American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists

The Academy is proud to recognize the nine outstanding recipients of The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research 2024 Doctoral Training Awards, which support certified orthotists and prosthetists pursuing a PhD. We’re especially excited to celebrate the six Academy members included in this year’s honorees: ?? Emily Dinelli, L/CPO ?? Myrriah Laine Dyreson, CPO ?? Kierra Falbo, CPO ?? Ciera Price, MSPO, CPO/L ?? Samantha Stauffer, MSOP, CPO ?? Nicole R. Walker, MS, CPO These clinician-researchers are shaping the future of O&P through their commitment to advancing research and improving patient outcomes. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients on this well-deserved recognition!

In the latest episode of O&P Rising, Cassandra Delgado, CPO, an early career orthotist-prosthetist and Clinical Director at Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates in Middletown, NY, takes on hosting duties! She’s joined by Maggie Baumer, Leader of Enterprise Patient Advocacy at Hanger Clinic, and Dr. Chad Duncan, Orthotics and Prosthetics Program Director at Drexel University, for an engaging discussion on building a positive workplace culture. Listen in on their discussion on fostering a welcome environment, including actionable strategies to address outdated behaviors, create open dialogue, and handle challenging situations using thoughtful communication techniques, paving the way for a more collaborative and supportive workplace. Full episode here: https://buff.ly/4i1LQKO

Wendy Garrett travels the world running marathons despite a spinal cord injury which renders the bottom part of her leg immobile. She does it with the help of a special leg brace that allows her to run without issue, and so far she has run marathons across the globe including Paris, Sydney and New York. https://buff.ly/3OifCNN

The quest to build bionic limbs that feel like the real thing:

From the abstract: ?? Education research, as a field of study, is relatively new to the health professions. Research and scholarship in prosthetics and orthotics education is limited, and the priority areas and needs of individuals interested in pursuing this area of research and scholarship are unknown. The objectives of this study were to collaboratively identify the areas in which education research in prosthetics and orthotics is needed, to prioritize these areas, and to evaluate the resources needed to support those interested in pursuing education research. Access the study here: https://buff.ly/3ZimMZ0 Or via O&P IQ: https://buff.ly/3ZimMIu

We are thrilled to introduce a new season The Academy Experience! Over the next few months, tune in for quick episodes featuring O&P professionals at various career stages as they share how the Academy’s Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium has shaped their professional paths. First up: our host Madison Ciccaglione, CPO, chats with Kristin Carnahan CPO, FAAOP, chair of the #AAOP2025 Clinical Content Committee. Kristin shares insights into the diverse, high-quality content planned for the 2025 meeting, including sessions on cutting-edge topics like bone-anchored prostheses, adjustable sockets, and microprocessor-controlled knee ankles, and highlights the symposium’s critical role in advancing professional knowledge, fostering collaboration, and creating networking opportunities. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e4ReKnsj

Academy member Esperanza Rojas on why she pursued a career in prosthetics, orthotics, and pedorthics: https://buff.ly/3CLEf2U

How has COVID influenced O&P practice and education? Join Kierra Falbo, Kyle Leister, PhD, CPO, Jennifer Richards, and John Brinkmann at #AAOP2025, as they discuss this topic and explore some of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact on patients and providers. Watch a preview with session leader Kierra Falbo, MPO, CPO, below and read the full session description here: https://lnkd.in/eW7_z7Va This is just one of more than 190 sessions at #AAOP2025, ranging from 15-minute free paper sessions to 90-minute-deep dives, hands-on workshops, and product display showcases. Join us: https://lnkd.in/eRKBWjGD

Zavi Gonzalez got his first prosthesis at 12 years old. Now 15, he was selected to play in the Shriners Children’s Open, an official PGA Tour event in Las Vegas. Next on his wish list? The MLB. Read his story: https://buff.ly/3USfGb2

New research proposes a new swing controller for semi-powered low impedance transfemoral prostheses that resolves the issue of potentially competing inputs between artificial assistive power and user-sourced power. Access the results (including video) here: https://buff.ly/3YW4oDO Or via O&P IQ: https://buff.ly/3ObyApB