O&P Grant Application Period Now Open

Published in Orthotics & Prosthetics on January 03, 2023

OPGA, Össur Announce Nomination Period for O&P Grants

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.


TAGS

  1. orthotics & prosthetics
  2. orthotics and prosthetics

From Our Experts

Locking the Digital Door to Risk: Proactive IT and Website Security Strategies to Protect Your Business thumbnail Locking the Digital Door to Risk: Proactive IT and Website Security Strategies to Protect Your Business With the increasing number of cyber threats and data breaches, it's important to take the necessary steps to protect your business from these risks. The PHE Is Over: What's Next? thumbnail The PHE Is Over: What's Next? In today's episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner, Senior Director of Marketing at VGM & Associates, talks with three of VGM's payer, billing, and reimbursement experts Ronda Buhrmester, Dan Fedor, and Craig Douglas about the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) and what that means for members. A Letter From the President, Adam Miller: May 2023 thumbnail A Letter From the President, Adam Miller: May 2023 Read from Adam Miller about the latest from OPGA, including the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry, O&P advocacy, and more. How to Navigate Supply Chain Issues thumbnail How to Navigate Supply Chain Issues The DMEPOS supply chain was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain procedures that were developed out of necessity during the pandemic's onset and peak have evolved into effective best practices. One of the most crucial lessons learned is the importance of close collaboration between providers and their trusted suppliers, manufacturers, or distributors to ensure success. Limb Loss Registry & Evidence-Based Care in O&P thumbnail Limb Loss Registry & Evidence-Based Care in O&P OPGA is proud to continue supporting the Limb Loss and Preservation Registry (LLPR), a national program to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of treatment and preservation of limb loss. Adam Miller and Tom Powers Attend Policy Forum in Washington D.C. thumbnail Adam Miller and Tom Powers Attend Policy Forum in Washington D.C. On Wednesday, May 10, the AOPA Policy Forum held in Washington D.C. brought together over 100 stakeholders, manufacturers, and practitioners in the field of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). The State of DMEPOS: Where Does Our Industry Stand Now, and Where Are We Heading? thumbnail The State of DMEPOS: Where Does Our Industry Stand Now, and Where Are We Heading? Jeremy Stolz, President, VGM & Associates and VGM Fulfillment, outlines several areas of DMEPOS to consider as part of your business' action plan for 2023. Congratulations to the 2023 Breece Fellowship Recipient thumbnail Congratulations to the 2023 Breece Fellowship Recipient But Ketelhohn is not just a superior student. She is highly engaged in the theater program at Hopkins and has honed her communications skills throughout the past several years in order to speak publicly with confidence and be the best advocate she can be.