Shalhoub liked the idea, but required that they recruit an actual one-armed actor to play Dr. Sorenson. The Screen Actors Guild actually had several actors waiting to audition, and the part was given to Rick Curry.
Shalhoub liked the idea, but wanted to guarantee that they cast an authentic one-armed actor in the role of Dr. Sorenson. Happily, the Screen Actors Guild had a pool of talented actors prepared to audition, and Rick Curry secured the role.