In this episode, host Noelle Medina, a newly certified prosthetist and orthotist at Eastside O&P in Portland, Oregon, leads a powerful conversation on activism and advocacy within the O&P profession. They are joined by Kyle Stepp, elite paratriathlete and national strategic partnerships lead for So Every BODY Can Move, and Nicole Ver Kuilen, disability rights advocate and Director of Impact Campaigns at the Amputee Coalition and lead for So Every BODY Can Move. Kyle and Nicole share their personal journeys into advocacy and the experiences that inspired them to push for legislative change to improve access to prosthetic and orthotic care. The conversation explores the origin and growth of the So Every BODY Can Move movement, which is working to ensure equitable access to physical activity devices through policy efforts across the United States. They discuss the role clinicians can play in advocacy, the impact of laws already enacted in 12 states, and why a coordinated, nationwide approach is critical.

O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, guest host Dottie Anderson, CO, a prosthetic resident at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, speaks with Megan Hodgson, MPO, CPO, clinical operations manager at Point Designs and a member of the Academy’s board of directors, for part four of the O&P Career Pathways series. Megan reflects on her transition from clinical practice to manufacturing and how working in both worlds shapes her approach to product innovation and clinical education. They explore the role of clinician feedback in driving meaningful product development, the value of cross-team collaboration, and Megan’s advice for early career professionals interested in pursuing opportunities in the manufacturing side of O&P.

O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, guest host Alex Jensch—a master's of science in prosthetics and orthotics student at the University of Hartford (UHart), Connecticut—talks with Duffy Felmlee, CPO, FAAOP(D), professor at UHart, Academy treasurer, and co-chair of the Fabrication Science Society, for part three of the O&P Career Pathways series. Duffy reflects on his journey from clinical practice to academia, offering an inside look at the challenges, rewards, and unexpected joys of teaching in the O&P field. He shares practical insights on mentorship, time management, and leveraging technology to elevate learning. Alex and Duffy also discuss the importance of fostering meaningful connections with students and staying actively engaged in the profession.

O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.