O&P Rising, hosted by rising O&P professionals, offers candid insights from seasoned O&P professionals on topics that are relevant to those interested in starting out on the right foot when it comes to a career in O&P. During these half-hour sessions, students, residents, and newly certified practitioners will speak with established O&P professionals to get their take on what worked well for them.
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Prosthetist Podcasts
The AMP'D UP211 Podcast is proud to feature extraordinary individuals in the Limb Loss Community. Our Video Podcast episodes feature athletes, celebrities, public speakers, practitioners, and innovators in the world of prosthetics.
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Join Seth O’Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), as he dissects clinical care topics with leaders of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Scientific Societies and the O&P profession. During these 30-minute podcasts, guests will discuss their area of clinical care and share personal experiences as professionals in that specialty and beyond, offering a relaxed journey into the professional lives of those that focus on a specific area of O&P patient care.
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Welcome to The Prosthetic Experience. For many, understanding what it means to have to use a prosthetic rather than a natural limb is very hard to comprehend. We understand what a prosthetic is at a basic level, but we do not understand how its limits impact day to day activities and the impact it has on a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. The excitement today is how technology is changing so rapidly and how we are getting closer to bionics that grant amputees human-surpassing ab ...
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Shared Decision Making and Patient Empowerment in O&P
24:17
24:17
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24:17In this episode, guest host Molly Winget, CO and prosthetic resident at Boston O&P, talks with Chelsey Anderson, Pediatrics Research Fellow at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, about the critical role of shared decision making in prosthetic and orthotic care. They explore the difference between simply offering choices and genuinely involving patients…
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Strength Beyond the Scale - Mark Ksobiech
48:18
48:18
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48:18What happens when determination outweighs despair? In this powerful episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski sits down with Mark Ksobiech, an amputee who lost over 250 pounds and reclaimed his life in the face of overwhelming challenges. Mark opens up about the emotional and physical transformation that reshaped his identity, his he…
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Addressing the Psychosocial Impact of Scoliosis
30:05
30:05
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30:05In this episode, recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium in Atlanta, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), explores the psychosocial impact of scoliosis with two leading voices in the field: Megan Glahn Castille, MS, CPO/LPO, assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine and founder of the nonprofit Scolios-us, and …
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Limb Preservation Foundation - Hope Beyond Limits 2025 - PART 2
1:10:17
1:10:17
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1:10:17Part 2 of this special live series brings you straight to the heart of the 2025 Limb Preservation Foundation Symposium, where leaders in medicine, technology, advocacy, and lived experience come together to reshape the future of limb care. Hosted and created by Rick Bontkowski, The AMP’D UP211 Podcast continues its mission to amplify voices from th…
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In this episode, guest host Caitlin Peters, CPO, a board-certified prosthetist and orthotic resident at Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC, sits down with Shree Thaker, Director of Communications and Partnerships at the Amputee Coalition. Together, they explore the Coalition’s powerful evolution—from a grassroots peer support group to…
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Limb Preservation Foundation - Hope Beyond Limits 2025 - PART 1
1:02:56
1:02:56
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1:02:56Recorded live at the 2025 Limb Preservation Foundation Symposium in Golden Colorado, this is Part 1 of a powerful two-part AMP’D UP211 series that captures the energy, advocacy, and innovation driving the future of limb loss and limb preservation. Hosted by amputee and podcast creator Rick Bontkowski, this special episode puts you in the room with …
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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 Tara Wright, CPO, FAAOP, a prosthetist-orthotist at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St Paul, Minnesota. Together, they dive into the evolving role of additive manufacturing in orthotics a…
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What does it take to change a life with the gift of mobility? In this inspiring episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski, a right below-knee amputee, and passionate advocate, sits down with Randy Titony, Executive Director of the Limbs for Life Foundation. Randy shares the powerful story behind Limbs for Life’s mission to provide pr…
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In this episode of O&P Rising, recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Atlanta, host Abbey Senczyszyn, CPO, of Bremer Prosthetic Design, chats with Adrienne Hill, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, program director of Kennesaw State's O&P Master's Program. Together, they explore the vital role of mentorship, personal branding, and …
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Meet Jason Barnes, the drummer who defied the odds after losing his arm in an accident. He didn’t just return to drumming… he revolutionized it. With the help of cutting-edge robotics and pure grit, Jason now plays with a bionic arm and is pushing the boundaries of human potential. In honor of Limb Loss Awareness Month, this episode isn’t just abou…
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Elevating Excellence: The Value of the Academy’s Fellow Designation
29:22
29:22
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29:22In this episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Keith Smith, CO, LO, FAAOP, and David Wilson, MPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, to discuss the value of the Academy’s Fellow designation. Together, they explore why this credential matters, not just for individual recognition, but for advancing the entire O&P profession. From the history and purp…
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In this episode of O&P Clinical Care Insiders: Industry Partners Edition, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), speaks with Lindsay E. Ryback, director of lymphology & phlebology at Thuasne, and Lesleigh Sisson, CFo, CFm, vice president and general manager of O&P Insight. Recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting in Atlanta, the conversation expl…
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Barbering, Business, and Beating the Odds - Travis Sanders
42:55
42:55
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42:55What happens when life throws you a challenge that changes everything? For Travis Sanders, losing his leg wasn’t the end but the beginning of a powerful new chapter. In this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, Travis shares his resilience journey, from learning to navigate life as an amputee to thriving as a master barber, business owner, and mento…
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In this episode of O&P Rising, recorded live at the 51st Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Atlanta, host Kaleigh Neely, CPO, chats with Sheryl Sachs, CPO, of Dankmeyer Prosthetics & Orthotics. They explore the critical role of advocacy in the O&P profession, Sheryl’s journey into policy work, and why young professionals should get in…
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Comedy, Cancer, and Kicking Ass – Woody Roseland Speaks
52:32
52:32
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52:32On this episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee (RBK) amputee, sits down with the unstoppable Woody Roseland. From surviving cancer six times to turning pain into punchlines, Woody has redefined resilience with humor, hustle, and an unbreakable spirit. How did he go from battling cancer to commanding stages …
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Growth, Community Engagement, and the Impact of the O&P Foundation: A Conversation with Fanny Schultea
23:50
23:50
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23:50In 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 t…
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In this episode, guest host Denise Hull, CPO, a newly certified prosthetist/orthotist at Wheeler O&P, chats with Gerry Stark, PhD, CPO/L, FAAOP(D), director of clinical and technical operations for BionIT Labs and president-elect of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. With over 30 years in the field, Gerry shares invaluable insight…
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Pain Science, Assessment, and the Future of Patient Care: A Conversation with Samantha Stauffer
28:53
28:53
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28:53In 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 j…
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In this episode, guest host Amani Weekes-Daniel, a board-eligible prosthetist/orthotist at Active Life in Los Angeles, sits down with Leigh Davis, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP(D), from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, to explore the vital role of mentorship in the O&P profession. Together, they discuss how persistence, goal setting, and consistent commun…
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Mistakes, Clinical Insights, and the Pursuit of Excellence in Prosthetic Care: A Conversation with Dr. Gerald Stark
28:54
28:54
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28:54In 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 e…
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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…
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In this episode, Anna Cook, an orthotic and prosthetic resident at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota, takes on hosting duties. She’s joined by Steve Fletcher, CPO, Director of Professional Credentialing for the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc., to discuss ABC's move to requi…
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Technicians, Workforce Development, and the Future of O&P Craftsmanship: A Conversation with Mike Madden
32:14
32:14
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32:14In 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 natu…
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ADVERSITY, ADVENTURE, AND ARMOUR William Pike
59:01
59:01
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59:01What does it take to turn unimaginable adversity into an extraordinary life of purpose? In this compelling episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a passionate advocate and amputee himself, dives deep into the incredible journey of William Pike. From surviving the catastrophic Mount Ruapehu eruption to losing his right…
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In this episode, Cassandra Delgado, CPO, an early career orthotist-prosthetist and Clinical Director at Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates in Middletown, NY, takes on hosting duties. She’s joined by Maggie Baumer, Leader of Enterprise Patient Advocacy at Hanger Clinic, and Dr. Chad Duncan, Orthotics and Prosthetics Program Director at Drexel Universi…
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In this gripping episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host and creator Rick Bontkowski sits down with Eric LeMarque, a former professional hockey player and snowboarder who endured the unimaginable. Trapped in the frozen Sierra Nevada Mountains for eight days, Eric fought against brutal conditions, isolation, and his own inner battles in a journey t…
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Diabetic Foot Health, Orthotic Interventions, and the Role of Collaborative Care: A Converation with Dr. Rory Gilhooly
29:05
29:05
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29:05In 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. D…
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MISSION, MUSIC, MOBILITY Billy Brimblecom
59:43
59:43
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59:43Get ready for an unforgettable episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast! Join host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a right-leg amputee and passionate advocate, as he sits down with Billy Brimblecom Jr., an unstoppable force in the limb loss community. After losing his left leg to Ewing’s Sarcoma, Billy turned his story into a mission – empowering uninsured …
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In this episode, we continue the conversation with Kaleigh Neely, CPO of the P&O Group, and Abbey Senczyszyn, CPO of Bremer Prosthetic Design, joined by Nate Kapa, CP and president of Bremer Prosthetic Design. Together, they explore the challenges O&P residents face and the support systems that are crucial to their success. Highlighting the residen…
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WHEN COSI TALKS, HEALING BEGINS Cosi Belloso
51:51
51:51
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51:51In this inspiring episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee (RBK) amputee, sits down with Cosi Belloso, a renowned physical therapist and breast cancer survivor, with over 23 years of experience helping amputees regain their mobility and rebuild their lives. Cosi, who runs her own outpatient clinic, Palanca, I…
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Digital Workflows, 3D Printing, and the Evolution of Scanning Technology: A Conversation with Joe Fairley, CP
31:54
31:54
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31:54In 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…
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In this powerful episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee amputee, sits down with Marcy Rubic, a leader in the nonprofit world and a passionate advocate for limb preservation. With over 25 years of experience, Marcy shares the incredible work being done at the Limb Preservation Foundation, where l…
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In this episode, we continue the conversation between Kaleigh Neely, CPO, a certified orthotist-prosthetist at Geauga Rehabilitation Engineering and Abbey Senczyszyn, a certified orthotist prosthetist at Bremer Prosthetic Design. They discuss financial challenges faced by rising orthotists and prosthetists. The conversation emphasized the importanc…
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Join host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee amputee, for an inspiring episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast—a show dedicated to empowering and uplifting the limb loss community through powerful stories of resilience and hope. Rick is passionate about breaking barriers and challenging preconceived notions about people with disabilitie…
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Biomechanics, Osseointegration, and Holistic Benefits: A Conversation with Dr. Nicholas Gomez and Dr. Julia Dunn
32:11
32:11
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32:11In 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 disc…
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SURVIVING THE UNTHINKABLE Penny Fisher
1:06:21
1:06:21
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1:06:21Today we have an extraordinary guest who has faced unbelievable challenges and emerged stronger than ever. Penny Fisher, a former model and now an author and motivational speaker, joins us to share her harrowing yet inspiring journey of survival and resilience. Imagine being on a family vacation, enjoying the sunshine, and within days finding yours…
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In this episode, we hand over the hosting duties to Sophia Marinucci, MS, MSOP, an orthotics resident at Yanke Bionics. Sophia sits down with Kristin Carnahan CPO, FAAOP, and DeAnna Chapman, CPO, FAAOP, to discuss managing expectations in the O&P profession. They explore the importance of effective communication, setting realistic expectations, and…
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We are proud to present Caitlin Conner. Raised in a small town in central Texas, Caitlin’s life took a dramatic turn just before her 24th birthday. A motorcycle accident led to the amputation of her left leg while she was newly pregnant, but her resilience and determination have made her a beacon of hope and empowerment for many. Caitlin is not jus…
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Biomechanics, OI, and the Future of Accessibility: A Conversation with Francois Van Der Watt
31:56
31:56
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31:56In 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 t…
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FROM AMPUTATION TO ASPIRATION Scott Odom
1:00:55
1:00:55
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1:00:55We are proud to present Scott Odom, a true testament to the power of resilience and determination. At just 14 years old, Scott faced a life-altering challenge when he lost his leg to cancer. Despite this daunting obstacle, he refused to let it define his future. Instead, Scott channeled his passion for basketball into a remarkable career as a profe…
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In this episode, we hand over the hosting duties to Kaleigh Neely, CPO, a certified orthotist-prosthetist at Geauga Rehabilitation Engineering. Kaleigh sits down with Abbey Senczyszyn, a certified orthotist prosthetist at Bremer Prosthetic Design, to discuss managing finances as rising professionals in the O&P field. They explore the financial chal…
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UNBREAKABLE BONDS Samantha & Katie Eddington
57:00
57:00
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57:00We are proud to present the incredible journey of Samantha Katie Eddington! Their story is one of unimaginable challenges, unbreakable bonds, and relentless determination. Katie was just a child when a tragic lawnmower accident changed her life forever, resulting in the loss of her leg. But this setback didn’t define her. Instead, it fueled her pas…
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Fabrication, interprofessional collaboration, and advocacy: A Conversation with Lindi Mitsou
29:15
29:15
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29:15In 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 …
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STUMP SOCK REVOLUTION Sidney "Amptivist" Muniz
46:58
46:58
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46:58We are proud to introduce you to Sidney Muniz, the founder of Amputee Sock Prints. When Sidney's mother lost her leg below the knee due to diabetes complications, she faced the challenge with an inspiring spirit and determination. But the standard beige amputee socks didn't match her sunny disposition. Sidney realized that many amputees felt the sa…
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In this episode, we hand over the hosting duties to Trey Cimorelli, an orthotist prosthetist at Next Step Bionics and Prosthetics. Trey sits down with Nathan Kapa, CPO, president of Bremer Prosthetic Design and vice president of the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics. They dive into the world of state and federal …
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We are proud to introduce you to the remarkable Major Edward Pulido. A retired U.S. Army Major, Major Ed is a man whose courage and dedication have significantly impacted countless individuals' lives. With a military career spanning 19 years, Major Ed's journey is one of extraordinary resilience, having faced and overcome immense challenges, includ…
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Tailored Care, Collaboration and Creative Solutions: A Conversation with Merkur Alimasaj and Lauren Levey
24:36
24:36
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24:36In the latest episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Merkur Alimasaj, an engineer in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Universität Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany, and Lauren Levey, CPO, MSPO, prosthetics program director at Boston Orthotics and Prosthetics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. They discuss…
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EMPOWERED THROUGH ADAPTATION David Powell
58:57
58:57
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58:57We are proud to present Motivational Speaker and Limb Difference Advocate David Powell. David's journey embodies the resilience of the human spirit. Born without hands and with malformed legs in New Orleans, he adapted early, using his feet and an electric wheelchair. His life took a dark turn with his mother's overdose and his subsequent struggle …
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In this episode, recorded live at the 50th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Chicago, we continue our conversation with Gloria Lee, MSPO, CPO, an instructor at Northwestern University Prosthetics Orthotics Center in Chicago and Adrienne Hill, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, program director of Kennesaw State's O&P Master's Program. They dive into t…
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Mental Health, Peer Support, and Resilience: A Conversation with Mona Patel
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30:30In the latest episode, host Seth O'Brien, CP, FAAOP(D), sits down with Mona Patel, LCSW, founder and executive director of the San Antonio Amputee Foundation. Together, they discuss the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month, exploring Patel's impactful journey in supporting the limb loss community. They touch on the profound influence of pe…
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