June 10, 2024

Meet Sumer Alford

Lead Orthopedic Technician 

Where are you from? 

I am from Festus, Missouri. 

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?

I was previously with Mercy Orthopedics and liked it but quickly realized all the interesting cases were being referred to WashU Ortho for more specialized care and thought I should follow! I enjoy how WashU is very departmentalized and there are so many excellent specialists to learn from.

How do you support the department? 

I am the Lead Orthopedic Technician for Center for Advanced Medicine- South County. I provide casting, splinting, cast removal, DME application, sutures/pin removal for our patients under the provider's treatment plans.

What aspect of your work do you find most interesting and rewarding?

I enjoy being able to provide comfort to our patients after an injury and having the "fun" part of patients' visit. I love being able to be creative with people's casts, and getting to see the patients progress as they return each visit. I also enjoy the challenge of applying all the types of casts/splints for different injuries and that I still get to learn and be challenged every day.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends by playing board games, watching movies or being outside hiking or kayaking. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

"Our attitude towards life determines life's attitude toward us."

If you weren't in healthcare, what would you like to be doing?

If I was not in health care, I would be a wedding or event planner. I love celebrating birthdays, baby showers, weddings, or really anytime someone can feel special!

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am happily married for five years now to my high school sweetheart, and we have a beautiful 8-year-old daughter named Brinley.  

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.