In this episode, recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium in Atlanta, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Tara Wright, CPO, FAAOP, a prosthetist-orthotist at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St Paul, Minnesota. Together, they dive into the evolving role of additive manufacturing in orthotics and prosthetics, discussing how digital workflows, software integration, and step-by-step tech adoption can enhance clinical outcomes. Tara shares real-world examples of how embracing innovation—at a manageable pace—can benefit both practitioners and patients. The conversation also highlights the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing the profession.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Keith Smith, CO, LO, FAAOP, and David Wilson, MPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, to discuss the value of the Academy’s Fellow designation. Together, they explore why this credential matters, not just for individual recognition, but for advancing the entire O&P profession. From the history and purpose of the Fellowship to the practical steps for earning the designation, the discussion highlights how becoming a Fellow fosters professional growth, peer collaboration, and higher standards of care. They talk about initiatives like Fellows First Friday and how the designation helps shape external perceptions of the field while opening new doors for career advancement.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), speaks with Lindsay E. Ryback, director of lymphology & phlebology at Thuasne, and Lesleigh Sisson, CFo, CFm, vice president and general manager of O&P Insight. Recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting in Atlanta, the conversation explores lymphedema, a chronic condition caused by abnormal lymph fluid buildup. Lindsay and Lesleigh discuss treatment options, including Complete Decongestive Therapy and compression therapy, and break down the impact of the newly passed Lymphedema Treatment Act. They highlight the power of patient advocacy in shaping this legislation and what it means for coverage, reimbursement, and O&P practices looking to integrate lymphedema care. Lindsay also shares how Thuasne's products and resources support clinicians in delivering effective treatment.

This episode is sponsored by Thuasne and O&P Insight

Show notes

The following links were mentioned during this podcast episode.

Lymphedema Compression Treatment Items (from CMS.gov)

Lymphedema Advocacy Group

Lymphedema Compression Treatment Items: Implementation (from CMS.gov)

O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium in Atlanta, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Fanny Schultea, MS, MSED, CPO/L, FAAOP(D), executive director of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research. They dive into the remarkable growth of the O&P Foundation over the past two years, spotlighting significant donations and pledges from ABC and AOPA. Fanny also shares how the community can engage with the Foundation through volunteering, donations, and providing valuable feedback. The conversation explores the Foundation’s core program areas—education, research, and professional awards—and their vital impact on clinicians and the O&P profession at large.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Samantha Stauffer, MSOP, CPO, FAAOP, director of research at Independence Prosthetics-Orthotics, to discuss her groundbreaking research on pain and performance in post-amputation patients, featured as a Thranhardt Lecture Award at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting. Samantha shares her journey into pain science, explores central sensitization, and explains the PQRST method for pain assessment. They also discuss strategies for identifying and managing pain, the value of a multidisciplinary approach, and tools to enhance patient outcomes.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In our season 3 premiere episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), talks with Gerald Stark, PhD, MSEM, CPO/L FAAOP(D), a certified prosthetist orthotist and director of clinical and technical operations for BionIT Labs. They discuss the importance of learning from mistakes for continual improvement in clinical care. Dr. Stark outlines five common errors clinicians face, including misinterpreting anterior distal pressure, improper femoral positioning during casting, and failing to accommodate hip flexion contractures. They also discuss the impact of padding the wrong wall for transfemoral sockets and incorrectly outsetting the foot in trans-tibial prosthetics. Through these insights, Dr. Stark emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in prosthetic and orthotic care.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), talks with Mike Madden, CPO, FAAOP, about the often-overlooked role of technicians in O&P. Together, they explore the significance of technical expertise, strategies for effective workforce development, and ways to attract and retain skilled talent. Madden delves into the creative and essential nature of technical work, advocates for improved pay and benefits, and discusses how modular education approaches could address workforce shortages in the field.

O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.