American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=tp-3A__oandp.org&d=IFAw&c=6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=uawjwNpT9A2bnhzaNVjw8wO7L_TDosEXIk33h_tlw&m=l-MA_XuQZOfSIZ4QvdGyxbLChb6mPjM1kFKxG1efw&s tXEWRKTqjpF0p83rt7mgU1CjmTJRduJGjhHWbWnFI&e=
Monday, March 1, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Manisha Bhaskar
Phone: (202) 380-3663
Email: [email protected]
Academy Paves Education Pathway for Diversity, Inclusion, and Competent Care in O&P
Bethesda, MD (March 1, 2021) – The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists’ (the Academy) Diversity and Inclusion Panel unveiled plans to develop a Certificate Program focusing on increasing an understanding and awareness of diverse populations in relation to the O&P profession as a whole to include professional opportunities, advancement, and patient care.
“I am encouraged to know that our national organization recognizes and encourages the contributions of those persons that are under-represented in the field of O&P. The goals of the diversity and inclusion certificate program will be to educate our membership in order to bolster positive and inclusive environments for fellow practitioners, support staff, and the patients we serve. Also, to provide tools to create opportunities for students in underrepresented communities to get involved in our profession,” stated Academy Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Panel Chair, Amandi Rhett, MS, CPO, LPO.
In addition to creating this Certificate Program, the panel will assist the Academy’s Education Development Council in providing resources for Academy members to assist them in providing culturally competent care to diverse populations. Identify, develop, and implement strategies to overcome barriers that minorities face when choosing a career in orthotics and prosthetics, and act as a resource on issues related to minorities in the orthotic and prosthetic profession.
“I could not be more proud of the individuals and the mission of our inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Panel. This panel’s formation is an important first step in creating awareness and bridging the gap in care that occurs too often in our current healthcare system. I was extremely impressed by our Chair, who stated emphatically when invited to serve, that this group represents not just diversity but also inclusion. It is about building a diverse group of clinical experts and Academy members who define the paradigm for equitable, compassionate, culturally conscious care to the populations we serve. This group will be an invaluable resource to the Academy, its members, and the profession at large,” stated Academy President, Jared Howell, MS, CPO, FAAOP.
The Academy formed a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Panel to help address the need for diversity within the O&P profession and further education and understanding of cultural competency as it relates to the many ethnicities that make up the O&P patient care population.
About the Academy
The Academy, founded in 1970, is the professional organization representing certified practitioners, state-licensed practitioners, assistants, technicians, fitters, and others affiliated with the profession of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). It is dedicated to helping its members provide the highest level of professionalism and service to their patients. To learn more about the Academy, please visit https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=tp-3A__www.oandp.org&d=IFAw&c=6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=uawjwNpT9A2bnhzaNVjw8wO7L_TDosEXIk33h_tlw&m=l-MA_XuQZOfSIZ4QvdGyxbLChb6mPjM1kFKxG1efw&s=PsvNrQbxpJZ790BTptSCo98yaKg546t81lvknIJE4&e=
Manisha S. Bhaskar
Senior Director of Communications & Development
________________________________________
American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 760
Bethesda, MD 20814
PHONE: (202) 380-3663
FAX: (202) 380-3447
