O&P Rising

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 They share actionable strategies to address outdated behaviors, create open dialogue, and handle challenging situations using thoughtful communication techniques, paving the way for a more collaborative and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.

Mastering the Interview

In this episode, recorded live at the 50th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Chicago, we continue our conversation with Gloria Lee, MSPO, CPO, an instructor at Northwestern University Prosthetics Orthotics Center in Chicago and Adrienne Hill, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, program director of Kennesaw State's O&P Master's Program. They dive into the interview process, sharing tips for O&P professionals on how to prepare for and ace their interviews, evaluate potential employers, and make the most out of every interview opportunity.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Mastering Resume Writing

In this episode, recorded live at the 50th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Chicago, we hand over the hosting duties to Gloria Lee, an instructor at Northwestern University Prosthetics Orthotics Center in Chicago. Gloria sits down with Adrienne Hill, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, program director of Kennesaw State's O&P Master's Program, for an insightful conversation on the art of resume and cover letter writing. Dive into practical tips and expert advice on crafting a standout resume and cover letter that will propel your career in the O&P field.
 
This episode is sponsored by Qwadra.
 
O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

Supporting the Future of O&P

In this episode, recorded live at the 50th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Chicago, we hand over the hosting duties to Nicole Walker, MS, CPO, a doctoral candidate in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Minnesota, and a board certified research prosthetist orthotist in the Minneapolis Adaptive Design & Engineering (MADE) program at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Nicole sits down with Fanny Schultea, MS, MSEd, CPO, LP, FAAOP(D), executive director of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research, for an engaging discussion exploring the mission of the Foundation, its impact on the O&P community, and exciting funding opportunities available. Discover how you can get involved with the Foundation and contribute to its vision for the future. Plus, gain insight into the types of groundbreaking research projects being supported by the Foundation.

Navigating the O&P Residency Roadmap

In episode 14, we hand over the hosting duties to Madison Ciccaglione, a board-eligible orthotist prosthetist in northern New Jersey. Join her as she engages in a lively conversation with Eric Watters, residency program coordinator & accreditation assistant at the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education. Together, they explore the ins and outs of applying for residency, navigating the application and interview process, and the crucial aspects of advocating for the profession.