The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) has announced the creation of its Upper Limb Loss Advisory Council. The council’s purpose is to increase services, expand programs, and develop materials specifically for people with upper-limb loss or limb difference. Robert D. Doty Jr., MD, has been named the chair of the council, which also includes Kim Doolan; Randy Alley, BSc, CP, CFT, FAAOP; David Rotter, CPO; Sean McHugh; Ruth Morris, LMSW; Shawn Swanson, OTR/L; and Jim Haag.
According to the ACA, Doty has been active in educating and providing support for people with upper-limb loss, in addition to advocating for prosthetic parity at the state and federal levels. Doty, a retired emergency-room physician from Clarksville, Tennessee, lost his left arm as a result of trauma.
“Having these dedicated individuals helping us develop targeted programs and services for people living with upper-limb loss or limb differences is truly a valuable addition to the Amputee Coalition of America,” said Kendra Calhoun, ACA president and CEO. “I look forward to working with them to create a diversity of upper-limb-loss programs and new, exciting opportunities.”
Individuals with upper-limb loss currently make up approximately 25 percent of the limb-loss community.
“On behalf of the council, we are excited to be a prominent part of the Amputee Coalition of America and play a leadership role in upper-limb-loss program development,” said Doty. “I am honored to serve as the council’s first chair. We look forward to the work ahead.”
The council begins its work this summer by conducting a review of current ACA materials and making recommendations for additional areas of service, the ACA said.
“I have complete confidence in the council and Dr. Doty’s leadership,” Calhoun said. “All the council members are enthusiastic and have exceptional credentials both professionally and as individuals committed to working with the limb-loss community.”
