The International Vista

Later this month, about 3,000 professionals in O&P, rehabilitation medicine and surgery, and related disciplines from around the world are expected to convene in Lyon, France, for the 2015 International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) World Congress to share their perspectives on the practices and protocols in their fields. The O&P EDGE is honored to be a media partner for this event, and as we prepare for the Congress, we turn to the international vista for this issue. Our cover story, " Bringing Hope, Healing to Mideast War Survivors: O&P Plays Its Part , provides a glimpse into how conflicts in the Middle East have impacted civilians in myriad ways including inhibiting access to food, shelter, and their usual avenues of healthcare. Additionally, due to injuries sustained as a direct result of the fighting, or from untreated illnesses due to lack of access to regular healthcare, many are in need of long-term O&P and rehabilitation services after initial treatment has been administered. This story profiles a few of the organizations helping to provide care in these war-torn countries and highlights the challenges of providing care and establishing training so those aid workers who are left behind can continue this important work. In another view of the international vista , Phil Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP, examines the manner in which the type of amputation etiologies and need for O&P care differs in countries identified by the World Bank as low- and lower-middle income from those in higher-income countries. He also presents a transtibial prosthetic design developed by the International Committee of the Red Cross that can be readily fabricated under a variety of local conditions to meet the needs of individuals living with limb loss in resource-limited settings. Students from the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics Program got their own view of the international landscape last fall when they participated in a study abroad program in Ecuador, coupled with attending an ISPO conference. Their story is featured in " Service Learning With an O&P Study Abroad Program ." For some of these students, it was their first time visiting another country and experiencing a new culture. They found that they could rely on their clinical instincts when treating patients, and reported learning much from international clinicians about using alternative materials for devices, and finding common ground on challenges they face as healthcare professionals differentiating themselves from durable medical equipment suppliers. For those of you who are able to join colleagues in Lyon, please stop by The O&P EDGE booth and say hello. We would love to meet you. And for all our readers, I hope you enjoy our look at the international vista before us. Happy reading.

The International Vista

Service Learning With an O&P Study Abroad Program

PrimeFare Central: Oklahoma City More Than OK

OPAF Launches First Safeguard

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Certified Orthotist (CO)

Prosthetic Orthotic Technician

Multiple CPO and CPed Openings @ UNC Health

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

The International Vista

Support authors and subscribe to content

Subscribe

Related posts:

Service Learning With an O&P Study Abroad Program

PrimeFare Central: Oklahoma City More Than OK

OPAF Launches First Safeguard

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Certified Orthotist (CO)

Prosthetic Orthotic Technician

Multiple CPO and CPed Openings @ UNC Health

Login to your account

Reset Password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Login to your account

Reset Password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation