Annual Meeting Clinical Content Committee
Build the clinical program for the Annual Meeting, from organized sessions and Free Papers to Thranhardt lectures and specialty programming.
Councils and Committees
Put Your Expertise Where it Counts
Every Annual Meeting session, every critically appraised topic, every chapter connection, and every new member resource started with someone who raised their hand. Councils and committees are where that work happens, and there is room for members at every stage of their career.
Start With What You Care About
Each council takes on a different part of the Academy's mission. Pick the one that sounds like you, then explore the committees doing that work.
If you love teaching & learning
Education Development Council
Help decide what the profession learns next, from Annual Meeting sessions to online courses, publications, and the Scientific Societies.
See EDC Committees If you Champion MembershipMembership Advocacy Council
Strengthen chapters, open doors for rising professionals, advance inclusion, and connect practitioners across every practice setting.
See MAC Committees If Evidence Drives YouResearch Council
Turn research into everyday practice through critically appraised topics, outcome measures, the JPO, and the State of the Science Program.
See Research Council CommitteesWhy Members Say Yes
Committee service is one of the most direct ways to influence the profession, and it gives back as much as it asks.
Shape the Profession
Your ideas become the education, resources, and guidance your colleagues rely on every day.
Build a National Network
Work alongside peers, mentors, and leaders you might never meet in your own clinic or region.
Grow as a Leader
Sharpen strategic, collaborative, and communication skills in a setting that values your clinical perspective.
Get Recognized
Raise your visibility within the Academy and build a record of service that opens the door to what comes next.
Education
Education Development Council
Council Chair Stephen Charry, MSPO, CPO, FAAOP
The Education Development Council (EDC) was established to guide and implement Academy continuing education offerings aimed to provide comprehensive education opportunities to O&P professionals. The EDC oversees all education initiatives of the Academy.
Committees
O&P Knowledge Central Committee
Grow a high-quality, convenient, and cost-effective online education library for O&P professionals.
Publications Committee
Set publishing priorities, select authors, and keep Academy publications relevant to every level of practice.
Scientific Societies Committee
Support the specialty societies that bring practitioners together around shared clinical and research interests.
Membership & Advocacy
Membership Advocacy Council
Council Chair Michael Carroll, PhD, CPO, FAAOP(D)
The Membership Advocacy Council (MAC) focuses on enhancing the O&P practitioner by focusing on issues that affect patient care, such as reimbursement and government affairs, as well as elevating women, students, and residents within the profession. This council works on providing a solid foundation for Academy chapters and the Academy's relationship with special constituencies.
Committees
Chapters Committee
Strengthen the Academy's chapters by helping new ones form and existing ones thrive.
Collaborative on Inclusive Action and Engagement
- Co-ChairJuan Cave, MSPO, CPO
- Co-ChairBrogan Comstock, MSOP, CPO
Break down barriers of access and support so every person in the profession has a safe place in it.
Fellow Committee
Induct, engage, and celebrate Fellows of the Academy through projects, networking, and educational outreach.
Hospital-Based Practice Committee
- Co-ChairSean Zeller, CPO
- Co-ChairJeffrey Wensman, CPO
Connect O&P practices in institutional settings to tackle shared challenges and strengthen the resident experience.
Independent Practice Committee
Bring independent practices together to work through the issues unique to their setting.
Liaison Committee
Chair seat openBuild relationships with other healthcare organizations around shared practice, terminology, and legislative issues.
Interested in leading? Let us know (volunteer interest form, opens in a new tab)Rising Professionals Committee
- Co-ChairJulia Pines, CO & Resident
- Co-ChairDenise Hull, CPO
Create leadership, mentoring, and networking opportunities for students, residents, and newly certified professionals.
Research
Research Council
Council Chair Tara J. Wright, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
The goal and objective of the Research Council is to influence the profession of orthotics and prosthetics in a way that fosters self-sustaining research efforts and produces peer-reviewed P&O research that advances Evidence-Based Practice. To provide research education for O&P professionals and enhance the profession's research capacity.
Committees & programs
Evidence-Based Practice Committee
- ChairTodd Farrell, PhD
Translate the best available research into brief, practical resources such as critically appraised topics (CATs).
Outcomes Research Committee
Help members gather, use, and report outcome measures, and connect clinicians with researchers.
Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Editor in ChiefSteve Gard, PhD
Promote, enhance, and share the science and practice of O&P through the Academy's peer-reviewed journal.
State of the Science Program
Review, appraise, and synthesize existing evidence to guide practice and set priorities for future research.
Getting Started is Simple
You don't need to know exactly where you fit. Tell us what interests you and we'll help with the rest.
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Tell us What Interests You
Complete the short volunteer interest form and share your experience and the councils or committees that appeal to you.
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Connect with the Academy
Academy staff and council leaders review interest forms and reach out as opportunities open.
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Start Making an Impact
Join the conversation, contribute your expertise, and help shape the resources your colleagues rely on.
Your Expertise Belongs Here
Not sure which council is right for you? Tell us what you care about and we'll help you find the right place to start.