Consolidation of AOPA, ABC & AAOP) into one organization.
Although no longer that active in the mainstream of national O&P politics. I
still am interested in the views of my fellow practitioners about the work
going on to consolidate AOPA, ABC, and the Academy into one organization. This
to me is a major step being taken by the industry and I would have thought
this medium (The Internet) would be alive with discussions.
>From e-mails that I have received there seems to be opinions, pro and con, on
the topic. I was hoping that as this process goes forward there would be input
to the individuals writing the bylaws of this new organization from as wide a
cross-section of the industry as possible . I understand that “Consolidation”
it will be presented at the AAOP meeting, but not everyone attends the meeting
to give their input or to ask questions.
Some including myself have likened the three organizations to our government
with its three branches for checks and balances. AOPA a trade association
represents the businesses in the industry, the Academy (AAOP) representing the
individual professionals in the industry, and ABC setting the standards of
care for the public we serve.
I think the consolidation of the three (AOPA, ABC & AAOP) into one
organization is a topic that those of us in the industry should discuss freely
through this wonderful medium for communication, and it might even be of
interest to our clients (amputees & brace wearers). This consolidation could
have an impact upon all of us for many decades to come. 1917 AOPA, 1948 ABC,
1970 AOPA, 1999 ????.
To my surprise the consolidation seems to be of little interest to the people
involved in the industry that are on the Internet. I wonder about the rest of
the industry.
Al Pike, CP
