San Diego, California, United States
PROGRAM: Biomechanics & Movement Science

Using Professional Development Award funding graciously provided by the University of Delaware Graduate College, I was able to attend the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly in San Diego, CA. As a PhD student in the Delaware Limb Loss Studies lab in the Department of Physical Therapy, I presented two posters based on preliminary data from our ongoing study, which investigates changes in sensation and function among adults who have experienced a lower-limb amputation. Both poster presentations sparked thought-provoking discussion with other researchers in the field and conference attendees, providing critical feedback for future research endeavors.

Beyond presenting my posters, I had the opportunity to attend platform presentations and exhibit hall technical demonstrations to learn more about current research advances in the orthotics and prosthetics field. Notably, I attended a session highlighting updates on the use of osseointegration, a newly-investigated surgical procedure involving direct attachment of a prosthesis to the amputated limb without use of a socket or suspension system. As a clinician-scientist interested in pain-related outcomes following amputation and limb trauma, the impact of alternative prosthetic options on chronic pain and function is of great interest.

Finally, the most beneficial aspect of my attendance at AOPA’s National Assembly was my ability to participate in various networking opportunities. The conference sponsored a “Women in Orthotics and Prosthetics” luncheon, during which I met several women involved in advancing current clinical care for individuals requiring prosthetic or orthotic services. I also met several leaders in the field during an informational session on the development of a research registry for individuals with limb amputations, which would support further large-scale research investigating the quality, effectiveness, and cost of amputation-related care. The interdisciplinary nature of the conference provided numerous opportunities for thoughtful discussion and brain-storming critical for further advancing our field.