Scientific Societies

_{Uniting Professionals Across Specialized Areas of O&P to Drive Collaboration, Research, & Innovation}

The Academy's ten specialty communities unite orthotics and prosthetics professionals to collaborate, publish, teach, and elevate clinical impact.

Joining a Scientific Society Requires Academy Membership.
To get started, explore the Society pages below and select the community (or communities) that match your specialty or interests.

Not a Member? Explore your Options!

What Do Scientific Societies Offer?

Leadership

Be a Leader

Collaborate with students, residents, and peers while advancing your specialty. Shape the next generation of O&P professionals.

Publishing

Get Published

Contribute to the Academy Today and Academy resources by sharing evidence that moves practice forward.

Education

Shape Education

Design Annual Meeting sessions, build OPKC modules, and deliver webinars that translate research into clinical practice.

Community

Expand Your Network

Join your society in their members-only community on the Academy Exchange.

Service

Get Involved

Step into leadership. Society Chair & Officer roles can fulfill public service requirements for Fellows of the Academy (FAAOP).

Opportunities

Grow Your Impact

Participate in scholarships, contribute meaningful work, and build visibility within your specialty while supporting the broader Academy community.

Current Societies

Bone-Anchored Prosthetics

_{Focus on: Osseointegration, surgical interfaces, long-term device outcomes.}

View Society

Lower Limb Prosthetics

_{Focus on: Socket science, suspension systems, component optimization.}

View Society

Upper Limb Prosthetics

_{Focus on: Myoelectric control, terminal devices, user training & usability.}

View Society

Lower Limb Orthotics

_{Focus on: AFO/KAFO tuning, gait optimization, patient-centered protocols.}

View Society

Spinal Orthotics

_{Focus on: Deformity management, trauma stabilization, neuromuscular care.}

View Society

Craniofacial

_{Focus on: Cranial remolding, growth monitoring, family education.}

View Society

Fabrication Sciences

_{Focus on: Materials, lamination, QA, and modern lab process innovation.}

View Society

Digital Innovation

_{Focus on: Digital scanning, CAD workflows, and additive manufacturing.}

View Society

Gait

_{Focus on: Biomechanics, motion analysis, mobility outcomes, instrumented labs.}

View Society

Behavioral Science

_{Focus on: Human factors, adherence, communication, and outcomes research.}

View Society

Formation of a Society

Any group of twenty or more Academy members may petition to establish a new Society. Petitions should include printed names, addresses, and signatures of all petitioners. New Societies are announced in the Academy TODAY to build awareness and engagement.

Scientific Society Scholarship Program

The Academy supports active participation through scholarships tied to meaningful contributions.

Eligibility

Open to Academy members in good standing across all categories.

Parameters

One society scholarship per year; maximum of two total.
Recipients complete one deliverable per scholarship (e.g., article, webinar, blog post, or Annual Meeting content), agreed upon with society leadership.

Apply for a Scholarship