The Orthotic and Prosthetic Education and Research Foundation (OPERF) and the Center for Orthotic and Prosthetic Learning and Outcomes/Evidence-Based Practice (COPL) are merging into one entity under the name and management of The Orthotic and Prosthetic Foundation for Education and Research (The Foundation).
The organizations believe that merging will create synergies, reduce future O&P research redundancy, further the evolution toward a unified voice for the O&P profession, and increase the value proposition to their subscribers by enhancing and leveraging investments.
The organizations began discussions about the merger in early 2020. “I couldn’t be more pleased to have been a part of this most thoughtful and deliberate process of establishing the structure for this newly merged Foundation to support the research efforts of so many deserving individuals, and to further extend much-needed support for O&P students,” said Don Katz, MHA, CO/L, FAAOP, OPERF chairperson.
The Foundation’s mission is to advance the art and science of orthotic and prosthetic rehabilitation by:
- Enhancing clinical practices through professional training awards
- Promoting educational opportunities through academic scholarships
- Strengthening the body of knowledge through research grants and fellowships
- Inspiring excellence through the recognition of scholarly achievements
“This merger represents the exciting and rapid growth of O&P education and research,” said Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CPO, FAAOP(D), chair of the COPL board. “It will create opportunities for O&P research, the profession, and most importantly, for the patients it serves.”
The Foundation will begin operation on October 1. Although OPERF and COPL will dissolve, all award, grant, and scholarship programs for both foundations will remain intact and will be fulfilled by The Foundation.
A transition board has been appointed to The Foundation for twelve months, with Katz and Wurdeman serving as co-chairs. The transition board will focus on establishing The Foundation’s brand identity and administrative processes and work toward forming The Foundation’s first official board of directors to begin its term on October 1, 2023. The OPERF and COPL websites will be fully functional during the transition period. The Foundation’s website will launch in 2023.
