O&P Rising

Early Career Growth in O&P

In this episode of O&P Rising, recorded live at the 52nd Academy Annual Meeting in Nashville, guest host Abbey Senczyszyn, CPO, of Bremer Prosthetic Design, sits down with Jonah Rhymer, MPO, CPO of Open Bionics, and Kathleen Carroll, MS, MSPO, CPO, FAAOP, of Hanger Clinic to explore how early-career professionals can grow and adapt in orthotics and prosthetics. Jonah shares how a single encounter with an above-knee prosthesis set him on a path from technician to clinician and ultimately into upper-limb specialization, fueled by a passion for emerging technologies like 3D printing and strengthened through mentorship and national networking. Kathleen reflects on her unconventional transition from graduate math into O&P, her focus on pediatric orthotics, and how she expanded into clinic leadership and outcomes work that blends data with patient care. Together, they discuss the importance of staying nimble as opportunities emerge, leaning into your strengths while embracing discomfort, and using professional meetings to build connections and close knowledge gaps. They also offer candid insights on navigating imposter syndrome, avoiding burnout, learning from mistakes, and shaping a career that evolves with purpose.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Resident Stressors and Challenges

In this episode, host Liz Morse, a prosthetic and orthotic resident at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin, leads a candid discussion on residency stressors and the transition into clinical practice. She is joined by Kelley Berk, MS, CPO, LPO, of Shamrock Prosthetics in Athens, Georgia, and Julie Quinlan, MPO, MS, CPO, ATC, FAAOP, of Hanger Clinic and associate director of the O&P program at Drexel University. Together, they explore how strong communication lays the foundation for success when joining a new clinic, from setting expectations with mentors and teammates to giving and receiving constructive feedback. The conversation addresses imposter syndrome, maintaining a growth mindset, and building patient trust through transparency, realistic timelines, and honest follow-up. They also share practical strategies for staying organized, reflecting on progress, celebrating daily wins, and leaning on community support to reduce burnout and sustain meaningful patient care.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Advocacy in Action: So Every BODY Can Move Building Momentum

In this episode, host Noelle Medina, a newly certified prosthetist and orthotist at Eastside O&P in Portland, Oregon, leads a powerful conversation on activism and advocacy within the O&P profession. They are joined by Kyle Stepp, elite paratriathlete and national strategic partnerships lead for So Every BODY Can Move, and Nicole Ver Kuilen, disability rights advocate and Director of Impact Campaigns at the Amputee Coalition and lead for So Every BODY Can Move. Kyle and Nicole share their personal journeys into advocacy and the experiences that inspired them to push for legislative change to improve access to prosthetic and orthotic care. The conversation explores the origin and growth of the So Every BODY Can Move movement, which is working to ensure equitable access to physical activity devices through policy efforts across the United States. They discuss the role clinicians can play in advocacy, the impact of laws already enacted in 12 states, and why a coordinated, nationwide approach is critical. 
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

O&P Career Pathways Part 4: Manufacturer Pathways

In this episode, guest host Dottie Anderson, CO, a prosthetic resident at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, speaks with Megan Hodgson, MPO, CPO, clinical operations manager at Point Designs and a member of the Academy’s board of directors, for part four of the O&P Career Pathways series. Megan reflects on her transition from clinical practice to manufacturing and how working in both worlds shapes her approach to product innovation and clinical education. They explore the role of clinician feedback in driving meaningful product development, the value of cross-team collaboration, and Megan’s advice for early career professionals interested in pursuing opportunities in the manufacturing side of O&P.
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

O&P Career Pathways Part 3: Academia Pathways

In this episode, guest host Alex Jensch—a master's of science in prosthetics and orthotics student at the University of Hartford (UHart), Connecticut—talks with Duffy Felmlee, CPO, FAAOP(D), professor at UHart, Academy treasurer, and co-chair of the Fabrication Science Society, for part three of the O&P Career Pathways series. Duffy reflects on his journey from clinical practice to academia, offering an inside look at the challenges, rewards, and unexpected joys of teaching in the O&P field. He shares practical insights on mentorship, time management, and leveraging technology to elevate learning. Alex and Duffy also discuss the importance of fostering meaningful connections with students and staying actively engaged in the profession.
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

O&P Career Pathways Part 2: Research Pathways

In this episode, guest host Julia Pines, certified orthotist and board-eligible prosthetist at OrthoPediatrics Specialty Bracing in Boston, sits down with Kiley Armstrong, MPO, CPO, research prosthetist-orthotist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, for part two of the O&P Career Pathways series. Together, they explore the research pathway in orthotics and prosthetics—what it looks like, how to pursue it, and why it matters. Kiley reflects on her early exposure to the field, her foundation in biomedical engineering, and the moments that sparked her passion for research. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of a research prosthetist-orthotist, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the work, the milestones that shape a research career, and the blend of curiosity and persistence it requires.
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

O&P Career Pathways Part 1: Clinical Pathways

In this episode, guest host Avery-Claire Littleton, resident prosthetist/orthotist at ForMotion Clinic in Alabama, kicks off a four-part O&P Career Pathways series with Trey Cimorelli, CPO at Next Step Bionics and Prosthetics in New Hampshire. Trey shares his journey from shadowing a local prosthetist to becoming a certified clinician, including his education at the University of Washington and dual residencies in orthotics and prosthetics. He offers an inside look at the daily responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of clinical practice—highlighting the value of patient relationships, lifelong learning, and adaptability. Trey also discusses his interest in incorporating video-based gait analysis, the role of active listening, and why problem-solving skills are essential in this evolving profession.
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Inside the O&P Diagnostic Toolbox

In this episode, guest host Hannah Perkins, resident prosthetist/orthotist at Macy O&P in Guilford, Connecticut, talks with Stephen Charry, CPO, FAAOP, assistant professor at the University of Hartford, about building and using a diagnostic toolbox in the O&P profession. Together, they explore essential tools such as patient history, physical assessments, and outcome measures, and why this toolbox should always evolve. The conversation also dives into the value of mentorship, hands-on learning, and lifelong education, while addressing common challenges clinicians face. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on collaboration, reflection, and strategies to deliver truly personalized, high-quality care.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

New O&P Residency Standards

In this episode, guest host Anna Cook, a board-eligible prosthetist orthotist at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota, sits down with Chris Robinson, MS, MBA, CPO, ATC, FAAOP(D), clinical resource director for the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). Together, they explore the newly introduced competency-based residency standards and what they mean for the future of O&P education. Robinson outlines the structure of the new model, its alignment with modern clinical practice, and the flexible implementation timeline. Key updates include the integration of orthotic and prosthetic disciplines, a stronger focus on professional competencies such as communication and clinical decision-making, and pathways for early adoption. The episode also highlights benefits for research track residents and reduced post-certification requirements for mentors and residency directors.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Shared Decision Making and Patient Empowerment in O&P

In this episode, guest host Molly Winget, CO and prosthetic resident at Boston O&P, talks with Chelsey Anderson, Pediatrics Research Fellow at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, about the critical role of shared decision making in prosthetic and orthotic care. They explore the difference between simply offering choices and genuinely involving patients and families in the care process. The conversation also highlights the value of evidence-based practice and offers practical tips for new clinicians to incorporate shared decision making, even when facing time pressures or limited experience.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.