COLUMBUS, Ohio — Rick Nitsch has 36 years of experience in his profession — a profession that truly changes lives.

• In one medical profession, the relationship begins at the lowest point
• American Orthopedics in Columbus​ manufactures many of its own prosthetic parts to help eliminate wait times for patients
• They sometimes see their patients three to four times per week to make sure the prosthetic fits perfectly

His patient, Anthony Quick, has followed him through three practices over 22 years.

It was a relationship that began during a dark time in Quick's life.

“I could either not do the amputation and take a risk that the cancer wouldn't come back, or I could take a risk and it would come back and spread and I wouldn't see my son grow up," said Quick, amputee.

The choice was obvious. 

“Going through a bunch of different procedures and things like that over the years, but Rick has been with me the whole time," said Quick.

Starting even before the anesthesia wore off. 

"So, when he did come out of anesthesia, he actually had a prosthetic foot on," said Nitch, American Ortopedics.

It's been two decades, and Quick says Rick has customized every one of his prosthetics, even handcrafting things for about any obstacle.

"What are we going to build somebody, because it's not just a product, right, it's a life-changing event to them," said Nitsch.

Nitsch helps his patients heal physically and mentally.  And he helps them take back their life one step at a time — in a relationship that will likely last a lifetime.

American Orthopedics in Columbus​ manufactures many of its own prosthetic parts to help eliminate wait times for patients. 

And they sometimes see their patients three to four times per week to make sure the prosthetic fits perfectly.