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

Welcome to The Academy TODAY

Thanks for all the support and contributions of our colleagues and industry affiliates who helped make the meeting in Chicago such a success. For those of you who were not there, you really missed what may have been our best meeting so far. The scientific sessions were tremendous, and the participation of our many volunteers was spectacular.

With a month left as president of the Academy, it is now that I get to look back at how much the Academy and the profession have evolved over the past ten years. It is through the tireless efforts of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to leading chapters, committees, societies, and special projects that continue to shape our profession.

I am thankful for the inspiration of all the great men and women who served on the national Academy board prior to and during my tenure. Their vision and inspiration were instrumental in more clearly defining this profession through the promotion of education, licensure, and research, and furthering the profession through advanced degree programs. The recent news of the Academy receiving its fourth $1-million grant to pursue special projects that elevate and better define our profession, is a very tangible demonstration of what the dreams of a few dedicated professionals can accomplish.

As the healthcare and regulatory landscapes keep changing, times continue to be unpredictable and challenging for our profession. I cannot overemphasize the importance of directing our energies beyond the realm of our own personal interests and focusing on the betterment of the O&P profession through getting involved with either state or national O&P organizations. Your involvement is what will help preserve our identity as a profession, and maintain continued progress against all the opposing currents our profession faces.

I encourage the new graduates of O&P programs to become involved as early as possible to help create a great future for this profession. The ideas and vision of a single individual can shape the future of O&P for decades to come. The most effective way to make that happen is to be involved in an organization such as the Academy or a local Chapter where those ideas can be shared and developed with the help of many others.

Thanks again for everyone’s support. Let’s keep working together to preserve our great profession and steer it toward a brighter future.

Sincerely,

Paul Prusakowski, CPO, LPO, FAAOP