O&P professionals had many chances to partake in hands-on experiences throughout this year’s event. Many practitioners worked with 3-D printed prostheses for the first time during the event’s 3-D printing workshop, which allowed participants to build their own devices. Meanwhile, technicians competed over several days to earn the title of “Fastest Technician in the West” by assembling an articulating AFO as quickly as possible. Participants also had the chance to learn about new technologies while browsing the exhibit hall and ask their Medicare questions in person during educational sessions.
The welcome reception kicked off with a ribbon cutting. At right is Charles H. Dankmeyer Jr., CPO, president of AOPA. At left is Tina Moran, CMP, senior director of membership, operations and meetings for AOPA.From left: David Wegner, CPO; Robert S. Kuenzi, CP; and Adam Waugh browse and tinker with a selection of 3-D printed children’s prostheses. A 3-D printer and 3-D printed hands were on display at a 3-D printing workshop.Thomas Coronado, CPOA, proudly displays his name at the top of the list for the technical fabrication contest. Coronado had the fastest time in assembling an AFO, with just under 47 seconds, on the afternoon of Oct. 9.Joel Schulz (back left) and Jeff Erenstone, CPO, workshop leader (back right), work with their team to quickly assemble their 3-D printed hand before other participants. Timothy Matthees, CTO, shows off a 3-D printed prosthetic arm at AOPA’s hands-on 3-D printing workshop. David Keck, CP, left, chats with Robert F. Pacini, CPO, about the process of building and delivering a 3-D printed hand.Participants get a feel for a 3-D printed lower-limb prosthesis skin. Ashley Rinck, student at Arizona State University, competes in the technical fabrication contest.
