B.J.-Unfortunately the consolidation proposal is official. Hopefully the “profession” will do the right thing and vote No.There remains too much confusion of several issues.
Once defeated , perhaps the Academy membership and indivisual practitioners will recognize the need of reform and common sense will prevail.The silver lining in the current debate of consolidation , has been the exposure for the need for by-law reform an
d professional unity.
Unity is not necessarily the product of consolidation.
It is alarming to witness the growing dissention within the rank and file and general membership of the O&P organizations as this debate continues,but it is healthy AND NECESSARY to lead to constructive reform.
In my opinion , constructive reform is only possible without consolidation of the two seperate interest groups.
Everyone seems to have their own agenda. It gets down to one statement. “What is good for the consumer,
and what is good for the consumer will be good for the profession!”
A consolidated National Office will dilute the image and credibility of this health care profession, my opinion!!
Tony
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Instead of attempting to consolidate, we should push for strict practice
requirements (i.e., Bachelors in related areas, prerequisite education,
completion of a postgraduate certificate program, 12 month residency, ABC
certification).
B.J. Stagner Jr., C.O.
