O&P Clinical Care Insiders

Elevating Excellence: The Value of the Academy’s Fellow Designation

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.

Improving Lymphedema Care in O&P

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.

Growth, Community Engagement, and the Impact of the O&P Foundation: A Conversation with Fanny Schultea

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.

Pain Science, Assessment, and the Future of Patient Care: A Conversation with Samantha Stauffer

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.

Mistakes, Clinical Insights, and the Pursuit of Excellence in Prosthetic Care: A Conversation with Dr. Gerald Stark

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.

Scoliosis management and bracing

In the inaugural episode of our quarterly podcast, O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), chats with Jonathan Taylor, director of clinical development and education at Spinal Technology. They explore the complexities of scoliosis bracing, comparing various brace types. Taylor emphasizes the lack of a single superior bracing method, noting the importance of clinical expertise and patient compliance. The conversation also touches on the impact of digital design and fabrication techniques in modern orthotic practices and the crucial role of industry partners in clinical decision-making. They conclude by highlighting the ongoing need for patient-centric care and the valuable resource role that companies like Spinal Technology can play for clinicians.
This episode is sponsored by Spinal Technology.
 
Show Notes
1:27 Spinal Technology depth of knowledge- Orthotic Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
2:40 Basics of Brace Design
5:10 Back to Basics- Variations of Brace Design
10:55- Good visual to explain the different approaches and different techniques 
Providence Nocturnal Scoliosis® Orthosis
3D Boston (Style) Scoliosis Brace
3D Chêneau (Style) Scoliosis Brace
Low Profile Milwaukee Brace
Not all Braces Are Created Equal
 
11:30 Nocturnal vs Full Time Bracing
Advantages of Nocturnal Bracing
Corrective Forces of Full-Time Bracing
Research in Nocturnal Bracing
2001 Nighttime Bracing Study with the Providence
Illustrations of the Providence Nocturnal Scoliosis® Orthosis
Illustrations of the Boston (Style) Full-Time Orthosis
 
12:30- Compliance
stWear Compliance Monitoring System
14:00 Parent Resources
 
16:56 Hyper correction Forces 
Growth Plates
20:23 What is Scoliosis
What are Scoliosis Braces
20:34 Pub Med Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
22:50 Practitioner Resources
23:12 CAD/CAM Digital Design
27:25 Case Study Scoliosis Specialists
Top 10 Reasons

Technicians, Workforce Development, and the Future of O&P Craftsmanship: A Conversation with Mike Madden

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.

Diabetic Foot Health, Orthotic Interventions, and the Role of Collaborative Care: A Converation with Dr. Rory Gilhooly

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), talks with Dr. Rory Gilhooly, a podiatric physician at Community Podiatry Group in Flint, MI, about diabetic foot health in O&P care. They discuss orthotic interventions for diabetic foot management, highlighting the importance of carefully monitoring inserts and footwear to prevent complications. Dr. Gilhooly shares insights on surgical options for managing diabetic foot issues and emphasizes the value of regular follow-ups to catch early warning signs, such as calluses or infections. The conversation also underscores the essential collaboration between podiatrists and prosthetists to provide the best patient outcomes.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

Digital Workflows, 3D Printing, and the Evolution of Scanning Technology: A Conversation with Joe Fairley, CP

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Joe Fairley, CP, Business Development Manager of Digital Services for Proteor. They explore the evolution of CAD CAM technology in orthotics and prosthetics, focusing on the transition from traditional carvable files to 3D printable designs and the significant advancements in scanning technology. Joe shares insights on overcoming challenges such as the learning curve for clinicians and emphasizes the critical role of training and education. He also advocates for using consultants to ease the adoption of digital tools and forecasts continued growth in digital workflows, with exciting potential for future innovations in scanning technology and AI integration.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.

Biomechanics, Osseointegration, and Holistic Benefits: A Conversation with Dr. Nicholas Gomez and Dr. Julia Dunn

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Nicholas Gomez, PhD, CPO, FAAOP, an injury biomechanics consultant, a biomechanical engineer and a certified prosthetist, and Julia Dunn, PhD, a biomedical engineer specializing in biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering at the University of Utah, College of Engineering. They discuss their diverse backgrounds and the interdisciplinary nature of their research, focusing on the benefits of upper-extremity prosthetic devices, including their positive effects on gait and biomechanics. The discussion also covers the advantages of osseointegration in enhancing comfort, proprioception, and prosthesis usage. Tune in to learn about the holistic benefits of prosthetic devices, including passive wear to improve balance and alleviate issues such as back pain.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.