Cross-departmental communication is an aspect of business that is generally perceived as important, but it’s often overshadowed by more pressing day-to-day operations. Perhaps it is the abstract nature of the problem that makes it a troublesome issue to tackle. Where should a manager begin to address communication challenges? What is the most effective way to handle the blending of personalities and communication styles?

In the 16th century, conventional wisdom for treating patients with bullet wounds abided by the Galenic system, which was dedicated to theory rather than empirical knowledge. The lack of clinical evidence led to painful treatment of bullet wounds as gunpowder was assumed to be poisonous to the body. To nullify the poison, boiling oil was poured into the wound.

Continuing education in the orthotics and prosthetic industry is a concept that originated many years before a national accrediting body evaluated O&P education programs. Those in this industry knew that if they wanted to continue to excel in their field, they would need to adapt and grow their knowledge to produce better outcomes for their patients.

Liz Hillen joined SPS in 2019 as a licensed Prosthetist and Orthotist and Clinical Specialist with over 25 years  of service within the O&P industry.  She provides up-to-date developments of orthotic education as well as supports and educates on prosthetic technologies. 

Jamie Seabold joined SPS in 2010 as a sales manager covering the central region, and was promoted to northeast regional sales manager in 2017. Now as director of sales, he oversee the entire SPS sales staff while developing new strategies for growth. 

Rae Buhosky, CPO/L, MSPO, remembers a time she felt she made a difference in a patient’s life.

Her patient, a man with a unilateral transtibial amputation, came to Valley Prosthetics & Orthotics (VPO), in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on crutches about a year after he lost his left leg in a traumatic accident.

Karen Lynch, CPO, CFm, decided to join the O&P profession when she was a junior in college. She was taking mechanical engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on a full academic scholarship when she completed a report on robotics that touched on myoelectric prosthetic devices.