Immediate Past Chair for the NCOPE Board of Directors, Thomas Karolewski, sharing his experience attending the 2022 AOPA Policy Forum in-person in Washington, DC. He sheds light on the feedback he heard from student attendees as well as from the AOPA organizers. He explains the goal of advocating for the profession with the shared mission of all O&P professionals in distinguishing orthotic and prosthetic care from DME (durable medical equipment) and re-establishing “off-the-shelf” as well as preventing drop-shipping of custom equipment direct to patients. Tom shared student and resident feedback on their first-time advocating for the profession, with a hope for increased continuation in advocacy efforts. Any questions: contact info available on NCOPE website.
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