General sessions and breakout tracks include clinical topics in orthotics, prosthetics, and free papers; and business, digital, technical, and pedorthic education. The schedule has plenty of options for every interest and opportunities for networking or just catching up with colleagues, educators, and researchers—there will be no shortage of O&P experts. With so many great choices to fill your schedule, the editors at The O&P EDGE narrowed down a few for your consideration.
- In a pre-show course on Wednesday afternoon, “Providing Breastcare Fitting in an O&P Facility in 2025 and Beyond” offers ideas about how to add services to an existing O&P business.
- The official program starts on Thursday with the “Opening General Session: Shine on O&P” showcasing the O&P patient stories and the practitioners and manufacturers who make them happen.
- The “Ask Me Anything Content Experts Table” in the Exhibit Hall offers “office hours” with an O&P professional. Experts in product development, career awareness, AI, and more will be ready for one-on-one drop-ins.
- The “ALJ Mock Trial” offers an interactive simulation with real-life examples to demonstrate the look and feel of a real trial including a plaintiff, defendant, and judge.
- In one of many sessions about changes happening in clinical care, “Digital Transformation in Prosthetic and Orthotic Care: New Approaches for a Changing Landscape” looks at how digital tools are changing EMR/EHR systems and opening the door to nontraditional solutions.
- One of the lab sessions brings the topic of footwear to the O&P business model with “The Most Practical Alternative to Custom Shoes: Relasting” with a demonstration of remaking commercial shoes for the O&P patient, saving them some time and money.
- In the Business Education track, the “New AI & Marketing Ideas to Support and Expand Your Business” panel session will show what AI can bring to the table without adding marketing staff.
- “Bridging Innovation and Tradition: Implementing Digital Technologies in O&P Care and Education,” part of the Digital track, shares the trick of balancing innovative thinking with foundational skills, including overcoming growing pains for digital success.
- In a topic vital to any O&P business and touched on in several session, the “Will They Stay? Considerations for Early-Career Clinician Retention” symposium will share approaches to reduce employee turnover.
