August 2006 • Vol. 2, No. 3
	Advancing Orthotic and Prosthetic Care Through Knowledge

Welcome to The Academy TODAY

The Academy has worked hard over the last few years to develop a strong grassroots base that I believe will help lead the profession to a more secure future. These efforts include setting up three Academy Councils—Research, Professional Issues, and Education—as well as joining our sister organizations in the new Orthotic and Prosthetic Alliance. To support this government relations work we must continue to make sure that we send the right message to our representatives in Washington DC, and to those who represent us in our State Houses. We will continue to build on our work with our chapters and those passionate members who have taken the time to write letters and meet with local congressmen and state legislators to make sure that our message—the continued importance of securing the future of the O&P profession across the nation —is heard. I applaud the work of the Academy members and the presidents who came before me for all they have done. It is up to each of us to continue to contribute to this process.

In 1951 Edward R. Murrow asked Americans to write essays about their most fundamental beliefs. As I embark on my presidency, I offer my personal beliefs for this profession and the Academy and how I can best contribute.

I believe:

• That secrecy is a statement of fear.

• That we should be paid fairly for our services, not for items we provide.

• That the answer to the question of "why do we..." should be "research has shown..."

• That issues of professional encroachment and professional malpractice should be issues of the states’ attorney generals.

• That we should be collaborating with and learning from our professional colleagues, not competing with them. Let them compete with us.

• That in our quest for our personal goals we sometimes forget why we chose this profession and for whom we really are working.

• That the accomplishments of those we serve cannot be claimed as our own accomplishments, we are merely facilitators doing what we are trained to do.

• That everyone owes a part of his or her time and money to the profession in which he or she is engaged.

• That collaboration is more than just saying you want to collaborate.

• That until we can be partners in the academic world, we will never be partners in the healthcare arena.

• That students are the most important commodity for our future.

• That compromise is the key to getting what you want.

• That technology for the sake of technology should be avoided.

• That standing still is moving backwards.

• That anyone with intelligence can make things bigger and more complex. It takes a touch of genius—and a lot of courage—to move in the opposite direction.

• That debate is not only healthy but necessary to move forward in the right direction; sometimes it’s fun too.

• That life is short, you better enjoy it.

What do you believe? Write and let me know at . Well-written beliefs may be published in the Academy Today.