Michelle Razo

Background

I am a highly experienced Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist with a demonstrated history of working internationally at leading trauma centres for the hand, wrist and upper limb. Hand Therapy is not just a job for me, but a calling and passion of mine, where I am continually striving.

Currently I practise as a highly specialised Consultant Hand Therapist in an Advanced Practitioner role for the National Health Service (NHS) / Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland (HSCNI). I am also the Clinical Director for a Hand Therapy Clinic in the private sector, which focuses on complex cases - helping those who unfortunately have not been able to find solutions for their ailments.

I hold extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, having worked in the United States, London and currently Belfast. Nuances and differences exist in the scope of practice that Occupational Therapists and Hand Therapy departments have.

These vary among NHS Trusts in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland as well as internationally. This has put me in somewhat of a unique position, allowing me to gain valuable expertise extending from the hand all the way up to the shoulder. I maintain the specialised knowledge and skills involved within Plastic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Rheumatology and advanced Wound Care specialities.

Education

Having completed rigorous undergraduate and post-graduate studies in the United States. This includes a Master of Occupational Therapy degree at the prestigious Institute of Health Sciences at Texas Woman’s University in Houston, Texas.

Work Experience

Consultant Hand Therapist / Advanced Practitioner (Level 2) Hand Therapist for the Regional Plastic Surgery Service in Northern Ireland - South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust | Belfast Metropolitan Area | Northern Ireland

Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist in Plastic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery and Rheumatology - Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust | London | United Kingdom

Occupational Therapist in Upper Limb and Hand Trauma, Orthopaedic Surgery, Intensive Care, Neurology and Advanced Wound Care - University Medical Center | El Paso, Texas | United States

Expert Witness

I am a qualified Expert Witness having achieved the Cardiff University Bond Solon (CUBS) [Civil] Expert Witness Certificate. My Medical Legal services relate to hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries. This includes Expert Witness, specialist assessments and Medical Legal Reports for Solicitors and Insurance Companies in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. My Medical Legal Reports are comprehensive and written to the highest standards expected by the Court.

Skills & Areas of Expertise

I have achieved the internationally recognised Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) accreditation. Certification demonstrates advanced competency in assessing and rehabilitating the entire upper limb from the hand to the shoulder. I am the only CHT practising in the Belfast Metropolitan Area and among the handful of 148 others outside of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand holding this esteemed qualification.

Special Interests

• Upper limb and hand trauma including fractures, amputations, tendon and nerve injuries
• Work-related injuries
• Road traffic accidents
• Acquired conditions
• Upper limb / hand scars
• Upper limb / hand cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries

Professional Affiliations

• Registered Occupational Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the United Kingdom
• Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC)
• Certified Cardiff University Bond Solon (CUBS) [Civil] Expert Witness
• Certified as a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR®) with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy in the United States
• Member of The British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT)
• Member of The British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT)