>In the course of reviewing the various opinions that have been posted
>regarding the consolidation discussion, one point has been overlooked,
>and that is the composition of eligible voters.
>
> Apparently, only the 45 to 55% of ABC practitioners who are members of
>the Academy and/or AOPA have the right to vote. Since the ABC is not a
>”membership” organization, there thus exists an almost equal number of
>practitioners who will not have a say in the impeding vote for
>consolidation.
>
> It would be easy to say, shame on them for not being participatory in
>the Academy, but the non-AAOP and non-AOPA practitioners will have to
>live with the decision we take on the matter.
>
> Obviously, those non-AAOP practitioners have made a value based
>decision not to be a member. It is also not a crime to not be a business
>owner and AOPA member. Cutting this group out from the vote may only
>serve to alienate them further, and who can predict their future
>decisions to support the final national office format.
>
> I would hope that the consolidation review process could take the
>opportunity to entice this group into the discussion, with perhaps, the
>offer of a voting influence. It could only serve to make the national
>body of our profession stronger.
>
>Sincerely,
>Gary G. Bedard, CO, FAAOP
Gary, you are right. Those ABC certifees that have chosen not to be members
of the Academy cannot and should not vote on the future of the Academy.
Neither should non-AOPA members vote on its future. “You have to pay to
play.”
Having said that, my turning point at the consensus conference was with the
realization (sometimes I can be thickheaded) that ALL ABC practitioners and
registered associates would have a vote in the new AAOP.
They will be able to attend the Academy meeting (and I assume the business
meeting) and have their voices heard. But they could not vote on any
business of the current Academy. They can also use forums like this,
letters to the steering committee, and letters to the Almanac and O&P
Business News. Terry
Terry Supan, CPO
Associate Professor
Director, Orthotic Prosthetic Services
SIU School of Medicine
Orthotic Prosthetic Services, LL0300
PO Box 19652
Springfield, IL., USA, 62794-9652
phone: (217) 782-5682
fax: (217) 782-7323
E-mail:
