Vol.10, No.8

August 2005

Academy Advances the Profession with Funding from the U.S. Department of Education

The Academy recently received authorization for its third $1M grant from the U.S. Department of Education to further the activities of Project Quantum Leap. Academy President Prusakowski stated, “This is an exciting time for the Academy. We have made great strides in all the activities of Project Quantum Leap. This third year of funding will help maintain that momentum and advance the O&P profession.”

Meanwhile, the outcomes of the Academy's initial year of funding will be disseminated this fall. All Academy members will receive notification of the findings and will be directed to the Academy website to access details on the outcomes of Year I grant programming.

The next Academy State-of-the-Science Conference, Lower-Limb Prosthetic Outcomes Measures, will take place September 7-9 in Chicago, IL. Laura Miller, PhD, CP and Julia McCay, CP will chair the conference. This is the sixth in the series of State of the Science Conferences to document clinical standards of practice.

Research is a Priority of the Academy

The Academy is sharpening the focus on efforts to bring evidence-based practice to O&P. The creation of the Academy Research Council is in the final stages. The council will address issues of research education, funding and standards. The Academy Board will be reviewing the proposed functions and activities of the Council at their August 30 meeting. A formal announcement will be made once the structure is refined and in place. Gary Berke, MS, CP, FAAOP will chair the Council in its inaugural year.

Academy Societies Are Gearing Up

The mission of the Societies of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is to provide support to and advancement of the Academy's objectives of professional development through groups of individuals who pursue common goals in a specific area of orthotics and prosthetics.

As Chairman of the Scientific Societies Committee, Keith Smith, CO, LO, has a passion for re-energizing the societies and increasing their value and prominence within the Academy and the O&P profession. He joins with the chairs of each society in dedicating time and effort to the rejuvenation process. “Our goal is to highlight the endeavors of the societies and to encourage the participation of current and new members in the society activities” stated Smith.

The eight Academy societies; Spinal Orthotics, Lower-Limb Orthotics, Lower-Limb Prosthetics, Gait, Craniofacial, Material Science, CAD/CAM, and Upper-Limb Prosthetics are competing for two presentation time slots at the 32nd Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium, March 1-4, 2006 in Chicago, IL.

Smith is looking forward to the re-vitalization of society participation in Academy activities. You are encouraged to contact your society chair or the Academy directly to get involved.