O&P professionals from all corners of the United States gathered at the prestigious Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, for the highly anticipated return of the IAAPOC Annual Meeting! Our first Scientific and Business Meeting since 2019 in Dallas, TX we had an incredible opportunity to connect, share knowledge, and foster collaborations that will shape the future of our field.

 

After opening words from our Host Amandi Rhett and our President Alpha Sanusi, Gregory Brusola, PhD, DPT, PT – PT presented ‘Considerations for the neuropathic affected patient.’ He teamed with Olutomi Olagundoye Atunrase, PT, DPT, CLT who added ‘PT/orthotic considerations for those with lymphedema.’ This team approach made for a very informative presentation.

 

Ciera A. Price, MSPO, CPO/L, a member of IAAPOC, presented ‘Advancing Prosthetic Socket Technology for Enhanced Limb Health & Performance in Service Members.’ After a short break, she was followed by Lisa Abernethy MSPO, CPO/L who provided a pediatric insight with ‘Evidence-Based Insights into Cranial Orthotics: A Comprehensive Examination of Literature, FAQs, and Future Directions.’

 

Following lunch sponsored by BCM O&P, we were treated by Fanny Schultea MS, MSEd, CPo, LP FAAOP(D) discussion of ‘The O&P Foundation for Education and Research.’ Glen Thompson, MS, CPO followed with ‘The Opra system from Integrum.’ Jason M. Jennings CPO/L provided ‘Considerations in lower Extremity Orthotic Alignment.’ The day lectures ended with ‘Innovate, Collaborate, Educate: The Interprofessional Approach to O&P Training’ presented by Jeremy Sherman, MS C/LPO.

 

The day ended with dinner at Lucille’s,  a nationally acclaimed restaurant in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, which specializes in well-refined Southern cuisine with infusions of international techniques and flavors.  There we enjoyed the friendly social atmosphere, good food, the company of three of our five surviving Founding Members, and the pouring of libations to our ancestors.

 

Saturday started with the IAAPOC’s Business Meeting that included the election of new Board Members. Juan Cave, MSPO, CPO started the scientific program with his presentation of ‘Rapid Gait Assessment Clinical Motion Analysis.’ Mr. Cave was followed by Marcus Knox, Physical Therapist ‘Insights into DEI in Healthcare’ and Dr. Shawn Johnson’s ‘W.T.K.A.F.O.?! (Considerations in prescribing orthotic intervention).’ Next was Gebreyesus Girmatsyion (Host of Dallas 2019) double presentation ‘(1) GTSRHC vacuum assist (2) Prosthetic & Orthotics in Eritrea and Ethiopia.’

 

The meeting closed out with James Dixon, Motivational Speaker and Advocate. His theme “Empowering Life” touched on his early life, the struggles he overcame, and what we must do to meet present and future battles to move forward in O&P and life. He ended with a $1000 donation to the IAAPOC scholarship. Thank you, Superman. https://www.instagram.com/supermanis4real/

 

For those who were not ready to end the day Amanda Rhett took us on a tour of Baylor’s O&P Lab. Baylor MSPO students led the tour and discussion of student life. Seasoned O&P professionals reminisced about their past days as students, and talked about what the new professionals have to look forward to.

 

Thank you to everyone who attended, exhibited, presented, and contributed to making this event a resounding success! We can't wait to see what will come from this collective effort.  And thank you to our board members Adrienne Hill, Amandi Rhett, Frank Daniels, Rondell Richardson, Alpha Sanusi, Michael Smith, Jack Steele, Cameron Stewart, and Tony Thaxton Jr.

 

Special thanks to our meeting hosts Amandi Rhett MS, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, meeting organizer Elizabeth Mansfield, and last but not least, Ashley Mullen, PhD, MSAT, CPO, Baylor College of Medicine Orthotics & Prosthetics Program.The IAAPOC Board and Membership also thank the following businesses for their special support in making this meeting possible:Diamond Sponsor – AlpsGold Sponsor – FillauerSilver Sponsor – CECAnd our exhibitors - Empire Medical, Cypress Adaptive, Cailor Fleming Insurance, Gazelle Healthcare Solutions, and Doctor's Touch.

 

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