<img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2006-03_12/12a.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> New directions are beckoning both <i>The O&P EDGE</i> and myself. An ending is always a new beginning. With this, my last issue as editor of <i>The O&P EDGE</i>, another chapter of my life opens as I move toward retirement. However, I'm not riding off into the sunset yet. I'll still be writing for <i>The O&P EDGE </i>and look forward to staying in touch with this great profession, which helps others to discover the "ability" in "disability." It has been truly a joy to report on a profession and industry that does so much for so many--helping to rebuild lives as well as limbs. <i>The O&P EDGE</i> will be in the capable hands of Tina Eichner, previously managing editor. Tina has many new features and enhancements planned as <i>The O&P EDGE</i> goes into its fifth year and she looks forward to meeting with and talking to you, our constituents. If you don't catch up with her at the Academy show, drop Tina an e-mail at <a href="mailto:tina@opedge.com">tina@opedge.com</a> to say hello. "Musicians don't retire; they stop when there's no more music in them," said jazz great Louis Armstrong. For all of us, may our inner music never stop! <h4>Creative Technology</h4> Despite the obstacles of legislative and reimbursement issues, innovation and creativity continue to forge ahead, both in soon-to-be available technology and some creations that almost seem in the realm of science fiction. The feature article "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2006-03_01.asp">New Discoveries, New Directions for O&P</a>," by Judith Philipps Otto, explores what's on the horizon in the world of O&P technology. <h4>PTs: Foes or Colleagues?</h4> The pot continues to boil as orthotists/prosthetists and physical therapists square off in the political arena. However, in the real, working world, the picture is quite different. What's really happening, and why? Find out more in "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2006-03_02.asp">PTs: Colleagues or Combatants</a>." <h4>Helping Youngsters, Families</h4> How does a parent cope who has a child with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or other serious orthopedic or neurological conditions who does not live near a metro area with specialized healthcare? It can be difficult considering the high costs of lodging, food, gas and other travel expenses. In Minnesota, a unique program offered by Gillette Specialty Healthcare--its Mobile Outreach Clinic--saves patients time and expense while providing state-of-the-art healthcare. <a href="edge/issues/articles/2006-03_05.asp">Read more about this program</a>, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2005, in this issue. <img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2006-03_12/12b.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> Again, my thanks to all of you for making my tenure as editor so exciting, challenging, and fulfilling!
<img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2006-03_12/12a.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> New directions are beckoning both <i>The O&P EDGE</i> and myself. An ending is always a new beginning. With this, my last issue as editor of <i>The O&P EDGE</i>, another chapter of my life opens as I move toward retirement. However, I'm not riding off into the sunset yet. I'll still be writing for <i>The O&P EDGE </i>and look forward to staying in touch with this great profession, which helps others to discover the "ability" in "disability." It has been truly a joy to report on a profession and industry that does so much for so many--helping to rebuild lives as well as limbs. <i>The O&P EDGE</i> will be in the capable hands of Tina Eichner, previously managing editor. Tina has many new features and enhancements planned as <i>The O&P EDGE</i> goes into its fifth year and she looks forward to meeting with and talking to you, our constituents. If you don't catch up with her at the Academy show, drop Tina an e-mail at <a href="mailto:tina@opedge.com">tina@opedge.com</a> to say hello. "Musicians don't retire; they stop when there's no more music in them," said jazz great Louis Armstrong. For all of us, may our inner music never stop! <h4>Creative Technology</h4> Despite the obstacles of legislative and reimbursement issues, innovation and creativity continue to forge ahead, both in soon-to-be available technology and some creations that almost seem in the realm of science fiction. The feature article "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2006-03_01.asp">New Discoveries, New Directions for O&P</a>," by Judith Philipps Otto, explores what's on the horizon in the world of O&P technology. <h4>PTs: Foes or Colleagues?</h4> The pot continues to boil as orthotists/prosthetists and physical therapists square off in the political arena. However, in the real, working world, the picture is quite different. What's really happening, and why? Find out more in "<a href="edge/issues/articles/2006-03_02.asp">PTs: Colleagues or Combatants</a>." <h4>Helping Youngsters, Families</h4> How does a parent cope who has a child with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or other serious orthopedic or neurological conditions who does not live near a metro area with specialized healthcare? It can be difficult considering the high costs of lodging, food, gas and other travel expenses. In Minnesota, a unique program offered by Gillette Specialty Healthcare--its Mobile Outreach Clinic--saves patients time and expense while providing state-of-the-art healthcare. <a href="edge/issues/articles/2006-03_05.asp">Read more about this program</a>, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2005, in this issue. <img style="float: right;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2006-03_12/12b.jpg" hspace="4" vspace="4" /> Again, my thanks to all of you for making my tenure as editor so exciting, challenging, and fulfilling!