Vol. 9, No. 6

July 2004

Members Elect to Change Bylaws

With the largest number of members voting since the consolidation issue in 1999, the measure to change the bylaws passed with more than 80 percent in favor of the revisions. The changes primarily affect the definitions of eligibility for membership categories. Under the revised definitions, those certified by ABC who have graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited practitioner program, completed their residency, and passed the ABC exam are immediately eligible for Active Membership. Other ABC certifees and licensed practitioners may join the Academy as Associate Members and later become Active Members with the right to vote and hold office after earning 75 PCE credits (100 for dual certification).

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the work of the Board, and the support of our membership in our decision to place a 90-day moratorium on accepting new members to study this complex issue,” explained Academy President Donald E. Katz, CO, LO, FAAOP. “The result of this diligent work is outstanding - and it’s clear Academy members agreed. We now have more refined membership categories that send a clear message of the value of formal education, while recognizing the importance of a dedication to lifelong learning. The simple act of joining this association speaks volumes as to one’s dedication to this fundamental principle of being a professional.”

Included in the changes are the renaming of the category for registered technicians and fitters as Affiliate Members, and the category for individuals in other professional fields related to O&P. A new category for Student Members was also created.

“One of the most basic precepts of the Academy was reaffirmed during this process,” Katz noted. “That is, the Academy belongs to the members, and as such, it was their vote that authorized these changes. I salute those that took the time to vote and appreciate the comments I received from members during the process, both for and against the changes.”

For more details please consult the Academy website (www.oandp.org) and click on Academy Bylaws Changes.

Q&A to clarify the bylaws changes

Can all ABC certified orthotists and prosthetists, regardless of their education background or testing history, become members of the Academy with this Bylaw change?

Yes, they can. Those who were certified by ABC prior to March 1, 2004, and those who are ABC certified and a graduate from a CAAHEP accredited practitioner program may join as an Active member. Those who are ABC certified after March 1, 2004 and are not a graduate from one of these accredited programs may join as an Associate Member of the Academy. All Associate Members have the ability to become Active members.

Why the distinction between “Active” verses an “Associate” membership category for ABC certified practitioners?

The Academy Board wanted to encourage all those who become ABC certified through the offer to BOC practitioners to remain committed to continuing education, and in turn, the ABC credential. If they stay the course of earning their professional continuing education credits that is required of them to stay in good standing with the ABC, they automatically will become eligible for Active Membership (thus, gaining the right to vote). The Board viewed this as a very achievable, objectively measured, and meaningful goal within just a few years of continuing education work - work that should set the course for a lifetime of continuous learning we all should share.

I’m an ABC Fitter who now has his BOC practitioner credential accepted by ABC. I was an Academy member as a fitter. What category am I now eligible for?

You would be welcome to become an Associate Member. You’ll find lots of company in the Academy as many others are doing the same thing as you.

Can CPeds join?

Yes, we have renamed that category of membership as Professional Member. It is intended for healthcare professionals who do not meet the requirements for Active, Associate or Affiliate membership. Professional Members would include CPeds, PT’s, OT’s, Podiatrists, Physicians, Engineers, and Case Managers.

No Increase in Member Dues for 11th Year

The Academy is entering its eleventh year of keeping Active and Associate Member dues constant at $300, and there are no plans to increase the dues in 2005 according to President-Elect David F. Moretto, CP, FAAOP. “We’ve been able to hold the line on dues, even while other associations have increased theirs several times, by finding other sources of revenues and increasing our publication sales and the size of the Annual Meeting,” Moretto noted. “It’s a good thing for our members, and it’s good for us to look beyond our supplier partners for additional revenue,” he said referring to the Academy’s Department of Education grant that has funded much of the Project Quantum Leap activities this past year.

Project Quantum Leap is responsible for increasing the Academy’s budget by one-third enabling the organization to document Clinical Standards of Practice (CSOP), conduct an aggressive national awareness and recruitment campaign to increase the number of qualified students applying to O&P programs, as well as a number of other activities that advance the profession.

Moratorium Ends

Staff Restarts Membership Recruitment Efforts

With the ending of the moratorium on new member applications, Membership and Information Systems Manager Adam Seery is “raring’ to go” with plans for attracting new members to the organization. The Academy recently set a record of 2,700 members - Seery is confident that Academy’s membership will continue this growing trend through 2004. Invitations to the approximately 1,000 practitioners newly certified by ABC since March will soon be in the mail with details on the value and benefits of membership. “One of the things we want to emphasize in addition to receiving the JPO and substantial discounts on registrations and publication sales is the intangible side of the equation,” Seery stressed.

“Being a member of this organization is more about being a professional ...it’s being associated with others who share your commitment to lifelong learning and consider themselves to truly be a professional.”

Seery anticipates many practitioners who have yet to join the Academy or who allowed their membership to lapse will visit the organization’s website (www.oandp.org) for details about the many benefits of membership and the option to renew online. He is also planning special mailings to newly graduated students that are just entering their residency programs. “Residents are given a special break on dues and registration fees. Basically, all a resident pays is the one-time $15 application fee - the rest has been waived for the duration of their residency,” Seery noted.

Project Quantum Leap Update

When Academy President Donald E. Katz, CO, LO, FAAOP delivered his remarks about Project Quantum Leap during the Annual Meeting in New Orleans in February many of the project’s activities were well underway and showing progress. Many of the activities are funded by a Department of Education grant and contributions from individuals, chapters, and corporate donors, as well as the Academy’s operating budget. Listed below is a progress report on the major activity areas.

Experts in higher education development met at the University of Washington in the first phase of developing a strategic plan.

AWARENESS & RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN - More than 50 high school awareness programs have been completed since October. Former Paralympian medalists Dennis Oehler and Todd Schaffhauser, teamed with an O&P practitioner from the local area, have spearheaded most visits. The three-person team does a presentation before student assemblies on disability awareness focusing on how O&P professionals en-able and empower individuals with disabilities, coupled with a demonstration and hands-on display of technology. Schools were targeted in the seven states where O&P practitioner schools are located: CA, WA, MN, GA, TX, CT, and IL.

The awareness program has also included providing schools with O&P Career Kits that provide more detail to teachers and counselors about careers in O&P. These kits contain O&P career brochures, a poster and an informational booklet on ways to incorporate O&P and disability-related activities into the classroom. Activities include as sponsoring a contest on developing a device to assist someone with a disability or arranging a field trip to an O&P facility or nearby O&P school laboratory so students can see how the devices are built and learn about the materials used in the fabrication of orthoses and prostheses.

The Academy hosted interested local high school students at its Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Students heard a brief presentation about O&P careers, schools, scholarships available, and were paired with current O&P college students for a tour of the Exhibit Hall.

The O&P career website (www.opcareers.org) was further developed and revised this year. Additional contact names have been added to the website making it easy for students to contact a practitioner in their area for more information. Members that wish to serve as resources to students may send their contact information to the Academy at careers@oandp.org.

Deanna Fish, CPO chaired the consensus conference addressing Plagiocephaly issues.

The Academy also partnered with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) to participate in its Disability Mentoring Day providing “job shadowing” opportunities for interested individuals. The Academy hopes more practitioners will be willing to participate in the fall 2004 event (October 20). Contact careers@oandp.org for more details. More than 7000 career kits of presentation materials (i.e. PowerPoint presentation, career brochures, handouts, etc.) have been distributed to career counselors and practitioners for presentations in their local area.

The Academy’s outreach efforts are multiplied by collaborative ties with career organizations through advertisements, articles, exhibits, and outreach activities involving their members. The Academy has developed a relationship with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the National Association of Advisors for Health Professions (NAAHP), and the National Career Development Association (NCDA). Exhibits are planned at the meetings of ASCA and NAAHP this summer. Outreach with ASCA also includes advertisements, an O&P article in their publication as well as announcements in their e-newsletter.

ADVANCED DEGREE - At present, there is only one program in North America offering a masters degree in orthotics and prosthetics (GA Tech). Worldwide, there are only three academic O&P doctoral programs in: Scotland, Australia and Hong Kong. To examine the barriers to higher education in O&P the Academy conducted interviews with experts in the development of higher education programs. Two two-day meetings were planned for Northwestern University and the University of Washington to review and synthesize the information gathered from the interviews and to initiate the development of a strategic plan to provide more options in the US for advanced academic degrees in O&P.

CLINICAL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE (CSOPs) - Consensus conferences have now been held on Orthotic Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis and Scheuermann’s Kyphosis, Major Lower Limb Amputation Post-Operative Management Strategies, and Orthotic Treatment of Deformational Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly, and Scaphocephaly. A fourth conference on Orthotic and Pedorthic Management of the Diabetic Foot is planned for August.

MASTER AGENDA CONFERENCE - The conference is set for July 13-14 In Bethesda, MD. Approximately a dozen individuals will meet to address selection criteria for conference chairs, facilitators, and participants, guidelines for prioritizing conference topics, potential need for re-visiting previous topics in light of new data, basic parameters for writing manuscripts, and formats for “end-product” publications. Of utmost importance is the establishment of procedures for dissemination of information to O&P service providers. One such recommendation is online educational materials with a post-test that provides PCE credits. Critical to the success of the Master Agenda project is the development of both evaluation criteria and processes for obtaining feedback from consensus conference participants and their targeted beneficiaries that would improve the Master Agenda’s intent and the effectiveness of consensus conferences.

Northwest Chapter Elects Officers

The Northwest Chapter of the Academy recently elected Tami Cron, CPO as President, Anne Yamane, CO as President-Elect, and David Gerecke, CPO, FAAOP to a second term as Secretary-Treasurer. The elections occurred during the chapter’s annual meeting in Seattle, which was supplemented by a Becker E-knee course and an Ossur knee course, with well-attended technical workshops concurrent to the scientific presentations. The chapter annually provides financial support for Project Quantum Leap, as well as Spokane Falls Technical Program. It also provides a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Washington Prosthetic and Orthotic Program and encourages students from both programs to attend their annual meeting for the clinical content as well as a chance to become acquainted with suppliers and manufacturers. To keep members up-to-date on legislative issues and to protect the recently enacted licensure, the chapter supports the lobbying efforts of the Washington Orthotic Prosthetic Association.

Moretto Begins Presidency July 1 with Full Plate

David F. Moretto, CP, FAAOP begins his term as president July 1.

David F. Moretto, CP, FAAOP will assume the role of president next month in a seamless transition that has been planned by outgoing President Donald E. Katz, CO, LO, FAAOP for most of the year. “Don and I have held weekly conference calls with the Executive Director to keep me informed and involved in all issues affecting the Academy and to ensure the passing of the baton happens without a hitch,” Moretto explained. “It was a very smart thing to do.”

Moretto is director of the Prosthetic Orthotic Center at Helen Hayes Hospital, an orthopaedic and rehabilitation institute in West Haverstraw, NY. He is a graduate of Bridgewater State College (MA) with a B.S. Degree in Health and Physical Education and completed postgraduate studies in prosthetics at New York University. He earned his ABC certification in 1982 and has been a member of the Academy since 1982.

“I believe that the Academy has only scratched the surface of its potential with programs such as Project Quantum Leap,” Moretto articulated. “This past year has been a really busy one for PQL and we’ve had to operate on an accelerated schedule to match the timetable required by the Department of Education grant. And, as I look ahead, much of the next year is already programmed with follow-up activities as well as new developmental ones for which we are seeking additional funding.”

Moretto has been a strong supporter of education throughout his membership in the Academy. He served as Continuing Education Conference chair, Education Development Council chair and has spearheaded several assignments involving education planning or liaison to other organizations interested in continuing education. He is grateful to Academy Titus-Ferguson Award recipient David J. Forbes, CPO, FAAOP for sparking his involvement in the Academy, beginning in the New York Chapter. And, noting that Academy committees and task forces only meet by email or conference call making it much easier to be involved, he encourages more members to participate. “There are plenty of opportunities for those who can help with one-shot activities such as task forces,” he asserted.

Moretto and his wife, Colleen, enjoy spending time with their three children, Matthew, 15; Jillian, 13; and Gregory 2.

Board Completes Strategic Planning Meeting

David Moretto offers a point concerning the more than a dozen goals and objectives prioritized by the Board for the foreseeable future.

During the course of a two-day meeting the Academy’s board of directors reviewed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of the Academy, the accuracy and relevance of the vision and mission statements, and the priorities described in previous strategic planning sessions. The new vision of the Academy is Professionals advancing care through knowledge. The Academy’s mission statement was slightly modified to more accurately reflect its purpose and operation: “The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is dedicated to promoting professionalism and advancing the standards of patient care though education, literature, research, advocacy, and collaboration.”

OTHER BOARD NEWS: Director Thomas H. Colburn, CO, FAAOP and former Academy President Gary A. Lamb, CO, FAAOP both were elected to serve terms on their respective school boards this month in Stoughton, MA and Abilene, TX. Director James P. Rogers, CPO, FAAOP was spotlighted in a Chattanooga Free Times article about his work in O&P. And President-Elect David F. Moretto, CP, FAAOP was interviewed on MSNBC’s Lester Holt’s Live show about myoelectric technology and prosthetic devices that were fitted by former Academy President Thomas V. DiBello, CO, FAAOP to seven Iraqi businessmen whose hands were amputated by Saddam Hussein.

Co-Located Meeting with ACPOC Increases Interest of Suppliers & Members

Plans to co-locate the Academy’s 2005 Annual Meeting with ACPOC (Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics) were announced earlier this year during the meeting in New Orleans. ACPOC, a multidisciplinary group of physicians, prosthetists, orthotists, therapists, nurses and others, is described by its president, Kenneth Guidera, MD, as “a lively group of passionate clinicians, always willing to challenge each other to do better.”

The 2005 Annual Meeting will be held March 16-19 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Academy President Donald E. Katz. CO, LO, FAAOP expects the meeting to attract a strong attendance from the quality of the enhanced content offered and the larger exhibit hall. “Our previous meeting in Orlando broke all attendance records with 1,535 attendees and ACPOC meetings typically attract 250-300 individuals,” Katz predicted.

Rudy Becker is a strong supporter of the Academy meeting.

Exhibitors have started to sign up earlier than usual for space in the joint exhibit hall. Four companies have already reached Gold Partner status for this first ever co-located meeting. “The Academy meeting remains the single best opportunity to interact directly with the practitioners who use our products; it is an opportunity we would not miss,” expressed Rudolf Becker, president, Becker Orthopedic.

Fran Varner-Jenkins, VP of the Fillauer Companies, Inc. a longtime exhibitor and attendee at both the Academy and ACPOC meetings, is looking forward to the broader, multidisciplinary approach to topics that will come from the two sets of programming. “I think ACPOC attendees will also be pleased with the greater exposure they’ll have to more topics, suppliers and products than they’ve seen before,” she noted. Mark Ford, Director of Marketing at Ohio Willow Wood, agrees that the meeting will be a “great combination of resources,” especially with their focus on children’s needs. “It will help the spread of pediatric knowledge throughout the industry.”

Exhibitors heard about the decision to co-locate the two meetings during the Exhibitors Forum and again in promotional material for the 2005 event. Reactions from long-time exhibitors have been very positive.

“Logistically, it makes it easier for us to attend what we feel is a great meeting, offered Dennis Thellab, VP of Marketing for Endolite. “After hearing about the meeting I also encouraged a practitioner who has been following an interesting, once-in-a-lifetime case to submit an abstract for the program,” Thellab noted.

Diane Atkins, OTR, SISPO is a member of ACPOC and an Honorary member of the Academy

Diane Atkins, OTR, FISPO, who also regularly attends both meetings described the ACPOC program as “second to none.” “This organization began meeting about 25 years ago utilizing the orthopedic surgeons’ model and it has consistently been one of the best comprehensive, pediatric rehabilitation team meetings I’ve attended. Co-locating will make this one of the finest academic programs for prosthetists, orthotists, therapists, rehab nurses, and physicians who work with children with prosthetic and orthotic needs.”

The planning committees of the two organizations have begun planning the specific programs to be offered and have put out their respective Calls for Papers.

One registration fee will allow attendees to sit in on any of the sessions offered by the Academy or ACPOC, as well as the expanded exhibit hall. The committees will continue the “Family Friendly Schedule” that drove the 2002Academy meeting. “What that meant was we started the day a little earlier, offered a full schedule of programs, and plenty of unopposed time in the exhibit hall, but also finished the day early enough for members to join their families in the Magic Kingdom or other attractions in the area,” Katz explained. “It was a real win-win for our members, especially for the approximately one-half that brought their families with them to the meeting.”

Details about the meetings will be posted on the Academy’s and ACPOC’s website as they develop.

You Can Nominate Candidates for Academy Awards

Each year the Academy recognizes members and others who have made significant contributions to the O&P profession. Members are encouraged to submit names of individuals to be considered for the various awards. (A list of previous recipients and full text of criteria can be found on the Academy’s website at www.oandp.org/history/awards.) The awards for which member input is needed are:

The Titus-Ferguson Award. This lifetime achievement award is intended to be the highest level of recognition bestowed upon an outstanding Academy member whose accomplishments and contributions have made a significant impact on the growth and development of the profession.

Distinguished Practitioner Award. Recognizes those members who have distinguished themselves through their personal dedication and leadership to the advancement of the orthotic and prosthetic profession.

Honorary Membership. Recognizes individuals who are closely allied with the orthotic and prosthetic profession, but are not ABC-certified practitioners and therefore not eligible for Academy membership. The recipient of this award should have demonstrated a very high level of knowledge and a dedication to the O&P field.

Clinical Commitment Award. Recognizes those Academy members who have quietly demonstrated a commitment to the ABC Canons of Ethical Conduct and to improving the professional image of the orthotic and prosthetic profession to patients, co-workers and colleagues.

Outstanding Educator. Presented every two years to an educator who has been associated with at least one of the CAAHEP or NCOPE accredited educational programs. This educator must have demonstrated unique didactic or laboratory skills which create a positive and permanent impression on students.

Clinical Creativity. Recognizes those individuals who demonstrate high levels of creativity in process or device development that improve orthotic and/or prosthetic patient care.

Research Award. Recognizes those members performing outstanding research in the field of orthotics and prosthetics within the previous three years.

The Mohamed Amin Award for Humanitarian Service. The Board may, at its discretion, honor an outstanding physically disabled individual who has demonstrated the ability to significantly influence and promote the advancement of human welfare through their philanthropic, vocational or avocational activities. This person must be under the care of an Academy member practitioner.

In Memoriam . . .

The Academy sadly notes the passing of Academy Charter Member John M. Hoy, CO of Mansfield, OH. He was a past president of the Ohio Orthotic and Prosthetic Association and in his retirement was active in community work with the Visiting Nurse’s Association and the Rehabilitation Center. The practice he established, Mansfield Orthotic and Prosthetic Center, Inc., is now under the direction of his son, David J. Hoy, CPO.

Manuel “Manny” De La Torre, CO, died June 2 of complications from a fall at the age of 81. Known as a pioneer in developing braces to correct scoliosis, he founded De La Torre Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc., which is now operated by his sons, Edward and Paul - a certified prosthetistorthotist. After his retirement, Mr. De La Torre continued to work in his home garden, which provided fresh vegetables for the food bank at Allison Park Assembly of God Church where he was a member.

NEW Products at the Academy Bookstore

Atlas of Orthoses & Assistive Devices, 3rd edition

By the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Edited by Bertram Goldberg and John D. Hsu

This text helps the healthcare professional select the best orthosis according to weight bearing, activity level, material selection, expense, and unique considerations. This valuable resource covers the basic and advanced techniques of orthotics. A separate section on Pediatric Orthoses helps the practitioner develop a clear understanding of the needs of everyone involved in the child’s care and a clear knowledge of proper design and construction and the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of an orthosis in order to prevent and/or correct deformity, provide a base of support, facilitate training, and improve the dynamic efficiency of gait. 720 pages, 968 illustrations, hardcover.

MEMBERS $175 NONMEMBERS $190

Atlas of Amputations & Limb Deficiencies: Surgical, Prosthetic, and Rehabilitation Principles, 3rd edition

By the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Edited by Douglas G. Smith, MD, John H. Bowker, MD and John W. Michael, MEd, CPO, FISPO, FAAOP

This totally new edition of the 1992 classic Atlas of Limb Prosthetics is the definitive reference on the surgical and prosthetic management of acquired or congenital limb loss. Covers indications for amputation vs. limb salvage for trauma, peripheral vascular disease and tumors; indications for prostheses for amputation levels; and rehabilitation approaches. Hundreds of illustrations have been compiled by the multidisplinary team of authors and editors. 930 pages, hardcover.

MEMBERS $190 NONMEMBERS $215