O&P Clinical Care Insiders

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.

Biomechanics, OI, and the Future of Accessibility: A Conversation with Francois Van Der Watt

In the latest episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Francois Van Der Watt, CPO, LPO, a certified orthotist-prosthetist and owner of Van Der Watt Prosthetics & Orthotics. Together, they explore cutting-edge advancements in running prosthetics, covering topics like bench alignment and the imperative for manufacturers to integrate the latest scientific findings. They delve into the controversies surrounding bilateral prosthetics, while also contemplating the potential impact of artificial intelligence and biomechanics on the future of prosthetic design. They also emphasize the importance of advocating for accessible prosthetics and orthotics, highlighting the need for choice, affordability, and personalization to improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
 
This episode is sponsored by Ottobock. 
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings. 
 

Fabrication, interprofessional collaboration, and advocacy: A Conversation with Lindi Mitsou

In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Lindi Mitsou, MSPO, CPO, a clinical applied assistant professor of prosthetics and orthotics at the University of Hartford, and co-chair of the Academy's Fabrication Sciences Society. They discuss recent advancements and trends in prosthetic and orthotic fabrication, highlighting the importance of interprofessional collaboration and the value of continuing to learn new techniques. Mitsou also shares her experience as Connecticut's lead advocate for the So Every BODY Can Move initiative.
 
O&P Clinical Care Insiders is produced by Association Briefings.