The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (the Academy) presented its 2021 Academy Awards and recognized the newly inducted Fellows and Fellows with Distinction during the 47th Academy Annual Member Business Meeting on March 24.
Awards were given to the following:
· Wendy Beattie, CPO, FAAOP, won the Titus Ferguson Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is the highest level of recognition bestowed upon an outstanding academician whose accomplishments and contributions have made a significant impact on the growth and development of the profession.
· Scott D. Cummings, PT, CPO, FAAOP, won the Distinguished Practitioner Award. This award recognizes members who have distinguished themselves through their personal dedication and leadership to the advancement of the O&P profession. This individual must have demonstrated a record of sustained contributions and commitment to the advancement of the ideals of the Academy and the profession.
· Heidi Truman, CPO, won the Clinical Commitment Award, which recognizes those Academy members who have quietly demonstrated a commitment to The Code of Professional Responsibility and to improving the professional image of the O&P profession to patients, co-workers, and colleagues.
· John T. Brinkmann, MA, CPO/L, FAAOP(D), won the Outstanding Educator Award, which recognizes an educator who has demonstrated unique didactic or laboratory skills which create a positive and permanent impression on his/her students.
· Matthew J. Major, PhD, won the Research Award. The award recognizes those members performing the most outstanding research in O&P.
· Robin Seabrook received honorary membership, which recognizes individuals who are closely allied with the O&P profession but are not eligible for Academy membership. The recipient demonstrates a very high level of knowledge and dedication to the O&P profession.
The 2021 class of Fellows are:
· Nina Bondre, CPO, FAAOP
· Jennifer Dowell, CPO/LPO, FAAOP
· Christina Gambrell, CPO/LPO, FAAOP
· David Hughes Jr., CPO, FAAOP
· M. David Keown, CPO, FAAOP
· Steve Lindsley, CP, FAAOP
· Tom Martin, CPO, MHA, FAAOP
· Vari McPherson, CPO, FAAOP
· Darya Shahrokhi, CPO, FAAOP
· Alex Shimkus, CPO, FAAOP
· Ajaaz Ahmed Zargar, BSC, PGDPB, BOCPO, CP, FAAOP
The 2021 class of Fellows with Distinction are:
· Chris Baschuk, MPO, CPO, FAAOP(D)
· Michael Carroll, MBA, CPO/LPO, FAAOP(D)
To watch photomontage videos for the Titus Furguson and Distinguished Practitioner award winners, visit the Academy’s YouTube channel.
