Dear Friends:
As quickly as I posted my concern regarding the current O&P education system
I received many messages supporting my concern from both recent Grads to
people who have lost limbs. Everyone seems to agree that there needs to be a
foundation of technical training for all future practitioners. Some people
currently in their residency from the technically oriented programs compared
there abilities with Grads from other programs and stated that they can
definitely see the difference in confidence.
A few people are outright disgusted with working under so called incompetent
people that they are considering leaving the field.
One response answered some of my concerns and also killed the “rumor”
innuendo that I may have loosely stated. So I will share it with you, and it
comes from a reliable source.
Northwestern is not changing its program in length and has no intentions of
taking out the fabrication portion. They are looking into offering an
expanded Masters degree program that would be in addition to the
certificate program. There are no facts stating that any of the education
programs are willing to cut out the technical portion. In fact Newington has
stepped up
their program to try and include at least some fabrication and
fittings. This is difficult for some programs to accomplish as well
as others, but at least they are trying.
So my apologies to the programs for causing a possible stir. One email did
state that in order to keep up with the demands of more people who require
our services, the current availability of schools must change.
Thanks for your responses,
John Izak CPO
