As a 30-year veteran in the O&P profession, I have had the opportunity to attend numerous national and local meetings, and I’ve even volunteered on the board of my local Academy Chapter for 15 years. At first, I’ll admit, I was drawn to these meetings because they were held in cities I wanted to visit. But over time, my reasons for attending evolved. The value I’ve gained from participating in these professional organizations has gone far beyond travel or a change of scenery. These organizations and meetings have become the cornerstone to my career development, my education, and my network.
Coming off the heels of the 2024 AOPA meeting, I’m reminded of how essential these gatherings are. Attending the presentation from the AOPA president regarding the challenges and opportunities our profession is faced with made me realize these meetings aren’t just about presentations and exhibits; they’re about staying informed, getting inspired, and understanding the complex changes that affect our daily work.
One of the greatest benefits of attending these meetings is the opportunity for interaction with the people in charge of our various organizations. Where else can you speak directly to representatives from organizations like ABC, BOC, or CMS, shake their hands, and ask them your most pressing questions? These are the moments that give us clarity on important issues—like why NCOPE is phasing out separate orthotic and prosthetic credentialing and moving toward a unified CPO credential. Having face-to-face discussions with the decision-makers allows us to understand the reasoning behind significant changes and prepare for what’s coming next.
Whether it’s learning about the newest products, gaining understanding from business strategies, problem-solving with peers about shared challenges, or brushing up on the latest clinical techniques, staying informed is critical to all our success. These meetings provide a concentrated dose of education that simply isn’t available anywhere else. And beyond that, there’s nothing like running into old colleagues and friends while you’re there. Our profession may be relatively small, but it’s filled with passionate people who become more than just acquaintances—many become lifelong friends. For me, attending these conferences feels like going to a family reunion (the kind you look forward to). There’s nothing quite like catching up with people you’ve worked alongside for years.
Attending these meetings isn’t just about fulfilling the requirements to maintain our credentials—it’s so much more. These organizations play a significant role in shaping our identity and without them we wouldn’t have the same sense of unity and purpose. They are fundamental to our growth, offering the knowledge, networks, and resources we need to thrive. For me, attending these meetings has become about much more than just continuing education or promoting our services in the exhibit hall, it’s about being part of a community that is truly invested in the future of our profession.
If we want to see progress, we can’t just sit on the sidelines and complain. We need to assess the challenges, invest in ourselves, and contribute to the advancement of our profession. I challenge each of you—whether you’re a resident just starting out or a 40-year veteran—to get involved, stay informed, and actively contribute to the growth and future of our profession. By participating in these organizations and meetings, we can ensure that we continue to evolve, innovate, and make a lasting impact on our community and the patients we serve.
Erin Cammarata is president and owner of CBS Medical Billing and Consulting. She can be contacted at
[email protected].
