The Academy Experience: Annual Meeting Reflections

In this episode, host Madison Ciccaglione, CPO, talks with Sophia Marinucci, CP/L, MSOP, MS, a prosthetist and orthotic resident at Yanke Bionics. Sophia reflects on her evolution from attending the Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium as a student to presenting and building connections as a resident. She shares how these experiences profoundly influenced her confidence and career trajectory, along with key insights and networking tips she gained along the way. Sophia also offers valuable advice for students on making the most of industry events and unlocking their professional potential.

In this episode, host Madison Ciccaglione, CPO, talks with Kiley Armstrong, MS, MPO, CPO, a research prosthetist and orthotist at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Kiley shares how attending the Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium since 2019 has been a pivotal influence on her career, guiding her transition from clinical practice to research. Kiley discusses the critical role of networking, presenting research, and staying informed on emerging evidence, policy changes, and technological advancements. For first-time attendees, she offers practical advice on exploring new topics, engaging in conversations, and making the most of both the educational and social opportunities at the meeting. She also highlights the importance of scientific societies in fostering professional growth and emphasizes finding a balance between learning and building connections.

In the season premiere, host Madison Ciccaglione, CPO, chats with Kristin J. Carnahan, CPO, FAAOP, chair of the Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium's Clinical Content Committee. Kristin shares insights into the diverse, high-quality content planned for the 2025 meeting, including sessions on cutting-edge topics like bone-anchored prostheses, adjustable sockets, and microprocessor-controlled knee ankles. She highlights the symposium’s critical role in advancing professional knowledge, fostering collaboration, and creating networking opportunities. Their conversation emphasizes the symposium’s vital role in fostering professional growth and enhancing patient care, making it an essential event for industry leaders.

In the final episode of this five-part mini series, host Tyler Cagle, a soon-to-be graduate of the MPO program at UT Southwestern in Dallas, sits down with Brian Kaluf, CP, FAAOP, director of Ottobock's Salt Lake City Research Hub and current clinical content committee chair of the Academy's Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium. The two discuss first experiences at the event, the evolution of the meeting, behind-the-scenes stories, and what the future holds for the meeting's content.

In this episode, host Tyler Cagle, a soon-to-be graduate of the MPO program at UT Southwestern in Dallas, sits down with Mark Holowka, MS, CPO, FAAOP(D), an orthotist prosthetist at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, president of the Academy, clinical content committee chair of the Academy's Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium from 2014-2019, and co-chair in 2020. The two discuss first experiences at the event, the evolution of the meeting, and what the future holds for the meeting's content.

In this episode, host Tyler Cagle, a soon-to-be graduate of the MPO program at UT Southwestern in Dallas, sits down with JoAnne Kanas, DPT, CPO, corporate director of orthotics and prosthetics at Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, and clinical content committee chair of the Academy's Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium from 2010-2012. The two discuss first experiences at the event, the evolution of the meeting, and what the future holds for the meeting's content.

In this episode, host Tyler Cagle, a soon-to-be graduate MPO student from UT Southwestern in Dallas, sits down with Jim Campbell, PhD, FAAOP, senior vice president and chief clinical officer for Hanger Clinic in Austin, Texas, and clinical content committee chair of the Academy's Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium in 2006 and 2007. The two discuss first experiences at the event, the evolution of the event, and what the future holds for the meeting's content.

In our inaugural episode, host Tyler Cagle, a soon-to-be graduate MPO student from UT Southwestern in Dallas, sits down with Terry Supan, retired certified prosthetist-orthotist and fellow emeritus of the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics and the American Academy of Orthotist and Prosthetists, and chair of the 18th Academy Annual Meeting in 1991. The two discuss the evolution of the event, including content and networking opportunities, and what the future holds for the meeting.