The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) and Össur announced the opening of the application period for two grants available for individuals in O&P. Now in its second year, the Russell Walker CP, LP, Emerging Leader Grant pays tribute Walker, a practitioner who was passionate about mentoring the next generation of O&P leaders. In addition, OPGA and Össur Americas are co-sponsoring and co-supporting the inaugural Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant. Eagen, former president of OPGA, was an important leader in the O&P profession.
Both grants are designed to provide annual funding to a current O&P resident and certified orthotist or prosthetist (or both), respectively, that will allow them to attend and participate in two non-clinical events that are important to the O&P profession and the patients it serves. These events include the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) Policy Forum and the Challenged Athletes Foundation Triathlon Challenge.
“Anyone who knew Todd Eagen knew that he was heavily involved with several of our profession’s advocacy champions, including [the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics] and AOPA,” said Adam Miller, OPGA president. “He will always be remembered for his fierce commitment to helping others, his tireless efforts to make the O&P profession the best it can be, and above all, the friendships that he made along the way. That is why Össur and OPGA are privileged to honor both Todd Eagen and Russell Walker to provide these two grants.”
“Össur is honored to partner with OPGA to provide professional development opportunities for the future leaders of O&P while memorializing Rusty Walker and the imprint he left on the lives of his patients and colleagues,” said Shane Namack, vice president. “We look forward to facilitating these resident experiences as they aid in elevating the O&P profession.”
The application period closes February 10. A selection committee consisting of five O&P professionals will review the applications, and the recipient will be notified and announced during the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Annual Meeting being held March 1-4.
To apply for the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant, visit VGM.
To apply for the Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant, visit VGM.
