Announcing the 2025 Academy Award Recipients

January 29, 2025

in News,

These awards will be presented during the 51st Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium, February 26-March 1, 2025, in Atlanta.

	Titus Ferguson Award Tom DiBello, LO, CO This lifetime achievement award is intended to be the highest level of recognition bestowed upon an outstanding Academician whose accomplishments and contributions have made a significant impact on the growth and development of the profession.
	Distinguished Practitioner Award Jeremy Farley, MS, CPO/L, FAAOP This award recognizes members who have distinguished themselves through their dedication and leadership to the advancement of the O&P profession. This individual must have demonstrated a record of sustained contributions and commitment to advancing the ideals of the Academy and the profession.
	Outstanding Educator Award Adan Vazquez, MEd, CP/L, ACUE This award is intended to recognize an educator that has demonstrated unique didactic or laboratory skills which create a positive and permanent impression on their students.
	Research Award Cody L. McDonald, PhD, MPH, CPO This award is intended to recognize those members performing the most outstanding research in the field of orthotics and prosthetics.
	Clinical Creativity Award Shane K. Grubbs, CPO/L, FAAOP This award is intended to recognize those Academy members who have quietly demonstrated a commitment to The Code of Professional Responsibility and to improving the professional image of the orthotic and prosthetic profession to patients, co-workers, and colleagues.
	Clinical Commitment Award Taffy E. Bowman, CPO, FAAOP This award recognizes members who have quietly demonstrated a commitment to improving the professional image of the orthotic and prosthetic profession to patients, co-workers, and colleagues.
	NCOPE Clinical Mentoring Award in Partnership with the Academy Michelle Hall, MS, CPO, FAAOP(D) This award is intended to recognize Academy members who are outstanding clinical mentors who make substantial contributions to residents learning and professional development, as well as enhance the overall success of the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education residency programs.
	Mohamed Amin Award for Humanitarian Service Richard Branch Hunsaker, MBA, CPO This award recognizes an outstanding physically disabled individual who has demonstrated the ability to significantly influence and promote the advancement of human welfare through their philanthropic, vocational, or avocational activities.`
	Honorary Membership J. Megan Sions, PT, DPT, PhD Honorary membership is awarded to non-O&P certified individuals who are closely allied with the orthotics and prosthetics profession. The recipient demonstrates a very high level of knowledge and dedication to the O&P field.