With over 13 years of dedicated service, Orthopedic Clinical Supervisor, Dan Biggers has not only honed his skills but has also become a cherished part of the Nemours Children’s family. His journey began in the U.S. Navy, where a chance encounter with an orthopedic clinic sparked a lifelong passion. While serving, Dan found himself escorting a sailor from his ship to an orthopedic clinic due to a fractured leg. As he watched the ortho techs at work, Dan was captivated by their expertise and the intricate processes they employed. Their combination of precision, skill, and the ability to help others in a tangible way resonated deeply with him.
Today, Dan’s role at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida is multifaceted, blending the art of medicine with personal connection. “Since my start over 13 years ago, I have been impressed by the genuine personalities and overall kindness of the staff at Nemours,” he shares. This environment has not only fostered a supportive workplace but has also created lasting friendships. “I genuinely loved taking part in helping to open a hospital focused on delivering a unique experience to children and families alike,” Dan reflects.
“From fractures to deformities, being able to care for patients in the way an ortho tech can is extremely rewarding,” shares Dan. “Many of my favorite memories are the relationships made with the families our team cares for.” One memory that stands out is the care he provided for a baby just 2 weeks old, who was being treated for clubfoot deformities. Working alongside the team, Dan was responsible for casting the tiny patient, a task that required precision and a gentle touch. Over the years, he watched the patient grow and develop, seeing them return for follow-up visits. “I last saw this patient come for a visit at the age of 10,” shares Dan. “The family remembered me, and it was so awesome to see them again walking down the hall. When you help patients, it may be a brief time that you get to see them, but when you see them many years later and remember you had a part in their care, it is a rewarding and memorable one. Knowing I had a part in direct care in partnership with our outstanding orthopedic providers, is such a proud moment that I hold close and dear.”
Among the many aspects of his job, Dan often finds joy in training associates. “I’ve had the privilege of training several people over the years, and seeing their progress is incredibly rewarding,” he says. “I love to help the growth of others, to see where they started, and to watch them level up. Hearing my words coming from associates as they train others is a rewarding experience.”
The impact of Dan’s work extends far beyond the hospital walls. During his time with Nemours, he has seen firsthand how the care provided by the hospital can make a lasting difference. “At Nemours, we all collaborate,” says Dan. “From our impressive Medical Assistants gathering the patient’s history, to the radiation technologists, to the ortho tech team, to the Nurses, LPNs, and back office medical assistants collaborating with providers to help facilitate a smooth visit. Each of us has a role, and my goal within any task I take on is to provide the best possible experience, the work I do is impactful not because I do it alone, but because as a team we are strong. We work together to show that Nemours cares.”
Beyond the hospital, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and celebrating his son’s achievements. Whether it’s exploring new destinations or trying out the latest restaurant with an impressive ambiance, Dan loves experiencing new adventures. He also has an interest in art, 3D printing, and working with medical simulation companies to advance education. Whether he’s troubleshooting a complex medical procedure or finding new ways to enhance patient experiences, Dan’s diverse interests and activities outside of work contribute to his effectiveness and passion in his professional life. “I look at things creatively pulling from my art mind, frequently looking for opportunities to gain experience, wanting to make things better for others, and solving problems which fills me with a sense of purpose and pride,” shares Dan.
After 13 years at Nemours Children’s, he has had the opportunity to wear many hats in his role. Dan has even had to opportunity to combine his passion for art with his career. “I am blessed to have been able to collaborate with the orthopedic, cardiology, and urology departments to create many medical illustrations published in medical journals, books, and created for conferences,” shares Dan. “I have had the opportunity to work with the marketing team creating art for a sports medicine project, and created the T-shirt design for Country Thunder, a concert that Nemours had a booth at. I can’t express my gratitude enough to know I have had the opportunity to be able to connect my passion as an ortho tech and an artist while serving Nemours.”
In every aspect of his life, Dan embodies a spirit of creativity, problem-solving, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact, both at Nemours Children’s and beyond.
