The conference got underway with grand opening ceremonies, a keynote address and the opening of the exhibit hall. Gerald Stark, PhD, MSEM, CPO/L, FAAOP(D), Academy president, welcomed attendees that first evening, saying that this year’s theme reflected the collective impact the O&P industry can achieve when learning from one another and moving together as a unified community. The evening also included a keynote address from Patrick Henry, a singer, songwriter, speaker and humorist from Nashville, who talked (and sang) about the similarities in songwriting and how it can teach clinicians about achieving their own exceptional patient care. “It’s not always what you deliver, but how it’s delivered that creates that elevated patient experience,” Henry said.
The second day began with the award-winning Thranhardt lecture series and included another day packed with clinical technique sessions, free papers, and more than 140 organized sessions. Attendees were able to make the rounds through the exhibit hall, which featured more than 150 exhibitors. Organized sessions highlighted everything from current trends and technologies in O&P to what’s on the horizon. Session topics included the role of clinicians in advancing medical research and the role of O&P in adaptive sports. On Saturday, morning sessions explored how the media can affect the rehabilitation journey.
A second keynote session on Thursday evening—Pillars of Collaboration, A Conversation with Leaders in O&P—brought together a group of O&P clinicians, educators, researchers, and advocates to explore a central theme: Excellence in O&P is built through sustained collaboration.
A number of first-time attendees included O&P students from across the country, including Hiva Razavi, a doctoral student from the University of Michigan who is studying kinesiology. Razavi presented a talk and a poster at the conference. “Attending AAOP for the first time was a special experience for me,” Razavi said. “Beyond sharing my work, I had meaningful conversations with inspiring scholars and clinicians whose work I’ve admired for years. As someone who trained and practiced as an orthotist and prosthetist in Iran, being surrounded by this community again felt deeply personal. It reminded me how much I miss the clinical side of this profession, even after spending the past four years focused primarily on research.
“This experience also reminded me why the connection between research and clinical practice matters so much. When these worlds come together, we can turn ideas into real impact for the people we serve.”
In addition, Manisha Bhasker, the Academy’s chief communications and strategy officer since January 2023, marked a milestone during this year’s conference: her 30th Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium. “For three decades, Manisha has helped shape the voice and heart of this organization. Her vision, creativity, and unwavering dedication have elevated the entire profession, and she does it all with so much grace and generosity,” the Academy said.
Finally, this year’s event included a display board in the main meeting area where anyone could post words of wisdom. More than two dozen attendees signed the board. “Listen. Listen. Listen,” “Remember to make it fun,” and “Today’s goals are tomorrow’s standard,” were among the advice.
The comment, “Find something else to do,” was changed when someone crossed out the word else and replaced it with great.
The 53rd Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium will be held February 10-13, 2027, in New Orleans.
