AOPA Press Release Archives
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Contact: Steven Rybicki
srybicki@AOPAnet.org
(571) 431-0876
STANDARD-SETTING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ATTRACT ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC PROFESSIONALS
Alexandria, Va.- Aug. 31 - One of the crucial reasons the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association’s National Assembly is the highlight of the profession’s year is because of the expansive educational opportunities available. This year’s Assembly, September 17-20 in Las Vegas, continues the tradition of top-notch educational programming.
The scope of the Assembly’s educational outreach reflects the Association’s dedication to enriching the practices of professionals in the orthotics and prosthetics field. AOPA seminars provide the most current information regarding the manufacturing of products, advanced clinical skills and business development.
When it comes to advanced technology, it’s the National Assembly where orthotics and prosthetics professionals attend workshops where they are given hands-on access to the latest, advanced equipment. Companies leading the way in innovation bring their newest products and introduce them to clinicians. These rigorous demonstrations are divided into concurrent sessions, so as to allow a maximum number of members to participate, but within the confines of a small, intense classroom environment.
The clinical education courses are devoted to techniques currently being developed and tested. Clinical presentations at the Assembly share the results of extensive, and in some cases multi-year, research endeavors. Clinicians attending these lectures enhance their patient-treatment skills and knowledge of current, peer-reviewed research.
The Thranhardt lectures are the annual centerpiece of the clinical education program. The Thranhardt Lecture series was established in 1995 by J.E. Hanger, Southeast, a provider of orthotic and prosthetic products and services, in memory of Howard R. Thranhardt. The fund provides a $1,000 honorarium to be awarded to the best, or top two, clinical research papers submitted for review and presentation.
Robert Gailey and Ian Engelman deliver this year’s Thranhardt lectures. Gailey will speak on the implementation of artificial intelligence and sensory input in the development of the "Power Knee." Engleman’s presentation explains his research on the biomechanics of an effective ankle-foot orthosis.
No aspect of the field profession is neglected. Rigorous business education seminars give orthotics and prothetics personnel the opportunity to learn strategies that maximize their practice’s ability to thrive. AOPA experts clearly explain how to deal with the intricacies of Medicare coding, which means members will be accurately reimbursed for their work. Additionally, AOPA’s team of business advisors answer the toughest questions from industry insiders and offers reliable tactics to keep all types of facilities in robust financial condition.
AOPA, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is the largest non-profit organization dedicated to helping orthotic and prosthetic businesses and professionals navigate the multitude of issues surrounding the delivery of quality patient care. This year the association celebrates the 90th anniversary of its founding, when needs of returning veterans in the aftermath of World War I required a national organization to address the educational and research requirements of the industry.