Academy Recognizes John Brinkmann for Leadership of its Behavioral Science Society
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) recognizes John Brinkmann, CPO/LPO, FAAOP(D), for nearly a decade of leadership as founding chair of the Academy’s Behavioral Science Society.
Brinkmann was instrumental in establishing the Society in 2017 to help O&P professionals better understand how behavioral science applies to clinical practice and patient care. Since then, the Society has provided a place within the Academy to explore topics such as communication, decision-making, patient engagement, and the relationships that are integral to providing O&P care.
As chair, Brinkmann worked with Society members to develop educational resources that bring these topics directly to O&P professionals. The Society has contributed articles to The Academy TODAY, presented educational webinars and podcasts, and developed in-depth sessions for Academy Annual Meetings & Scientific Symposia. Together, these resources have brought greater attention to an important aspect of patient care that is not typically a focus of traditional O&P education.
Reflecting on the Society’s development and the people who helped make it possible, Brinkmann credits his own early involvement in the Academy’s Scientific Societies with helping shape his vision for the group.
“My Academy involvement began when I joined Teri Chou, PhD, and Sue Spaulding, MS, CPO, FAAOP, as part of the Academy’s Gait Scientific Society. Their dedication and support inspired me to take on more responsibility and showed me how the Scientific Societies help our profession move forward in specific practice areas. The idea for the Behavioral Science Society grew from an interest in developing skills that could be applied across all areas of O&P practice.
“The Society’s success has come from the tremendous support of Academy staff, volunteer leaders, and interprofessional collaborators over the years. I’m most proud of the way the Society has provided opportunities for students, residents, and early-career clinicians to get involved and contribute to the Academy. I’m looking forward to the renewed energy and direction that Jacalyn Harris, Samantha Stauffer, and Nate Kearns will bring to the Society.”
Harris, MPO, CPO/L, assumed the role of chair on October 1, with Samantha Stauffer serving as vice-chair and Nate Kearns as education officer.
“I was first introduced to Behavioral Science in the context of O&P by John Brinkmann at Northwestern. He taught me, along with many others, that connection is the heart of what we do as clinicians. I am honored and excited to continue these efforts as the new Chair. John’s contributions have established a strong foundation for the Society, and I am grateful that he will continue to provide his support and expertise,” Harris said.
A longtime Academy member and Fellow with Distinction, Brinkmann has given generously of his time and expertise throughout his years of involvement with the Academy. The Academy thanks Brinkmann for his vision in establishing the Behavioral Science Society, his leadership over the past nine years, and his continued commitment to the Academy and the O&P profession.
About the Academy’s Behavioral Science Society
Established in 2017, the Behavioral Science Society’s mission is to support effective clinical decision-making by providing clinicians with the tools needed to improve relationships and communication with patients, caregivers, colleagues, and other members of the healthcare team. To learn more about the society, please visit www.oandp.org/bss.
About the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
The Academy, founded in 1970, is the professional organization representing certified practitioners, state-licensed practitioners, assistants, technicians, fitters, and others affiliated with the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) profession. It is dedicated to helping its members provide the highest level of professionalism and service to their patients. To learn more about the Academy, please visit www.oandp.org.