CAPO 2002: Exploring New Horizons… an Alberta Odyssey

Education and fellowship shared top billing at the recent Canadian Assoc-iation of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CAPO) biennial meeting in Edmonton, Alberta.

The buzz of conversation at the opening night Welcome Wine and Cheese Reception gave evidence that old friendships were being renewed and new ones formed. It was clear this group knew how to have a great time.

According to Kathy Kostycz, CAPO office manager, 198 delegates attended all or part of the program July 29-August 2 at the Fantasyland Hotel, located in the West Edmonton Mall, the world's largest entertainment and shopping center.

Representing over 350 prosthetists and orthotists across Canada, the association encourages and promotes high standards of professionalism and patient-care services.

Following the President's Breakfast Tuesday, Heinz Trebbin, director of the GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) orthopedic technology training program at Don Bosco University in El Salvador, presented part of the A.J. Pentland Lecture Series. He kept listeners on the edge of their chairs as he shared his personal experiences as a teacher, advisor, and participant in numerous seminars, workshops, and congresses relating to P&O, orthopedic technology, and project evaluation and planning in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

"Orthopedists, physiatrists, and physical therapists need to be made aware of the high level of quality care provided by P&O professionals," Trebbin said. He commended Canadian practitioners for their support of several international O&P humanitarian programs.

Another dedicated professional, Ian Carrick, BSc, CO(c), described his experiences in Afghanistan. Allowed by the Taliban to enter the country with a video camera, computer, and camera, Carrick was able to train 21 O&P technicians, including one woman. He urged listeners, "Don't turn your backs on them."

Internet: Tool for Progress "Distance learning" was presented as a major opportunity for progress. Present technology includes advisory text, videos, chat, and e-mail capabilities, tutorials, and exams. Use of current technology can be expanded to continuing education, clinical diagnostics, discussion groups or Internet meetings, an online library, and research by multi-location participants.

Another session emphasized that increased communication via the Internet with related industries and affiliation with various allied medical personnel, such as physiatrists, physical therapists, and certified pedorthists, can be a beneficial strategy for solving business and clinical problems.

Peter Paul Kraft, CPO(c), and Patricia "Pat" Hayston, RTO(c), CO(c), were named Fellows. Kraft has been involved in O&P for over 55 years, during which time he helped pass on his knowledge, training, and joy in his profession to 60 other persons. Hayston, who is the first Maritime and first female Fellow, recalled that Kraft hired her "fresh out of college."

Orthotic and prosthetic scientific papers and clinical sessions covered such topics as orthotic intervention for sports injuries, orthotic management of osteoarthritis, spinal management, CAD/CAM, myoelectric prostheses, prosthetic foot development, and pain management, as well as several case studies.

The Stance Control Orthotic Knee Joint clinical session, presented and moderated by John Michael, MEd, CPO, FAAOP, was highly anticipated and particularly well-attended.

As CAPO 2002 drew to a close Friday evening, attendees were allowed one last hurrah at Cabaret Night. Cocktails, a fine meal, and entertainment provided by the eight-piece dance band Kit Kat Club kept the energy level high. All were invited to "plan now for CAPO 2004" to be held July 27-31, 2004 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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