ABOUT US
• OUR MISSION
• HISTORY
• OUR TEAM
Every patient will be supplied with a product of the highest quality and optimal fit. It is our belief that a totally custom-manufactured orthosis or prosthesis is the finest available and assures the best in patient care.
We believe in providing this high-quality care in a timely manner. All calls and inquiries will be responded to politely and professionally.
If you have questions, call the staff at any of Carter Orthopedics’ three locations. You may arrange to visit their facilities and learn firsthand why Carter Orthopedics has a reputation for expert patient care, quality workmanship, and optimism.
Joseph Harper Carter, Jr., MS, CPO, FAAOP, founded Carter Orthopedics, Ltd., in 1984 in Titusville, Penn., with one employee. Within six months, the practice had grown significantly, and Joe opened a second office in Erie to meet the demand for quality O & P services. In 1990, the company expanded again, opening its third office in Hermitage.
During the 25-year history of Carter Orthopedics, the practice has grown from a one-man operation to a successful business, employing more than fifteen professionals. The dedication displayed by Joe and his staff have earned the company an enviable reputation throughout northwest Pennsylvania as a leader in quality rehabilitation services and devices.
Joe Carter, MS, CPO, FAAOP
Joseph Harper Carter, Jr., MS, CPO, FAAOP, is the founder, president, and owner of Carter Orthopedics, Ltd.
The son of a doctor, Joe planned to follow in his father’s footsteps. He graduated from Hiram College in 1974 with a bachelor of arts degree in science, and then applied to various medical schools. In the interim, he began working with Cocco Bros., an orthotics and prosthetic firm in Philadelphia. He found the work interesting and challenging, and chose to pursue a career in the specialized health care field of O & P.
In 1976, Joe completed his master of science degree in ecology from Penn State University and began working toward certification in orthotics and prosthetics. He remained on staff at Cocco Bros. as a CPO until 1984. At that time, Joe moved to northwest Pennsylvania and opened his own office, Carter Orthopedics, in Titusville. Within several years, the company grew to additional offices in Erie and Hermitage for the convenience of patients in the surrounding area.
Joe is a fellow and member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), and was a facility surveyor for the American Board for Certification (ABC) for Facility Accreditation. He currently serves as the meeting chairman for the Pennsylvania Academy of Orthotics & Prosthetics. Joe is past-president of Region III of the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association, as well as the Pennsylvania Orthotic & Prosthetic Society. He is an adjunct professor at Gannon University and lectures about orthotics and prosthetics at Mercyhurst College and the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville.
Active in the community, Joe is a past-board member and past-president of the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, a board member and chairman of the Titusville Redevelopment Authority, a board member and past-president of the Rotary Club of Titusville, and past-chairman for the Titusville Area Hospital Board of Directors.
Joe and his wife, Leah, have two daughters, 19-year-old Rachel, and Allison, who is 17.
David Espy, CO, C.Ped.
An ABC-certified orthotist and certified pedorthotist, David has served patients at Carter Orthopedics since 1996. He graduated in 1990 from Thiel College with a bachelor of arts in business administration and received his associate degree with high honors in orthotic and prosthetic technology from the Median School, Pittsburgh. David was certified as a pedorthotist in 2000 by Oklahoma State University and became an ABC-certified orthotist in 2005.
A native and current resident of Oil City, David and his wife, Rosalyn, have been married for 20 years and have three children: Abigail, Andrew, and Amanda. He is vice-president and a board member of the Oil City Boat Club, and a member of the Pennsylvania chapter of the AAOP.
Bryan Houy, CO
Bryan is a certified orthotist who sees patients in our Hermitage and Erie offices. He also serves as the Hermitage office manager. After attending the University of Pittsburgh’s Medical School of Allied Health, Bryan was employed as an orthotic and prosthetic technician before joining Carter Orthopedics in 2003. He is an active member of the Pennsylvania chapter of the AAOP.
Bryan lives with his wife in Mercer; they have two children.
Rick Abbott
Rick, an assistant orthotist, joined Carter Orthopedics more than 20 years ago as a graduate of Harmerville Technical School’s orthotic training program. He serves patients in our Erie office and in a hospital setting, from initial evaluation to final instructions, measuring fittings and performing fabrications.
Rick resides in Erie with his wife; they have two children and three grandchildren. He is an active member of the Erie Runners Club.
