O&P Rising

Championing Change in O&P

In this episode of O&P Rising, recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Atlanta, host Kaleigh Neely, CPO, chats with Sheryl Sachs, CPO, of Dankmeyer Prosthetics & Orthotics. They explore the critical role of advocacy in the O&P profession, Sheryl’s journey into policy work, and why young professionals should get involved. The conversation also highlights the importance of research, collaboration, and legislative efforts to shape the future of the profession.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings. 

Professional Growth in O&P

In this episode, guest host Denise Hull, CPO, a newly certified prosthetist/orthotist at Wheeler O&P, chats with Gerry Stark, PhD, CPO/L, FAAOP(D), director of clinical and technical operations for BionIT Labs and president-elect of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. With over 30 years in the field, Gerry shares invaluable insights on mentorship, professional development, and navigating a purposeful career in O&P. He reflects on the evolution of the Academy, the power of networking, and the importance of embracing innovation. The conversation also explores how early-career clinicians can engage with professional societies, adopt emerging technologies, and set meaningful career goals to thrive in the profession. 
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Building Strong Connections in O&P

In this episode, guest host Amani Weekes-Daniel, a board-eligible prosthetist/orthotist at Active Life in Los Angeles, sits down with Leigh Davis, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP(D), from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, to explore the vital role of mentorship in the O&P profession. Together, they discuss how persistence, goal setting, and consistent communication can build meaningful and impactful mentor-protégé relationships, shaping the future of O&P professionals.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Understanding Dual Credentialing

In this episode, Anna Cook, an orthotic and prosthetic resident at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota, takes on hosting duties. She’s joined by Steve Fletcher, CPO, Director of Professional Credentialing for the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc., to discuss ABC's move to require dual certification for future practitioners. They delve into the historical decisions leading up to this change, which began with an increase in educational requirements and later included combined educational programs. They also cover the shift to combined residencies and board exams, the rationale behind these changes, and the impact on current and future residents. Steve highlights key dates and timelines for these new requirements, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead. The conversation also addresses the evolving nature of the profession and how the new dual certification will offer flexibility and efficiency in responding to demands, without compromising the ability to specialize.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Cultivating Positive Workplace Cultures

In this episode, Cassandra Delgado, CPO, an early career orthotist-prosthetist and Clinical Director at Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates in Middletown, NY, takes on hosting duties. She’s joined by Maggie Baumer, Leader of Enterprise Patient Advocacy at Hanger Clinic, and Dr. Chad Duncan, Orthotics and Prosthetics Program Director at Drexel University, for an engaging discussion on building a positive workplace culture. Together, they explore the impact of fostering a welcoming environment, encouraging teamwork, and practicing respectful communication. They share actionable strategies to address outdated behaviors, create open dialogue, and handle challenging situations using thoughtful communication techniques, paving the way for a more collaborative and supportive workplace.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.
 
Show notes
For additional resources on cultivating positive workplace cultures:
www.righttobe.org/resources 
Regional Resident Liaison (RRL) Network - The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education 
https://terrellstrayhorn.com/the-belonging-lab/ 
https://community.thriveglobal.com/why-workplace-belonging-is-critical-to-your-bottom-line/ 
https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/how-to-create-a-culture-of-belonging-at-your-company/438493 
For HR: 
https://www.shrm.org/home 

Supporting O&P Residents

In this episode, we continue the conversation with Kaleigh Neely, CPO of the P&O Group, and Abbey Senczyszyn, CPO of Bremer Prosthetic Design, joined by Nate Kapa, CP and president of Bremer Prosthetic Design. Together, they explore the challenges O&P residents face and the support systems that are crucial to their success. Highlighting the residency period as a vital investment in both future clinicians and patient care, they address the financial concerns while emphasizing the long-term benefits. The discussion also touches on the importance of better communication between educational institutions and residency sites to align expectations. Additionally, they underscore the role of enthusiasm, mentorship, and leadership opportunities in sustaining passion and fostering growth among young professionals in the field.
 
Be sure to listen to part 1 and part 2 of this conversation. 
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Overcoming Financial Challenges

In this episode, we continue the conversation between Kaleigh Neely, CPO, a certified orthotist-prosthetist at Geauga Rehabilitation Engineering and Abbey Senczyszyn, a certified orthotist prosthetist at Bremer Prosthetic Design. They discuss financial challenges faced by rising orthotists and prosthetists. The conversation emphasized the importance of advocating for better compensation and support systems to retain talent and improve the profession's longevity.
Be sure to listen to part 1 of this conversation here. 
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Managing Expectations in O&P

In this episode, we hand over the hosting duties to Sophia Marinucci, MS, MSOP, an orthotics resident at Yanke Bionics. Sophia sits down with Kristin Carnahan CPO, FAAOP, and DeAnna Chapman, CPO, FAAOP, to discuss managing expectations in the O&P profession. They explore the importance of effective communication, setting realistic expectations, and maintaining strong professional relationships. The discussion also covers "level setting" techniques to ensure alignment among all parties, along with strategies for managing both patient and personal expectations. Additionally, they emphasize the value of volunteering and the role of a growth mindset in advancing professional development.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings. 

Navigating Financial Challenges

In this episode, we hand over the hosting duties to Kaleigh Neely, CPO, a certified orthotist-prosthetist at Geauga Rehabilitation Engineering. Kaleigh sits down with Abbey Senczyszyn, a certified orthotist prosthetist at Bremer Prosthetic Design, to discuss managing finances as rising professionals in the O&P field. They explore the financial challenges of pursuing a master's degree and residency, including the burden of student loan debt, and stress the importance of companies investing in residents' education. Additionally, they highlight the need to support young professionals through networking, mentorship, and advocacy to prevent burnout and ensure ongoing engagement in their careers.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Advocacy in the O&P Profession

In this episode, we hand over the hosting duties to Trey Cimorelli, an orthotist prosthetist at Next Step Bionics and Prosthetics. Trey sits down with Nathan Kapa, CPO, president of Bremer Prosthetic Design and vice president of the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics.  They dive into the world of state and federal advocacy, discussing how unified efforts can lead to improved patient care. Tune in for updates on recent policy wins, the importance of consistency among O&P organizations, and the ongoing push for patient-centered approaches.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.