H.E. “Ted” Thranhardt, CPO(E), passed away over the weekend. He was a resident of Ponte Vedra, Florida.
Thranhardt’s first job in O&P came at age 15, when he carved a knee from a block of hickory wood, a beginning that led to a career in O&P that spanned more than 50 years. Throughout his career, Thranhardt won the respect and accolades of his colleagues and has had a lasting influence on the O&P profession.
He worked at Hanger Orthopedic Group, now Hanger Clinic, from January 1958 through May 2010. Hanger Southeast launched the Thranhardt Lecture Series with a gift in memory of Thranhardt’s father, Howard Thranhardt, CP. The series recognizes excellence in educational programming at the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Annual Meeting and the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly.
Thranhardt was part of the class of 1957 Northside High School in Atlanta and studied prosthetics at New York University and prosthetics and orthotics at Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center. He served as president of three major O&P organizations: the Academy, 1976-77; the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC), 1979-80; and AOPA), 1993-94.
AOPA presented Thranhardt with its highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, during the 2002 AOPA National Assembly in Chicago.
“Ted Thranhardt left a lasting impact on Hanger and the entire O&P profession,” said James Campbell, PhD, senior vice president and chief clinical officer, Hanger. From his thoughtful leadership during his notable tenure at national organizations like the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), and the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC), to playing an instrumental role in the evolution of Hanger’s success–Ted’s vision, passion, and commitment to the field will forever be remembered. We will honor his legacy and 50-plus years of dedication to the O&P community by continuing to advance the field and keeping patient outcomes at the forefront of everything we do.”
