
Here’s to 40 years of innovation, service, and science, and to the many more stories still to come.
With sincere thanks,
Keith Cornell
