Vol. 9, No. 7

September 2004

Combined Meeting with ACPOC Takes Shape

Dual Planning Committees Pleased with Exceptional Content

Plans for the Academy’s Annual Meeting to be co-located with that of the Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics (ACPOC) March 16-19, 2005 are nearing completion as planning committees for both organizations put final touches on the programming. The announcement of the meetings being located together at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort with some shared programming was made last year during the Academy’s meeting in New Orleans. Audience reaction at the Academy’s meeting and ACPOC’s held in Banff was enthusiastic.

“ACPOC is a multidisciplinary group of physicians, prosthetists, orthotists, therapists, nurses, and others. They have a reputation of being a lively group of passionate clinicians, always willing to challenge each other to do better — it’s a natural pairing to co-locate our meetings together in the interest of outstanding clinical programming,” explained 2004 President Donald E. Katz, CO, LO, FAAOP in New Orleans.

The Academy and ACPOC will each present separate programming developed by their respective planning committees led by James H. Campbell, CO, PhD and Mike Schmitz, MD. In addition, combined planning teams comprised of orthopaedic surgeons and orthotic and prosthetic practitioners have developed two 90-minute clinical sessions. Leading the Cerebral Palsy/Spasticity program are Schmitz and Janet Lombardo, MBA, CPO. Robin Crandall, MD and Robert Lipschutz, CP will lead the Limb Deficiency program.

Campbell notes "that our intention is to offer combined programs of common interest, as well as separate and distinct sessions for each association, during the planning process every effort is being made to structure sessions that will complement, rather than compete, with each other. Campbell adds "the standard of the Thranhardt lectures and free paper submissions for this combined meeting is very high. The one registration fee will give participants access to all sessions, unless otherwise noted. The keynote address will be ACPOC’s highly regarded Hector Kay Guest Lecture. The lecture is named for Hector Kay, MEd whose early association with prosthetic education began at New York University where he was involved in the Adult and Child Prosthetic Studies group. Kay was active in O&P and was instrumental in the formation of ACPOC. Peter F. Armstrong, M.D., FRCSC, FACS, FAAP, Director of Medical Affairs, Shriners Hospitals for Children, has been selected to give the address. Additionally, each year the ACPOC president invites a presenter to speak on a current topic of interest. This year’s Presidential Speaker will be Randy Betts, MD, who will discuss Electrical Stimulation and Bracing Issues.

The Academy’s Thranhardt Lecture Series will feature four presentations based on clinical experience and scientific research. The audience will choose two individuals to receive the series honoraria. The topics selected will be announced in the Session Preview document mailed to members in late September.

ACPOC’s programming will utilize a variety of formats including presentations of papers, Creative Solutions, Challenging Cases, symposia, and posters the content of which will benefit physicians, prosthetists, nurses, orthotists, social workers, PTs, OTs, rehab engineers and other health professionals who care for children with orthopaedic and related disabilities. The program includes an update on the much-discussed Sacramento Shriner Hospital study of Clinical Outcomes Assessment for Unilateral Amputees, the Timing and Decision Making in a Child with Orthogryposis, The Search for the Perfect Materials and a Prosthetic Knee Workshop.

Symposia presented by the Academy are organized series of presentations with varying opinions on a potentially controversial topic. They include: Management of the Bilateral Lower Extremity Amputee, Developmental Issues for Adolescent and Teenage O&P Users, and The Relationship Between Education and Professional Practice.

Instructional Courses are a popular portion of the meeting offering an in-depth learning experience based upon accepted principles and practices. Four topics have already been chosen: Spinal Instability Pathology Review, Upper Extremity Prosthetics – The Iraqi Experience, Reports from the Consensus Conferences on Plagiocephaly, Neuro/Diabetic Foot, and Stroke.

The Academy will also offer four Clinical Techniques sessions— double that of last year in New Orleans. Clinical Techniques sessions, like those offered at international meetings, offer attendees tangible knowledge that they can instantly apply in their own practice. These sessions require advance registration and an additional $75 registration fee and are limited to about 40 participants to maximize the educational experience. The sessions will focus on: Practical Prosthetic Management of Hip Disarticulation/Hemi Pelvectomy, Evaluation of Spinal Deformity, AFO’s for CP Children, and Upper-Extremity Harnessing Techniques.

Participants will enjoy the return of a “family-friendly” schedule where educational programs begin earlier in the morning than at previous meetings and end in late afternoon allowing time for attendees to join their families in some fun. The concept, first tested in Orlando in 2002, was a resounding success for participants and exhibitors alike.

Room rates will be lower than ever before at the 2005 meeting. The Academy has negotiated rates of $162, which is even less than the rates given when the Academy held its first meeting in Orlando in 1996. The Coronado Springs will also offer the same special low rates for three days before and after the Academy meeting for those that wish to extend their stay for a family vacation.

Fellow Designation Reflects Commitment to Learning

Becoming a Fellow of the Academy is the highest distinction an individual can earn as a member. It underscores a personal commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement of clinical skills. At present, 272 members have been presented the Olympic-style medallion at ceremonies held during the Annual Meeting.

Last year, the Education Development Council and a special task force appointed to examine the Fellow Program, recommended that the Board expand the program’s criteria for attaining the distinction. Changes were made offering two pathways to achieve or renew the Fellow designation and eligibility was limited. Active Members with ABC certification dates prior to March 1, 2004 are eligible to pursue the designation. However, Active Members with ABC certification dates of March 1, 2004 or later must be a graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited practitioner program (masters/baccalaureate degree or certificate), and must have passed the ABC certification exam to be eligible to pursue the pathways to become a Fellow.

Fellow status lasts five years after which further professional requirements must be met to maintain the status.

Earning Your Fellow Status - Pathway One: Members must complete three Academy Certificate Programs for Professional Development. In addition to completing eight of the ten certificate program modules (including the three core modules), members must now also read journal articles and/or book chapters chosen by the faculty, and successfully complete a written quiz.

Pathway Two: Members are expected to complete two Academy Certificate Programs for Professional Development (meeting the criteria listed above) and either author an accepted manuscript for the JPO, or contribute to the O&P profession via a minimum of 40 documented community service or volunteer service hours within the Academy. It is expected these Academy service hours will be spent making significant contributions to the O&P profession such as serving as a committee or society chair. Chairing a symposium or instructional course at an Academy Annual Meeting or presenting two presentations at Academy sponsored programs over a five-year period would also be considered. Renewal of the designation is also available through one of two pathways.

Renewing Your Fellow Status - Pathway One: Fellows may renew by being part of the faculty for a Certificate Program for Professional Development as the primary author of a presentation, determining the selected readings and writing the required three examination questions.

Renewal Pathway Two: complete one Certificate Program for Professional Development (meeting the criteria listed above) and either author an accepted manuscript for the JPO or contribute to the O&P profession via significant community service or volunteer service within the Academy. Members may also chair a symposium or instructional course at an Academy Annual Meeting or make two presentations at Academy sponsored programs over the five-year period or serve as a Residency Director of an NCOPE approved residency site to meet the renewal requirements.

Advanced Training Offered on Gait Analysis

The Academy, in partnership with Northwestern University, has developed a three-day advanced training course on gait analysis and data interpretation. Using the VA Chicago Motion Analysis Research Lab, practitioners will learn gait analysis procedures and develop an increased understanding of the quantitative analysis of normal gait and the deviations from normal gait. Participants will also leave with an appreciation for how quantitative gait analysis may be best used within O&P as well as its limitations. The course includes nightly reading assignments and a self-assessment exam each day.

The expert faculty for the November 4-6 course includes Dudley S. Childress, PhD, Director of Northwestern University Prosthetics Research Lab and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center, Mark L. Edwards, MHPE, CP, Director of Prosthetic Education, and Stefania Fatone, PhD, Research Assistant Professor. Course attendance is limited due to space and equipment. More details and registration information may be found online at Upcoming ATS Events.

Inexpensive PCE Credits From JPO Quizzes Still Appeal to Many

Each issue of the JPO now contains two separate quizzes based on key articles providing Academy members the opportunity to earn PCE credits at a minimal price without the inconvenience of travel. ABC accepts JPO quizzes for credit that have been published within the last three years. Each quiz is worth 2 PCE credits. Visit the Academy website's Online library to view the library of journals and quizzes.

Members Have More Control of Information on Academy Website

Programming enhancements now enable members visiting the Academy website to change both their username and password freely. “This makes their account more interactive and personalized,” explains Adam Seery, Manager of membership and informational systems. An additional feature allows members to retrieve lost or forgotten login information. “We have email addresses in our records for about two-thirds of the members. For those members whose current email address is in their member record, they can have their username and password automatically emailed to them directly from the website. They no longer have to take the time to call or email the Academy during office hours to get their password, which I’m sure is much more convenient for members,” says Seery. Additional convenience and capabilities for members are being planned.

Academy Providing Mentors on
Disability Mentoring Day: October 20

Each year a growing number of students and mentors from many fields participate in Disability Mentoring Day (DMD). The day is an opportunity for people with disabilities to visit workplaces to learn about job skills and typical responsibilities of various types of jobs. Many practitioners are also O&P consumers or became involved in the profession because they had a relative or knew someone that uses an orthosis or prosthesis. The Academy, in cooperation with American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD), works with local DMD coordinators to connect participants interested in O&P with a practitioner in their area. DMD currently encompasses mentees with a wide range of disabilities, not just amputations and orthopedic impairments.

Although true mentoring takes more than one day’s time, an O&P practitioner volunteer may commit to a single day’s activities or opt to continue to serve as a mentor throughout the year. Program coordinators nationwide help plan local activities that suit the interests and abilities of the participants and mentors.

The Academy views DMD as the perfect addition to its current O&P awareness and outreach activities and job shadowing events. “While most amputees already know about the O&P profession firsthand, a ‘mentoring day’ provides an inside look at the daily responsibilities of an O&P practitioner and some of the behind-the-scenes workings of an O&P facility,” says Julie G. Hayes, director of development and communications for the Academy.

For more information on DMD, visit www.dmd-aapd.org or contact Julie G. Hayes at 703-836-0788, or email: .