http://forum.repoc.northwestern.edu
Above is the link for the forum to discuss TECHNICAL issues with other interested parties. In particular you have the opportunity to state and discuss your interests with Engineers and other academics who are in a position to influence directions of research and development.
This is an opportunity that the more academically inclined prosthetists and orthotists should seize . The forum is not indefinite and will probably close January 15 2006 if I am understanding it correctly.
It is a forum MEANT to identify areas that more research and development are needed in
Again , this is a rare opportunity, although I think it should be an on-going process.
Apathy in this field , or the lack of time and interest in furthering our understanding, or increasing our options for more appropriate components, techniques etc, seems to me, a factor that eventually leads to the endless and frequent debates about who and who isn’t qualified to do what.
The smarter we are the more we will be acknowledged as possessing a body of knowledge worth paying for.
It is important to know what we may be missing, how we can improve, expanding our awareness of options, understand the technical mechanical dimensions as well as increasing our ability to assess the pts physical limitations and psychological implications. This goes without saying, but without active participation in the forum and the survey that was also mentioned in previous posts, is difficult to help actualize these goals.
I would hope that ,at the very least, members of the Academy and ISPO, would participate to show that their membership is not in name only. Thus far there have been very few contributors. Al Pike CP, in particular, continues to demonstrate his active interest in the field and has contributed significantly to the newly formed forum.
I would hope others would follow his lead.
I would like to reiterate that my understanding is that this forum is only open until Jan 15th. This is the time to contribute your experienced input and share your needs for further knowledge.
Although I have focused on P&O people, the input of engineers and therapists as well as rehab physicians would be valuable.
Sincerely,
Mark Benveniste RN BS CP
MEDVA Med Ctr
Houston, TX
USA
