The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) announced the release of its 2008 annual report. According to ABC, the publication is a summary of its successes in 2008 and provides insight into its current efforts.
In the report, each of ABC’s five core departments provide statistical analysis and highlight accomplishments that have helped strengthen and improve ABC’s contribution to the profession, including significant growth in credentialing and facility accreditation.
Included in the report is a message from Michael J. Allen, CPO, FAAOP, immediate past president of the ABC board of directors. Allen provides an overview of the organization’s year-long strategic successes, including the following:
- ABC processed the highest volume of facility accreditation applications in its 60-year history, recording a 35 percent growth over 2007.
- Certification-examination candidates increased by more than 13 percent.
- The examination requirement for certified fitters of therapeutic shoes became effective May 2008.
- ABC began awarding discipline-specific continuing-education credits, where appropriate, to Category I approved programs.
- The ABC board of directors added the new position of director of clinical resources to the staff and hired Stephen B. Fletcher, CPO. This is the first time that an orthotic and prosthetic professional has been a member of the ABC staff. Fletcher will work to represent the clinical aspects of the profession.
To view the ABC 2008 annual report, visit www.abcop.org/assets/pdf/abc_ar_6-3-09.pdf
