State-of-the-Science Conference Topics

Topics for a State-of-the-Science Conference may be suggested by clinicians, educators, researcher and other organizations associated with or engaged in the profession of O&P. Final selection of a topic is made when agreement is reached by the Academy's Planning Committee and with confirmation from the Academy Board of Directors. State-of-the-Science Conferences will only be approved and conducted when the appropriate funding is available.

State-of-the-Science Conference Topics should consider the following criteria:

1. Relevance to current clinical practice

2. Influence on a significant number of patients

3. Importance to improving patient outcomes

4. Controversy or lack of widespread consensus

5. Presence of gaps between knowledge and practice

6. Emerging or evolving concepts

7. Quantity and quality of available peer reviewed literature

8. Degree of public interest

For more specific information related to suggesting a topic for review by the Planning Committee, please refer to the "Guidelines for the Planning and Management of American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists State-of-the-Science Conferences", section entitled "The Topic".

Please fill in all information as requested. The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists will acknowledge receipt of all completed submittals and provide you with the Planning Committee's recommendation or disposition. Unfortunately, not all topics will be approved or funded for a State-of-the-Science Conference. The Academy must secure outside funding to be able to conduct the SSCs. Approval of a specific topic does not ensure conference participation, as a national, multidisciplinary team of Subject Matter Experts will be developed by the Conference Chair and Co-Chair in collaboration with the Academy's Planning Committee.