O&P Grant Application Period Now Open

Published in Orthotics & Prosthetics on January 03, 2023

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) and Össur have announced the application period is now open for two grants available for individuals in O&P.

Now in its second year, the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant is designed to pay tribute to Russell (Rusty) Walker, a practitioner that was passionate about mentoring the next generation of O&P leaders.

In addition, OPGA and Össur Americas are co-sponsoring and co-supporting the inaugural Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant. Todd Eagen, former president of OPGA, unexpectedly passed on June 4, 2022, and was an important leader in the O&P profession.

Both grants are designed to provide annual funding to a current O&P resident and certified orthotist or prosthetist (or both), respectively, that will allow them to attend and participate in two non-clinical events that are highly important to the O&P profession and the patients it serves. These events include the AOPA Policy Forum and the Challenged Athletes Foundation Triathlon Challenge.

“Anyone who knew Todd Eagen knew that he was heavily involved with several of our profession’s advocacy champions, including NAAOP and AOPA,” said Adam Miller, President, OPGA. “He will always be remembered for his fierce commitment to helping others, his tireless efforts to make the O&P profession the best it can be, and above all, the friendships that he made along the way. That is why Össur and OPGA are privileged to honor both Todd Eagen and Russell Walker to provide these two grants.”

In 2022, Cristalei Polk, Prosthetic Resident at ProCare Prosthetics, was named the inaugural grant recipient of the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant during the Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium on March 3, 2022.

“Össur is honored to partner with OPGA to provide professional development opportunities for the future leaders of O&P while memorializing Rusty Walker and the imprint he left on the lives of his patients and colleagues,” said Shane Namack, VP of Prosthetics for Össur. “We look forward facilitating these resident experiences as they aid in elevating the O&P profession.”

The application period closes Feb. 10, 2023. A selection committee consisting of five O&P professionals will review all applications, and the recipient will be notified and announced during the AAOP Annual Meeting, March 1–4, 2023.

To apply for the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant, click here.

To apply for the Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant, click here.

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