Academy Meeting Breaks Attendance Records

A record-breaking number of 1,518 persons attended the 2002 Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) March 20-23 in Orlando, Florida. "It is gratifying to see this attendance, especially in view of the events of September 11," said Tom Gorski, executive director.

This year's family-friendly program schedule, along with outstanding scientific presentations, also helped boost attendance, Gorski added.

Despite balmy weather and the attractions of Orlando, few seemed to "play hooky." Sessions were well attended and the exhibit hall was packed every time this reporter checked it out. About 60 exhibitors displayed the latest in products and services, some destined to become the "buzz" of 2002.

The Academy Awards were a highlight. During the sold-out "Decades of Dance" banquet Friday evening, Ralph R. "Ronney" Snell, CPO, FAAOP, received the Titus Ferguson Award for lifetime achievement, and John G. Craig, CPO, received the Distinguished Practitioner Award. Steven Whiteside, CO, FAAOP, was honored with the William Beiswenger Volunteer Service Award.

Paralympic gold medal winners Todd Schaffhauser and Dennis Oehler, who founded DisAbilities Unlimited and developed the "Fitness for Everyone" clinic program, were named honorary members of the Academy during the opening session Thursday. Oehler told the assembled practitioners, "You have the power for quality of life in your hands."

T. Walley Williams III, was named an Honorary Member in appreciation of his work in improving design and function of prosthetic and orthotic systems.

Peter Thomas, Esq., was honored with the Mohamed Amin Award for Humanitarian Service. Thomas, a bilateral amputee, recently served on the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry where he chaired the Subcommittee on Consumer Rights, Protections, and Responsibilities. Thomas has served on various government advisory boards and with nonprofit organizations related to disability and rehabilitation.

"I only accept this award in recognition that I'm on the right track,' Thomas said. "I have much more work to do before I'm to be considered as a humanitarian."

Jeffrey A. Nemeth, CO, FAAOP, received the Research Award. Jack E. Uellendahl, CPO, was presented with the Clinical Commitment Award, and Paul E. Prusakowski, CPO, received the Clinical Creativity Award.

Fifty practitioners qualified as new Fellows of the Academy; 38 were on hand to receive their medallions.

The program fare included a wide variety of up-to-the-minute clinical topics, including case presentations and research, a symposium on pain management, idiopathic scoliosis, and pediatric plagiocephaly, among many others. Nonclinical topics ranged from ethical considerations in O&P and effective communication with parents and families to how to keep employees and customers happy. Several sessions were simultaneously translated into Spanish for Latin American colleagues.

The Technician Program on Saturday was "meaty," covering specific "how-to's," along with a session on workplace safety.

The Academy meeting provided participants with plenty of food for thought for many months to come.

Academy Meeting Breaks Attendance Records

OPAF Academy Events a Success

OSU-Okmulgee Offers a Seminar ‘First’

OSU-Okmulgee Offers a Seminar ‘First’

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Texas Board–Eligible Prosthetist or Licensed Prosthetic Assistant

Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist

Certified Prosthetist

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Academy Meeting Breaks Attendance Records

Support authors and subscribe to content

Subscribe

Related posts:

OPAF Academy Events a Success

OSU-Okmulgee Offers a Seminar ‘First’

OSU-Okmulgee Offers a Seminar ‘First’

Get unlimited access!

O&P JOBS

Texas Board–Eligible Prosthetist or Licensed Prosthetic Assistant

Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist

Certified Prosthetist

Login to your account

Reset Password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation

The most important industry news and events delivered directly to your inbox every week.

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Login to your account

Reset Password

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

Account Activation