SAN ANTONIO — Charles H. Dankmeyer, Jr., CPO, president of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, gave the opening remarks during Friday’s general session and membership meeting, here.
He emphasized the importance of becoming involved in the fight for O&P credibility, as audits and changing regulations are affecting patient care.
“We are at a crucial point in our profession,” he said, “a point where data and outcomes are more critical than ever. It is no longer enough for us to provide for our patients, we have to fight to ensure payers are recognizing what we do.”
Recipients of this year’s awards were also honored during the ceremony.
Thomas V. DiBello, CO, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his continued leadership, dedication and passion for improving patient lives and O&P communities.
Charles V. Dankmeyer Jr., CPO, president of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association presents Thomas V. DiBello, CO, with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the AOPA National Assembly.
Source:Carter SM, O&P News
Husband and wife Charles Kuffel, CPO, FAAOP and Teri Kuffel, JD, received the Legislative Advocacy Award for their activism in O&P policy. Rick Riley also revived the award.
Tyler Klenow, BS, CPT-ACSM, received the Otto & Lucille Becker Award; Lisa Abernathy received the Edwin & Kathryn Arbogast Award; Elizabeth Esposito, PhD, and Megan Tang, MS, were recipients of this year’s Thrahardt Lecture Award.
Dankmeyer ended the ceremony by encouraging O&P leaders to attend policy forums and make their voices heard among Congress members.
“We have to stand up for what we believe in. We have to be strong and never quit,” he said. “In the face of adversity in our profession, the only way to predict the future is to invent it.”– by Shawn M. Carter
Reference: Dankmeyer C. General Session and AOPA Membership Meeting. Presented at: American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association National Assembly; Oct. 7-10, 2015; San Antonio.
Disclosure: Dankmeyer reports no relevant financial disclosures.
