Thomas H. Watson, CP

Certified prosthetist Tom Watson owns and is president of the practice that bears his name. He became ABC-certified in prosthetics in 1980, following studies at Northwestern University and at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, both in Illinois. He practiced in Tennessee before relocating to Owensboro, Kentucky, and purchasing the firm in 1981.

Tom is a member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), and is a facility surveyor for the American Board for Certification (ABC) for Facility Accreditation. He is a past president of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), a national trade group for the O & P industry, a past president of AOPA South Region, and former state AOPA president for Kentucky. Tom serves on AOPA's Government Relations Committee, and is a current co-chair of O & P PAC. He work personally with the AOPA Veteran's Affairs committee and is a grass root lobbyist for the orthotic and prosthetic industry.

Locally, Tom is the former mayor of the City of Owensboro. He has served as past-chair of the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, a board member of Industry, Inc., Owensboro Medical Health System, and a former member of the Governor's Workforce Investment Board.

As an above knee amputee since he was injured in his teens, Tom has long supported programs for people with physical disabilities. He is affiliated with the Kentucky and Indiana Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs, the Veteran's Administration, and the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center, with particular emphasis on pediatrics and developmental disabilities.

Tom is married to Barbara. They have two grown sons. He currently volunteers at the Daniel Pitino Shelter in Owensboro.

Jeffery Scott Phelps, BS, CPO

A 1993 graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Jeff received his Bachelor of Science degree in orthotics and prosthetics. He was ABC-certified in orthotics in 1995, and in prosthetics in 1996 and serves as and ABC examiner in orthotics. Jeff is certified to fit and fabricate C Leg, Harmony Vacuum Pump, and Compac systems. He is also a LimbLogic™ specialist.

As the son of Tom and Barbara Watson, Jeff literally grew up in the business, assisting throughout his high school and college years. He is vice president of the company, he sees patients at Watson facilities in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana.

Jeff and his wife Krystal reside in Owensboro with their three children. Jeff volunteers in the community as a basketball and softball coach and at his church as a third grade Sunday School teacher.

Jude Blair, CP

Jude, an ABC Certified prosthetist, has been a team member at Tom Watson's Prosthetics & Orthotics Lab since 1989, when he began working as a fabrications technician. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Kentucky Wesleyan College and completed the prosthetics certification program at Northwestern University near Chicago. Jude is certified to fit and fabricate C Leg, Harmony Vacuum Pump, and Compac systems. He is also a LimbLogic™ specialist.

A lifelong resident of Masonville, Jude and his wife Renee are the parents of three boys. He volunteers as a coach of youth football and baseball in Masonville.

Nick Ringham, C. Ped.

Nick began his career at Tom WatsonÕs Prosthetics & Orthotics Lab in 2002. He is an ABC certified pedorthist and a graduate of Oklahoma State University. He fits and fabricates custom pedorthic devices to enhance corrective power and using technologically advanced materials. Nick is a member of AOPA. Born in Dallas, Nick and his wife Amber reside in Owensboro. They are volunteers at the infant nursery of their church.

Mike Gillim

Mike leads the expert custom prosthetic and orthotic fabrication staff at Tom WatsonÕs Lab. He has worked at Tom Watson's Lab since 1987. A highly trained technician in both prosthetics and orthotics, Mike is a lifelong resident of Owensboro. His work at Tom WatsonÕs has been improving the lives of area residents for more than 20 years.

Administrative Staff

Our friendly staff members are always available to answer questions and help with the completion of necessary insurance and medical forms. Office manager, Cathy Ringham, Tom Watson's sister, and the rest of the support team are dedicated to helping patients and their families through the rehabilitation process. Barbara Watson, Tom's wife and Jeff Phelps' mother, is the firm's business manager, handling public relations activities and a number of administrative tasks.