CORA Prepares the Next Generation of Medical Experts

CORA Prepares the Next Generation of Medical Experts

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Research & Innovation, Scoliosis & Spine

Research equips Scottish Rite for Children clinicians to continuously provide the best care possible to every patient. Each year, Clinical Orthopedic Research Assistants (CORAs) are chosen to assist Scottish Rite’s team of experts in addressing a wide range of clinical needs, as well as innovating treatment options.

The CORA program serves as a patient-driven, hands-on experience for aspiring medical students. This program was created in 2022 to provide opportunities to students who aim to enhance their medical knowledge before entering medical school.

CORA staff assists Scottish Rite experts in performing clinical research tasks and collaborating on research projects. Each CORA staff member specializes in a specific area of study and works with the experts in that department, where they gain a well-rounded experience in their field of interest. CORA areas of study include Spine, Foot, Hip, Rheumatology, Neurology, Sports Medicine and Movement Science. They receive ample clinical interaction, research experience and mentorship within their field of interest, as well as other fields of their choosing.

Amareesa Robinson, a current CORA staff member, works with Scottish Rite’s spine experts. As a former Scottish Rite patient who had scoliosis, she is experiencing a full-circle moment by researching and collaborating with the spine team. She works closely with Assistant Chief of Staff Karl E. Rathjen, M.D., studying the use of tissue expanders to manage spinal deformities.

“What I love about researching spine conditions is the depth and complexity in the diagnoses and treatment methods,” Amareesa says. “Dr. Rathjen has served as a vital part of my experience and has taught me not only about research but also much about what goes into caring for patients with unique and complex conditions.”

As Amareesa’s CORA time wraps up, she is looking forward to a future in medicine. She was accepted into McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “My time at Scottish Rite has shaped the kind of physician I want to become,” Amareesa says. “I know I still have much to learn, but Scottish Rite has shown me the type of career I want to build.”

If you are interested in a career in medicine and plan to take a year or two off after college before applying to medical school, learn more about becoming a CORA at Scottish Rite careers. Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle are now closed, but we anticipate opening applications for the 2026-2027 cycle in early 2026. 

Chloe Races Toward Her Future

Chloe Races Toward Her Future

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Limb Lengthening, Prosthetics & Orthotics

Previously published in Rite Up, 2025 – Issue 1

“This is me, this is who I am, and I am not ashamed of it,” says 17-year-old Chloe, of Panhandle, Texas. She lives by this motto. With hopes of competing in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, she is a rising star in adaptive track and field.

Chloe was born with fibular hemimelia in her left leg. Her fibula, the small bone in her shin, was missing. Before her first birthday, she underwent a Syme’s amputation to remove her foot and ankle joint. Chloe began learning how to walk with a prosthesis.

“We did a lot of research before deciding to amputate her leg,” says Sheryl, Chloe’s mother. “We made a decision Chloe would live with for the rest of her life, not us. Whatever decision we made was never going to be an easy one, but it was whatever would make Chloe’s life easier.”

At age 14, Chloe began receiving multidisciplinary care at Scottish Rite for Children from pediatric orthopedic surgeon Corey S. Gill, M.D., M.A., and Orthotist and Prosthetist Manager Kelsey Thompson, C.P.O., L.P.O. As her care team worked alongside her to address her specific needs, Chloe transitioned from being a multisport athlete to dedicating her talents in adaptive track and field. 

She excels in running, throwing and long jumping, earning recognition as one of the 2024 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field High School Athletes of the Year.

On and off the field, Chloe’s care team supports her diverse interests. Scottish Rite prosthetists have created numerous state-of-the-art prostheses for her, including an everyday walking leg and a running blade for sprinting track events, designed to mimic the natural motion of a foot for running or jumping. Recently, the team produced a specialty prosthesis designed for long jumping, supporting her dream to go the distance and in her pursuit of Paralympic success. They also developed an adjustable heel height prosthesis to match the height of whatever shoes she chooses to wear — from cowboy boots to high heels. Chloe plans to major in kinesiology, continue adaptive track and field, and inspire other young athletes.

“Dr. Gill and Kelsey always believed in me,” Chloe says. “It feels amazing to run with kids who look like me. As long as I have my two legs, I’ll keep pushing forward and never let anything hold me back.”

Read the full issue.

How Ryan Lives Life to the Fullest With A Limb Difference

How Ryan Lives Life to the Fullest With A Limb Difference

by | Apr 28, 2025 | Limb Lengthening

“Because of his care, Ryan can run and play like a normal kid his age with no problems,” says Jessica, describing what Scottish Rite for Children means to her family and her son, Ryan. From San Augustine, Texas, 7-year-old Ryan enjoys the great outdoors. From fishing to camping, he is always on the move with his younger sister, thanks to the treatment he receives from his care team.

At birth, Ryan was diagnosed with clubfoot, a condition that caused his right foot to turn inward and point downward. However, he was required to wear a custom brace with a lift due to an undiagnosed limb difference. After receiving care at outside insitutions, Ryan’s parents began researching their options, and in 2022, they came to Scottish Rite for solutions.

 

Upon arrival for their first visit, Ryan and his family met experts from the Center for Excellence in Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction. Chief of Staff Emeritus J. A. “Tony” Herring, M.D., found that Ryan has tibial hemimelia in his right leg, specifically an atypical type 4 variant. This type of tibial hemimelia is rare and can cause significant foot and ankle deformity. After several X-rays and exams, they determined a Syme’s amputation would be the best option.

“The care team was so thorough that we had already made our decision before even leaving,” Jessica says. “They even explained everything to Ryan at a kid’s level. Now, Ryan feels comfortable answering all the doctor’s questions without me talking for him.”

A Syme’s amputation is a surgery that is done through the ankle joint, which prepares the leg for a prosthesis. After his amputation, Ryan worked with prosthetists and physical and occupational therapists to learn how to move around with his new prosthesis. Prosthetist Sara Martinson, L.P.O., C.P.O., created a custom-fitted prosthesis for Ryan while also forming a friendship with him.

“Ryan’s favorite person at Scottish Rite is Sara,” Jessica says. “Even if we are with another team member that day, Sara will stop by to greet and check on Ryan. She has been a godsend for sure.”

Now under the care of pediatric orthopedic surgeon Corey S. Gill, M.D., M.A., Ryan is thriving. Dr. Gill continues to monitor his limb difference, ensuring that Ryan can run, jump and play as much as he wants. “I wish we would have found Scottish Rite sooner,” Jessica says. “Everyone has been like family, and that means more than you will ever know.”

KLTV: Briggs’ Transformative Hand Surgery

KLTV: Briggs’ Transformative Hand Surgery

by | Apr 25, 2025 | Hand Conditions, Press Coverage

Briggs was born with no thumb and seven fingers — a rare condition seen only three times by staff orthopedic hand surgeon and the director of the Center for Excellence in Hand Scott Oishi, M.D., FACS. After undergoing three surgeries, Briggs is now affectionately known as a “superhero.”

“You have a kid who is sick or born differently, and that’s how those superheroes are — the ones they see in movies or on TV,” Oishi said. “There’s something special about that analogy.”

Watch the full story on KLTV.

Get to Know Our Staff: Marida Williams, Psychology

Get to Know Our Staff: Marida Williams, Psychology

by | Apr 23, 2025 | Psychology, Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a mental health navigator for the Psychology department. I assess patients’ mental health risk through consultations and interventions to provide families with resources for their children.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I get to meet new patients and help them in their care journeys toward achieving mental health stability.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
I have made connections with the staff and physicians, which helps ensure that all patients receive quality care.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I have a passion for helping others, so it feels like health care naturally chose me.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
Whenever a patient has mental health needs, I am the first person who connects with their family. Because of this, I get to set the tone for the level of care they will receive at Scottish Rite from the rest of the staff.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. We create memories together that will last a lifetime.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I can sing.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I am originally from Detroit, Michigan. The hotter weather and new experiences brought me to the DFW area.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would choose to go to Ghana. I would love to experience the culture there and take my kiddos with me.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I choose salmon. I know how to prepare it a thousand different ways, and I would never get tired of eating it.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
I think people should watch “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2” because those movies explain mental health in a great way.

What was the first concert you attended?
I saw Allen Stone in Chicago, Illinois in 2013.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
The Peach Cobbler Factory in Richardson.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Coco Jones

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
You should enjoy life to the fullest and make every moment count!