Scientific Societies

_{Uniting Professionals Across Specialized Ares of O&P to Drive Collaboration, Research, & Innovation}

The Academy's ten specialty communities unite orthotics and prosthetics professionals to collaborate, publish, teach, and elevate clinical impact.

What Do Scientific Societies Offer?

Leadership

Be a Leader

Mentor students, residents, and peers while advancing your specialty. Shape the next generation of O&P professionals.

Publishing

Get Published

Contribute to the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (JPO) and Academy resources by sharing evidence that moves practice forward.

Education

Shape Education

Design Annual Meeting sessions, build OLC modules, and deliver webinars that translate research into clinical practice.

Community

Expand Your Network

Join forums, book clubs, blogs, and discussions with experts who share your focus and curiosity.

Service

Get Involved

Step into leadership. Society chair roles can fulfill public service requirements for Fellows of the Academy (FAAOP).

Current Societies

Bone‑Anchored Prosthetics

_{Focus on: Osseointegration, surgical interfaces, long-term device outcomes.}

Lower Limb Prosthetics

_{Focus on: Socket science, suspension systems, component optimization.}

Upper Limb Prosthetics

_{Focus on: Myoelectric control, terminal devices, user training & usability.}

Lower Limb Orthotics

_{Focus on: AFO/KAFO tuning, gait optimization, patient-centered protocols.}

Spinal Orthotics

_{Focus on: Deformity management, trauma stabilization, neuromuscular care.}

Craniofacial

_{Focus on: Cranial remolding, growth monitoring, family education.}

Fabrication Sciences

_{Focus on: Materials, lamination, QA, and modern lab process innovation.}

CAD/CAM

_{Focus on: Digital scanning, CAD workflows, and additive manufacturing.}

Gait

_{Focus on: Biomechanics, motion analysis, mobility outcomes, instrumented labs.}

Behavioral Science

_{Focus on: Human factors, adherence, communication, and outcomes research.}

Formation of a Society

Any group of twenty or more Academy members may petition to establish a new Society. Petitions should include printed names, addresses, and signatures of all petitioners. New Societies are announced in the Academy TODAY to build awareness and engagement.

Scientific Society Scholarship Program

The Academy supports active participation through scholarships tied to meaningful contributions.

Eligibility

Open to Academy members in good standing across all categories.

Parameters

One society scholarship per year; maximum of two total.
Recipients complete one deliverable per scholarship (e.g., article, webinar, blog post, or Annual Meeting content), agreed upon with society leadership.

Apply for a Scholarship

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