O&P Rising: Understanding Dual Credentialing
O&P Rising, hosted by rising O&P professionals, offers candid insights from seasoned O&P professionals on topics that are relevant to those interested in starting out on the right foot when it comes to a career in O&P. During these half-hour sessions, students, residents, and newly certified practitioners will speak with established O&P professionals to get their take on what worked well for them.
In this episode, Anna Cook, an orthotic and prosthetic resident at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota, takes on hosting duties. She’s joined by Steve Fletcher, CPO, Director of Professional Credentialing for the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc., to discuss ABC's move to require dual certification for future practitioners. They delve into the historical decisions leading up to this change, which began with an increase in educational requirements and later included combined educational programs. They also cover the shift to combined residencies and board exams, the rationale behind these changes, and the impact on current and future residents. Steve highlights key dates and timelines for these new requirements, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead. The conversation also addresses the evolving nature of the profession and how the new dual certification will offer flexibility and efficiency in responding to demands, without compromising the ability to specialize.
