ABOUT ERIK SCHAFFER
Erik Schaffer, C.P.
Erik Schaffer, C.P., is an acclaimed prosthetist renowned for tackling extraordinary and complex cases, specializing in crafting bespoke prostheses for both lower and upper extremity limb loss. Throughout his career, Erik has consistently delivered the highest quality of care and innovation, earning a reputation as a leading authority in prosthetic technology. At the heart of his success is A Step Ahead Prosthetics, a globally recognized establishment he founded in 2000, with the facility opening in 2001 in Hicksville, NY.
Starting his career in high school as a lab technician, Erik developed an early passion for prosthetics and orthotics. By the time he entered college, he was already a seasoned technician, and he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics. His expertise and dedication quickly distinguished him as a rising star in the prosthetics and orthotics community. At twenty-five, he was named the senior prosthetist at a prominent prosthetics facility and served as the Prosthetic Repair Coordinator at the Paralympic Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
Erik’s patient-centric approach focuses on creating comfortable, functional prostheses tailored to each individual’s unique needs. His team, driven by passion and expertise, works diligently to restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life for a diverse clientele, ranging from children to retirees and elite Paralympic athletes. Renowned for his willingness to take on difficult and unique cases, Erik offers solutions where others might turn patients away. His determination to give every patient a chance has become a hallmark of his career, ensuring that even the most challenging cases receive the care and attention they deserve.
A Step Ahead Prosthetics is a hub of innovation and comprehensive care, where everything is fabricated in-house. It features a hyper-realistic silicone lab, an on-site gait training and rehabilitation center, a dedicated insurance team, and a cutting-edge research and development lab. This setup enables A Step Ahead to provide unparalleled prosthetic services under one roof, ensuring that each prosthesis is custom-made to the highest standards of quality and precision. Erik and his team work closely with manufacturers, doctors, and patients to seamlessly integrate the latest prosthetic technologies and medical advancements.
Under Erik’s leadership, A Step Ahead Prosthetics has expanded its reach internationally with facilities in Boston, MA, and Israel. Erik’s relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him numerous certifications and memberships in professional associations, such as the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association and the International Anaplastologist Association.
Erik is also a prolific author, contributing extensively to the field of prosthetics. He served as the editor of the Limb Prosthetics chapter in the Merck Manual Home Edition and has written numerous articles for professional magazines. In 2012, Erik produced the documentary “My Really Cool Legs,” highlighting the stories of pediatric prosthetics and amputees.
His expertise has been featured on major media outlets such as the Discovery Channel, Oprah Winfrey Show, The Doctors, Life Magazine, USA Today, the New York Times, Reader’s Digest, and the Real Housewives of New York. Erik also created a prop prosthetic leg for the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy and gained media attention for providing prosthetic care to survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Erik’s contributions to prosthetic research are substantial, having participated in numerous projects, including studies on the efficiency of amputee athletes and the reliability of gait recording systems. He has been an advisor on the development of bone-anchored osseointegration prosthetics and has collaborated with institutions like MIT on bionic prosthetics and exoskeletal orthotic systems.
Despite his professional achievements, Erik remains committed to volunteer work, providing prosthetic support at various athletic events and working with wounded warriors. His dedication to improving the lives of amputees extends beyond his professional life, reflecting his deep commitment to the community.
Erik Schaffer’s pioneering work in prosthetics, combined with his compassion and dedication, continues to inspire and impact the lives of many amputees worldwide. Through a blend of innovation, expert care, and compassionate service, Erik Schaffer and his team at A Step Ahead Prosthetics have established a legacy of improving the lives of amputees, setting a benchmark in prosthetic care and technology.
