Now Fitting Bionic Arms in Pittsburgh: Meet Katie Jeter: Certified Prosthetist

When patients visit the Open Bionics clinic in Pittsburgh, they meet someone who truly understands their journey.

Katie Jeter is a prosthetist and an amputee. At 13, a sudden illness put her in a coma for a month and led to the amputation of all ten toes. “It took me ten years to talk about it,” Katie says. “I definitely have PTSD from that time. But sharing my story helps me connect with patients in a way that feels real.”

Her path into orthotics and prosthetics began with a summer internship. That spark carried her to O&P training at Pitt and hands-on work that she still loves. “Every patient is different. I never get bored,” she says. Katie played hockey in college, loves to read, and is an animal person through and through.

Kids light up when she tells them about her limb difference. “They geek out,” she laughs. “It breaks the ice and reminds them they are not alone.”

Katie believes prosthetic care should feel more collaborative than clinical. She’s found that her own medical journey shaped her unique approach, which is grounded in listening and understanding each patient’s lifestyle, goals, and comfort level. “I’ve always connected with people that way,” she says. “No two people use their prosthetics the same way. My job is to tailor every fit and each adjustment so it feels natural and empowering.”

At home, Katie lives with her husband, a calico cat named Callie, and a red-footed tortoise named Tooth. Tooth wears an AirTag so he does not vanish into the yard. He will run for bananas and hard-boiled eggs. “He has a huge personality,” Katie says. “He keeps us on our toes.”

Katie’s story is about resilience and care. Patients feel it the moment they walk through the door. Skill matters. Empathy matters too. In her clinic, they come together.

Open Bionics opened its Pittsburgh clinic to give local families access to advanced bionic technology. The clinic is part of a growing network of upper-limb–focused sites across the country. Each location is dedicated only to arm, wrist, and hand prosthetics, so patients receive highly specialized care from clinicians like Katie who live and breathe this work. Appointments are free, and every device is custom built and backed by a three-year warranty.

Book your free consultation at the Open Bionics Pittsburgh clinic and experience the future of prosthetics with personalized bionic care.