We recently caught up with Paul Leimkuehler II, 27, the grandson of Paul Elmer Leimkuehler I, who currently lives in Philadelphia, to hear about how his grandfather inspired him and impacted his life. He attended Miami University where he graduated with a B.A. in Marketing in 2010 and attended Northwestern University for graduate school where he majored in orthotics and prosthetics in 2012. Currently Paul is on track to become a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist just like his grandfather. Paul works for a clinical outcome base prosthetic practice in Marlton, New Jersey called Prosthetic Orthotic Solutions International (POSI). We sat down with Paul to hear about his journey and how his grandfather influenced it.
What do you think was the biggest strength in your grandfather and why?
“My grandfather’s biggest strength was his passion. Without passion he would never have achieved the amazing things he did in his life. My grandfather was a very unique and extraordinary man by having a passion for helping others and making the world a better place. He was so passionate about helping amputees, whether that was through creating prosthesis for them, giving away his free outrigger design, becoming president of the Academy and AOPA, or giving back to his field. He wanted to improve people’s lives in whatever way he could and losing a leg never stopped him. (Click to Tweet!)
What is your fondest memory of your grandfather?
“My grandfather was always a joker. He would tell me to pull his leg and it would just pop off. He thought that was so funny and we would laugh for hours about it. He always found that the small things in life were what truly mattered. He also said something that always stayed with me, “I took advantage of a disadvantage,” which is what has been the most inspiring thing to me. What he meant by this was that because even though he lost leg and became an amputee, it did not hinder his life, but created a unique path and advantage in life for him. He took life by the reins and accomplished so many great things while others would have given up. I strive to learn, grow, and achieve greatness in my life every day. It is not always easy, but when I look at how fortunate I am just to have two good working legs, I think to myself, ‘You have it easy, no complaining and step up your game.'”
How did his journey into prosthetics and orthotics inspire you to get into the field?
“I was not 100% sure about getting into the field at first. However, the more I learned, and the older I became, I started to really understand why my grandfather and others like him loved the field of prosthetics and orthotics. It really comes down to helping others, improving their lives, and genuinely creating a better quality of life. There aren’t many jobs in this world where every day you get to help people and see their reaction first-hand. When you first encounter an amputee who has just lost their leg, and begin the process of creating prosthesis for them, they are often heart broken, depressed and wondering if life will ever be the same again. The moment I see them smile for the first time when they take their first steps again is like magic and nothing else at that point in time matters. If I can help make anyone’s life better, that’s what it is all about, and that is what has inspired me to get involved in the O & P world. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I wake up every day eager to get to work, if “work” is even what you would call it.”
How do you see your grandfather’s memory live on today?
“My grandfather was an amazing man and his story has gone down in history. He has made numerous accomplishments that have bettered humanity. I see his memory live on every day not just through his work, but from amputee skiers to supply companies with the goods they need to fit and fabricate prosthetics and orthotics. He also taught his children, and now grandchildren, how to help people and lead a more fulfilling life. His memory lives on through others and through giving back to humanity. That’s what life is about and I hope to leave a legacy one day as he has.”
You share his same name, how do you hope to continue his legacy and memory?
“My grandpa sure has left some big shoes to fill. Life is a journey and there are many paths that lead to greatness. Do I know where mine leads? No, not entirely. I can only work on myself in the here and now and push towards a better life. I hope to continue to grow my skills, knowledge and understanding in prosthetics and orthotics. That way I can help as many people as possible.
Furthermore, I have done some missionary work down in South America, which I hope I can expand to more countries and try to help people in developing countries get the prosthetics and orthotics they need. In the end, any day I can help someone is a win in my book. Like Tony Robbins said, ‘The secret to living is giving,’ and that is my intention.'”
