Guest Editorial
Thomas R. Lunsford, MSE, CO
The three articles on residency research in this issue of the
JPO address a few of the important issues pertaining to residency research. Involvement in a research project was established as a recommendation for residency by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education
(NCOPE) in 1993. Each author has opted to cite the
NCOPE requirement for research at the beginning of his
article. The necessity of such research to prepare residents
for their futures in the O&P profession and to benefit the
field as a whole is discussed in each article.
To best explain the importance of residency research, I
enlisted the help of three recognized experts in the O&P
field, To answer the question "Why should an orthotic/pros-
thetic resident conduct research?", I consulted Terry J. Supan, CPO. To discuss the goals of residency research, I approached Donald G. Shurr, CPO, PT. To explain how to do
research during residency, I solicited input from Robert S.
Lin, CPO.
It is interesting the authors recognize that qualified mentors are scarce and may have to be self-taught as to the basics of conducting research. The mentors may have to investigate the methods and intricacies of residency research
to tell others how to proceed. The three authors were able
to add to their knowledge of O&P research as well as share
their findings and viewpoints about the importance of research projects as part of O&P residency programs.
Once you have read the articles, I would like to invite
you to share your thoughts and questions concerning the
articles or other topics related to research during residency.
Please send correspondence to the JPO, 1650 King St.,
Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314.
-Thomas R. Lunsford, MSE, CO
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