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April 2007 • Vol. 3, No. 2
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Advancing Orthotic and Prosthetic
Care Through Knowledge
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The Academy’s president-elect discusses her goals, the changing nature of O&P, and what the profession means to her.
Wendy Beattie, CPO, FAAOP, entered the O&P profession as an assistant in 1986. The world of O&P was much different then. A practitioner’s only concern was the most effective treatment for the patient. Costs were not an issue. The business aspect of O&P was not developed, and practitioners were not forced to keep a watchful eye on expenses.
Today’s world of O&P is much different. The increased role of third-party payers has become vital. Now more than ever practitioners are forced to closely monitor expenses. “While insurers have kept the amount practitioners are reimbursed in check, the cost of running a practice has risen at a tremendous rate,” explains Beattie. “To stay in business, practitioners must pay far more attention to how they do things than ever before. Originally, there was little thought to the cost of materials needed to make an orthosis or prosthesis.”
Beattie received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Yale University, a certificate in prosthetics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a certificate in orthotics from Northwestern University. When asked what has been the most satisfying aspect of her career in O&P, Beattie does not hesitate. “The patients. Helping individuals realize goals is an experience few can boast. As orthotists and prosthetists, we do it every day!” At times, practitioners are not able to meet a patient’s desires. Beattie finds just as much frustration in not being able to meet those needs as she does pleasure in seeing a patient heal. A true mentor, Beattie has had several residents work with her over the years. She finds a sense of pride in observing her residents succeed and considers it a privilege to work with them.
Why did you choose this profession?
“The ability to use your hands, your mind, and your heart together to problem solve is not found anywhere else. It is a powerful combination and one that prevents ennui.”
—Wendy Beattie
Growth and overall awareness of the profession has been a personal goal of Beattie’s. She currently serves as president-elect of the Academy, and throughout her tenure on the board she has worked hard to promote the profession in every way possible. Beattie has spoken to high-school students to help them learn more about O&P. She stresses that O&P is a field where things are constantly changing. “I am never bored, and every day is a challenge. One should not consider this field if they do not enjoy talking and listening to people.”
When asked why she joined the Academy and how membership has been of value, Beattie candidly admits that being an orthotist-prosthetist is not just a career, it is part of her identity. “I could no more imagine not being an Academy member than not voting in a presidential election or calling my mother on Mother’s Day. If you are a professional, you must do more than talk the talk. You must take ownership of the profession, which is the Academy’s value to me.”
Beattie resides in Michigan with her family. She is an avid tennis player and enjoys golfing. As founder of a nonprofit foundation that provides fitness opportunities to those with disabilities, Beattie continues to give back to the profession by handling fund-raising activities for the organization.
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