Who’s Who
100 th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory
Who’s100th Anniversary Commemorative Who Membership Directory
Michael Fillauer, CPO, 2017
ANO To: A TT O
A G SEP 6 A PA H From: Fillauer C 11–AM 2 Carlton Fillauer, CPO, FAAOP, circa 1946 POST0 1 7 CARD Past President of AOPA: (1962 – 1963) Cheers to 100 years of advocacy, education, American and support through & Prosthetic Associationrthotic our four generations! Alexandria, VA 22314
www.fillauer.com
© 2017 Fillauer LLC
AD378 - AOPA 100th Membership Directory.indd 1 2/24/17 9:28 AM LL COM NE PA S N E IE H WELCOME S T the Newest Member of the
Michael Fillauer, CPO, 2017
ANO To: A TT O
A G SEP 6 A PA H From: Fillauer C 11–AM Carlton Fillauer, CPO, FAAOP, circa 1946 2 0 1 7 Past President of AOPA: (1962 – 1963) POST CARD CLUB Cheers to 100 years of advocacy, education, American and support through & Prosthetic Associationrthotic Congratulations AOPA! our four generations! Alexandria, VA 22314 The three independently operated Snell companies joined the “100 Year Club” in 2011 when we celebrated our centennial. Now we’re thrilled to help salute the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association’s ten decades of service to the profession. Our families are proud to have been a part of AOPA’s mission of enhancing the status of prosthetics and orthotics in the health care community and the organization’s ongoing efforts surrounding improvement in the legislative environment for the community and our patients.
ORTHOTICS • PROSTHETICS Here’s wishing AOPA another 100 years of success!
ORTHOTICS • PROSTHETICS Little Rock, AR Russellville, AR Shreveport, LA Fort Smith, AR Monroe, LA Mountain Home, AR Alexandria, LA Memphis, TN Fayetteville, AR Southaven, MS Hot Springs, AR North Little Rock, AR Pine Bluff, AR www.fillauer.com Conway, AR
© 2017 Fillauer LLC
AD378 - AOPA 100th Membership Directory.indd 1 2/24/17 9:28 AM Congratulations AOPA on 100 years of leading the profession. We are proud to have served together for generations. 2017 AOPA Commemorative Membership Directory Table of Contents
4 A Message from 2017 AOPA President Michael Oros, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
6 AOPA: Our Story is Your Story
32 Technology Time line
34 AOPA Leadership 2017
36 AOPA Past Presidents and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
38 Key to Titles, Certifications, Abbreviations & Membership
40 Thank You, O&P PAC Supporters
42 AOPA Membership Highlights
48 AOPA Resources
50 AOPA Bylaws
SECTION I AOPA MEMBERS 57 Geographical Listings
SECTION II AOPA SUPPLIERS 165 Supplier Listings
SECTION III INDEX 177 Supplier Product Index
SECTION IV INDEX 185 Member Alphabetical Index
Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory 3
President’s Message
Board of Directors Dear AOPA Member, OFFICERS The O&P profession celebrates a milestone in 2017 as AOPA turns 100. This President special edition 100th Anniversary Commemorative Who’s Who Centennial Michael Oros, CPO, LPO, FAAOP Directory is one of many ways AOPA is celebrating a century of growth Scheck and Siress O&P Inc., Oakbrook Terrace, IL and advancement of our profession.
President-Elect This directory contains special sections about O&P history, advances in technology, Jim Weber, MBA photographs, and stories that celebrate our profession’s rich history. We hope you keep this Prosthetic & Orthotic Care Inc., keepsake as a reminder of how your association has helped to guide O&P facilities through St. Louis, MO challenging times while celebrating the very many successes along the way. This directory Vice President also formally recognizes all of AOPA’s 2017 members with contact information to encourage Chris Nolan networking, sharing and learning. Many AOPA members have also reached a significant Ottobock North America, Austin, TX milestone and are now guided by a third or fourth generation of O&P professionals and are Immediate Past President older than the association. James Campbell, PhD, CO, FAAOP Hanger Clinic, Austin, TX Over the last century, your association and its leaders have worked tirelessly to develop more knowledgeable practitioners, savvier O&P business practices, better-educated legislators, Treasurer Jeff Collins, CPA more O&P—friendly laws and more favorable reimbursement. What would our profession Cascade Orthopedic Supply Inc., be like today without its professional association AOPA? Chico, CA During this time of reflection, we hope the lessons learned from our past will help us tackle Executive Director/Secretary the important challenges that will impact the next generation of O&P professionals. It is Thomas F. Fise, JD AOPA, Alexandria, VA gratifying to be part of a dynamic sphere of people and care providers who have gone that extra mile in serving patients and whose success is our endearing legacy. DIRECTORS
David A. Boone, PhD, MPH A century later, AOPA continues its commitment to research, advocacy, education, and Orthocare Innovations LLC, technical support for the O&P profession. AOPA continues to be a strong voice today—and Edmonds, WA with your continued support—for the next 100 years.
Traci Dralle, CFm Fillauer Companies Inc., Chattanooga, TN With sincere appreciation for all your continued support,
Teri Kuffel, JD Arise Orthotics & Prosthetics Inc., Blaine, MN
Pam Lupo, CO Michael Oros, CPO, LPO, FAAOP Wright & Filippis and Carolina AOPA 2017 President Orthotics & Prosthetics Board of Directors, Royal Oak, MI P.S. Be sure to visit www.AOPA100.org for photos, stories, an interactive timeline, and more. Jeffrey Lutz, CPO Hanger Clinic, Lafayette, LA Publisher Thomas F. Fise, JD, Executive Director, AOPA Graphic Design and Production Marinoff Design, LLC Dave McGill Advertising Bob Heiman, director of sales, 856/673-4000, [email protected] Össur Americas, Foothill Ranch, CA The AOPA Membership Directory is published by the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, 330 John Carlyle St., Ste. 200, Rick Riley Alexandria, VA 22314. Phone: 571/431-0876. Fax: 571/431-0899. To order additional copies, contact the AOPA Bookstore at 571/431-0876 Townsend Design, Bakersfield, CA or www.AOPAnet.org. The AOPA Membership Directory is available to AOPA members for $75 each and non-members for $185 each. We strive to ensure accuracy and provide current information in this directory. Changes and address updates should be sent Brad Ruhl to AOPA headquarters at [email protected]. Ottobock, Austin, TX www.AOPAnet.org. Printed in the USA. Copyright © 2017 American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association
4 Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory Scheck & Siress Prosthetics. Orthotics.
Congratulations on a century of leadership.
AOPA has been a strong, steady hand guiding us through the many challenges O&P has faced over the years. We are a relatively small industry, but AOPA has given us a large voice on issues of importance to our field. Scheck & Siress is honored to be a part of AOPA. Our industry, and ultimately our patients, are much better off because of the excellent work you have done and will continue to do. Here’s to the next 100 years.
www.scheckandsiress.com
Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory 5 AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
s the American Orthotic and Prosthetic facilities through challenging times and Association (AOPA) embarks on its celebrating successes along the way. A centennial celebration, it’s AOPA and the O&P profession have clear that the past 100 years have seen matured and come into their own. While momentous changes. Back in 1917, when it hasn’t always been an easy road, O&P the association was first chartered, no facilities and manufacturers have stayed one could have imagined the advances true to their focus: restoring function for in medical technology that would lead to O&P patients. Today, Americans with limb high-tech orthoses and prostheses, restoring loss and limb difference are achieving a O&P patients to a very high quality of life. better quality of life at unprecedented None of AOPA’s original members could levels, thanks to the O&P professionals have predicted the evolution in business who are committed to high-quality patient practices that would move the industry from care—and AOPA, the association that leads a mom-and-pop shop, hands-on industry, to the way in ensuring favorable treatment for a spectrum of small-, medium-, and large- the O&P business in laws, regulation, and size companies run by highly educated, services; helping members improve their certified orthotists and prosthetists—many management and marketing skills; and of whom have earned master’s degrees. And raising awareness and understanding of no one could have anticipated the explosion the industry and the association. of regulations and laws that have led to a The year 2017 marks a significant mile- heavily audited reimbursement climate, stone for AOPA and for O&P in general. As which has challenged O&P practitioners we celebrate this centennial and prepare for to become documentation experts while a new century of significance, we also take working collaboratively with physicians a look back at the history of the association to ensure optimal outcomes for patients. and the O&P profession, and pay tribute to Throughout this evolution, AOPA has worked the events of the past that have led to our side-by-side with members, guiding O&P achievements today.
th 6 Who’s Who 100th AnniversaryAnniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory Setting the Foundation for AOPA’s Formation: O&P in the 1800s While 1917 marks the year AOPA was estab- lished, the association’s past is tied to the history of O&P in the United States, predating the association itself. Many historians recognize the Civil War as a turning point for O&P in America: “Prior to the Civil War in the United States, pros- thetics and orthotics were relatively unknown,” according to an early document titled, “History is credited with creating a device, patented in of Prosthetic-Orthotic Education.” According to 1854, by which the movements in the ankle this document, “A physician who specialized were controlled by the movements in the in disorders of the bones and joints usually knee, and with improving prosthetic feet in employed an apprentice who would accom- 1860 by using hard rubber instead of wood. pany him on his rounds and assist him in his Finally, the Bly leg, patented in 1857, was office in applying splints and fitting limbs as developed by Douglas Bly with the idea that needed. This was the beginning of the practice an artificial leg should have a universal joint of orthopedics and of orthotics in America.” at the ankle, permitting flexion, extension, Four names are generally associated with and lateral movement. the artificial limb industry in the United States The need for O&P services reached a prior to the Civil War: Selpho, Palmer, Marks, new high after the Civil War broke out in and Bly. The first U.S. artificial limb facility April 1861, when the Confederate artillery is cited as opening in 1840, when William fired the first shots at Fort Sumter, South Selpho arrived in New York from London. Carolina. The carnage associated with the Selpho had learned to fit and manufacture war, which lasted until 1865, resulted in more limbs under James Pott, and he introduced than 60,000 amputation surgeries, according the “Anglesea leg,” made of wood and jointed to historical records. “The introduction of the at the knee and ankle, to American amputees. Minié (or Minnie) ball, one of the first practical A few years later, one of Selpho’s customers, rifle bullets, was a transformative event in B. Frank Palmer, revised and improved the the history of prosthetics,” writes Michael function of his prosthesis, and received the MacRae in an American Society of Mechanical first patent for an artificial limb in the United Engineers (ASME) article titled, “The Civil War no match for the devastating injuries that States in 1846. Palmer eventually operated limb and the Birth of the Prosthetics Industry.” The these powerful new weapons inflicted,” manufacturing facilities in Boston, New York, bullet, which was made of soft lead with a writes MacRae. “With some 70 percent and Philadelphia, according to the “History hollow base that expanded when fired, caused of Civil War wounds affecting the limbs, of Prosthetic-Orthotic Education.” Another large, irregular, and slow-healing wounds amputation quickly became the treatment early and innovative company was founded upon impact. Most physicians at the time of choice in battlefield surgery. A primary by A.A. Marks in New York City in 1853; Marks were inexperienced in surgery, and “were amputation was easier, faster, and—with a mortality rate of ‘only’ 28 percent—safer than other treatment options.” These amputations were usually conducted by cutting off the limb quickly, in a circular-cut sawing motion, to keep the patient from dying of shock. Surgeons often left amputations to heal by granu- lation or, when they had more time, used the “fish-mouth” method to cut skin flaps and sew them to form a rounded stump. Because soldiers who survived amputation and infection often became eligible for prosthetic limbs, the O&P profession was instrumental during Civil War times.
Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory 7 AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
CHAMPIONS OF O&P Most prosthetic devices were made of steel and wood until 1863, William Arbogast when the cosmetic rubber hand In 1905, railroad brakeman was introduced. “Rubber offered William Arbogast lost both an attractive alternative to rigid legs—one above knee and materials in terms of its resiliency, one below knee—in a railroad flexibility, and somewhat more natural accident. He survived by color appearance,” reports MacRae. crawling to a nearby wooden WILLIAM ARBOGAST “Early models featured fingers that shack and setting it on fire to attract attention. could move under pressure, with enough Dissatisfied with the artificial limbs he was lifelike action to hold small objects like a fork using, Arbogast began carving legs from the or pencil. For added utility, some models willow trees that grew all over his family farm in allowed the wearer to remove the cosmetic Pickaway County, Ohio. He established a pros- appendage from the forearm and harness thetic manufacturing company in 1907, named and replace it, Swiss Army knife-style, with Ohio Willow Wood. The company, which moved various hooks, brushes, sawing attachments, to Mount Sterling in 1913, became well-known or other accessories.” for its products made of willow wood, which Some of AOPA’s oldest member companies was found to be both durable and attractive. have histories dating back to this time period. The company added a knitting department in For example, 18-year-old James Edward 1921, when it introduced knit socks to serve as Hanger, a Confederate soldier, became one interfaces between the stump and the leg. of the first amputees of the Civil War when a In the late 1930s, Arbogast brought his two cannonball tore through his leg in the Battle of sons, Edwin and John, into the company. The Philippi. When he returned home, he designed brothers introduced the first ankle joint that his own prosthesis, the “Hanger Limb,” from simulated the motion of a human foot. Today, whittled barrel staves, and was granted two the third and fourth generations of Arbogasts patents from the Confederate government. are leading WillowWood, which has a network He was commissioned to develop prosthetic of 20 distributors worldwide. limbs for veteran soldiers. Like Hanger, other Civil War amputees Otto Becker were driven to fashion their own prostheses: Otto Becker was a mechan- “Many of these men, not being able to return ical engineer from Essen, to their former trades, and being unsatisfied Germany, who immigrated to with the substitute limbs given them by the the United States in 1929. He government, either went to work in existing opened the Otto K. Becker limb facilities to master a new trade or made Co. in Huntington, West OTTO BECKER improvements in their limbs and opened their end of a surgical supply business in Memphis. Virginia, in 1933. He later opened an office in places of business . . . to sell their improved The D.W. Dorrance Co. was founded in 1912, Michigan and ultimately moved the entire busi- version to the amputee public,” reports the manufacturing a popular arm prosthesis; the ness to Detroit in the early 1940s, renaming it “History of Prosthetic-Orthotic Education.” company later underwent a merger to become Becker Orthopedic Appliance Co. He then added Once the Civil War ended, artificial limb the Hosmer Dorrance Co., now a subsidiary of central fabrication, with the first catalog in 1941 companies continued to sprout up, as veteran the Fillauer Cos. Fillauer got its start in 1914, showing an array of custom braces for sale to amputees sought improved devices. While not when George Fillauer, a German immigrant, other O&P shops. By the early 1950s, Becker all of the companies that were established in opened a pharmacy that offered orthoses. began designing orthotic the wake of the war were successful, some Hanger, Winkley, Arbogast, Snell, Dorrance, component parts for sale to did prosper. For example, in 1885, Albert and Fillauer—these early innovators set the other shops, and offered a Winkley patented the “slip socket” to reduce stage for the O&P profession as we know it, complete line of precision friction between the socket and the stump leading orthotic and prosthetic innovation into hip, knee, and ankle joints. by wrapping a piece of leather around the the early 20th century. The innovation begun residual limb; this device was so successful during the war led to many improvements to LUCILLE BECKER After Becker’s unex- pected passing in 1960, his that he established the Winkley Artificial Limb prosthetic devices, notes MacRae: “The Civil wife, Lucille M. Becker, managed the company Co. in Minneapolis in 1888. William Arbo- War marked the end of the era of wooden and oversaw the introduction of several new gast, a railroad brakeman who became a peg legs and simple hooks. The war set the designs. The company continues to grow and bilateral amputee in a train accident in 1905, prosthetics industry on a course that would remains a family business. established Ohio Willow Wood, a prosthetic ultimately lead to today’s quasibionic limbs manufacturing company in 1907. In 1911, R.W. that look like the real thing and can often Snell bought the prosthetics and orthotics perform some tasks even better.”
8 Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory Congratulations AOPA on 100 years of leadership!
Today Becker develops the ™ 1933 first Triple Action stance/ swing control ankle joint. Becker Orthopedic is founded by Otto K. Becker in Huntington, West Virginia.
2000 Becker markets the world’s first line of interchangeable stance 1940 control knee joint systems, the Stride Family. Becker Orthopedic is relocated to Detroit, Michigan.
1960 Lucille M. Becker invents the first non protrusion ring lock knee joint and the first double action ankle joint.
Proudly serving the O&P community for 83 years.
P: 800-521-2192 • 248-588-7480 F: 800-923-2537 • 248-588-2960 BeckerOrthopedic.com AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
CHAMPIONS OF O&P AOPA’s Early Years: Otto Bock World War I and Otto Bock founded Ortho- Its Aftermath pädische Industrie GmbH in Berlin in 1919 to supply victims AOPA emerged just as the United States entered of World War I with prostheses World War I and the first “I Want You” Uncle Sam and orthopedic components. posters appeared; the association originated in Demand was so great that 1917 in Washington, DC, as the Artificial Limb Bock began producing Manufacturers Association (ALMA). prosthetic components in At the beginning of World War I, there series and delivering them to were many limb and brace facilities in the prosthetists on site. He moved United States, but limbmakers had received the company to Königsee in little formal training. “They had a feel in their hands for the making and fitting of devices OTTO BOCK Thuringia due to the uncertain political situation after the war. Bock continued which could seldom be explained to others to test new materials, and began using and could only be learned through a great aluminum components in prosthetics. deal of practical experience,” reports the Otto Bock’s company grew to a global “History of Prosthetic-Orthotic Education.” of the United States were called to presence over time, evolving from a manu- “Bracemakers had more training, primarily Washington by the Council of National facturer of single components to a provider because they were more closely associated Defense. A conference was held with of complete prosthetic systems. Today, the with physicians, and were also excellent the surgical staff of the U.S. Army and company is led by Bock’s grandson, Professor craftsmen. Many shops were considered Navy. The purpose was to impress Hans Georg Näder. Some of the contributions family businesses. Thus son would follow on the limbmakers the importance of by the company include the modular lower-limb father in practicing these trades. Few entered immediate preparation for efficient prosthesis in 1969, the field other than those who had relatives and skillful service for the amputated the development of in business, or who had been disabled.” soldiers as soon as they returned from the myoelectric arm Though World War I officially began in July Europe. As a result of the conference prosthesis, and the 1914, the United States did not join its allies— and under advisement of the govern- microprocessor- Britain, France, and Russia—until April 1917. This ment officials, the Association of Limb controlled C-Leg conflict “was the first war in which industrialized Makers of America came into existence. weaponry like machine guns created more The 12 selected makers agreed that prosthesis system. OTTO BOCK AND MAX NÄDER bodily harm than infection or disease, and it would be wise to open the doors of D.W. Dorrance an extraordinary number of soldiers survived the association to all reputable and D.W. Dorrance is credited with inventing a with severe amputations,” according to “War trustworthy manufacturers of the “better arm prosthesis” in 1909. Dorrance lost and Prosthetics: How Veterans Fought for the United States and Canada, who were his arm in a traumatic amputation as a result Perfect Artificial Limb.” In addition to amputa- willing to pledge themselves to strict of an industrial accident in his job as a lumber tions caused by weaponry, amputation was propriety and to use every effort to supervisor. “frequently used in situations that normally purge the industry of the incompetent Seeking a better prosthetic solution than wouldn’t require surgery, simply to avoid the and unscrupulous. was available at the time, he created a device threat of serious infection.” featuring a split hook that could be opened with More than 2 million U.S. soldiers fought The 1922 letter, which encouraged physi- a strap across the back. He founded the D.W. on battlefields in France, and some 2,300 cians to advise patients to patronize only those Dorrance Co. in 1912 in San Jose, California, and soldiers became amputees. This was a cause facilities that could show an ALMA certificate his hook design remained of concern for the U.S. government. Antici- of membership, also noted that the associ- the standard for decades. pating World War I casualties would require ation “makes no distinction of methods of Dorrance’s company O&P treatment, the Surgeon General of the construction, makes no attempt to fix prices. merged with A.J. Hosmer’s Army invited U.S. limbmakers to a meeting Its operations are purely educational and upper-limb manufacturing to discuss how best to supply artificial limbs ethical.” Its goal was to see that “thoughtful, company in 1969, becoming to veterans. skillful, and conscientious work” was being the Hosmer Dorrance Co., The story of how ALMA came to be was done for prosthetic patients. which is today a subsidiary documented in ALMA’s 1922 “Open Letter During ALMA’s earliest years, the associa- of the Fillauer Cos. In to Each Physician and Surgeon of the Land,” tion did not have a central office or staff. “The Chattanooga, Tennessee. which reads as follows: major value of ALMA was that it permitted the On April 15, 1917, 12 represen- free exchange of ideas between limb manu- tative artificial limb manufacturers facturers. At its meetings, some attempts were D.W. DORRANCE
10 Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory 1918 ALMA Annual Meeting made to present technical papers and, from accidents. “It is a surprising fact to a great time to time, the organization published a many not directly acquainted with the arti- newsletter or magazine called the ALMAnac,” ficial limb business, that only a very small reports the History of Prosthetic-Orthotic percentage of amputations are due to injuries Education. One of the earliest gatherings of in battle,” wrote J.B. Hanger, president of J.E. association members occurred in 1918, when Hanger Inc., in a 1925 article titled, “The Birth 33 members assembled at the 1918 Annual of a Notion,” published in Surgical Appliance Convention in Indianapolis. Between the years and Instrument Review. “In fact, only 2 to 3 of 1917 and 1922, ALMA held eight meetings in percent of artificial limb wearers are soldiers. different states, had regional offices throughout In a great industrial country like ours, where the country, and developed a code of ethics, millions are engaged in industrial pursuits, many accidents resulting in the loss of limbs. according to the “Open Letter.” and where railroad, mining, and mechanical It follows therefore that artificial limbs in the November 1918 marked the end of World development has reached the point that United States have reached a development War I. For O&P, the years between the two establishes itself well in the forefront of and a perfection far ahead of that in any other World Wars marked a period of self-training. these activities, there naturally are a great country in the world.” A limbmaker or bracemaker would “rise to his level of proficiency through his own persistence and the demands placed by COMPANY PROFILE circa him by, perhaps, local medical practitioners,” according to the “History of Prosthetic-Or- 1861 thotic Education.” As in other trades, “There Hanger Inc. were ‘secrets’ which often died with their The story of Hanger Inc. began more than 155 years ago, during the early possessor or, at best, were passed on to hours of June 3, 1861, when James Edward Hanger became the first a favored few. Many patents were issued, amputee of the American Civil War. Hanger would go on to invent the first mostly in prosthetics, which served to restrict articulating prosthetic knee joint, starting a grand legacy of revolutionary the application of new developments.” health-care innovations that continues to this day. Hanger has steadily This timeframe also denoted an evolution grown and evolved throughout its history, adding orthotics services in the from simple one- and two-person shops to 1950s, distribution of O&P products in the 1990s, and therapeutic modal- some larger facilities. O&P research initiatives ities in the 2000s. Hanger’s talented team of clinical experts continues to became more prevalent, thanks in part to focus on inventing custom O&P solutions that enhance mobility. efforts by ALMA: “The philanthropic efforts of Henry Pope, the Warm Springs Foundation, and National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, and ALMA’s own research program, all indi- cated that a new attitude was coming alive in the field of prosthetics and orthotics,” reports the “History of Prosthetic-Orthotic Education.” ALMA members also were kept busy during the 1920s due to the rise of industrial 1907 1931
Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory 11 AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
CHAMPIONS OF O&P Another 1924 article in Surgical Appliance and Instrument Review also pointed to the Mary Dorsch, CPO prevalence of workplace limb loss: “Competent Mary Dorsch, CPO, was one of investigators have found that industrial acci- the first women O&P business dents alone in the United States injure over a owners and the first female million and a half. Of this number, about 30,000 president of AOPA. In 1934, when are amputation cases,” reported Archie Hale Dorsch became a below-knee in “The Artificial Limb Business.” He added: amputee at age 20, she visited MARY DORSCH, CPO Dorsch Prosthetics for her pros- “It can be estimated that there are more than thesis, where she met her future husband, Charles 500,000 people in this country who have Dorsch. After marrying Charles, Dorsch started suffered amputation of one type or another. working at the facility, eventually taking over How many of these cases are adaptable to the the company and becoming president of the use of artificial limbs is problematical, but what Dorsch-United Limb Co. She was the first woman a wonderful industry it is and how much good to earn certification from the American Board work can be done in the industry to rehabilitate for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and these cases, and put them back in their former limb, is entitled to charge for its knowledge Pedorthics, and was well known for her work with children. positions, or where they may at least be able and ability, as well as materials and time.” Dorsch was very involved with AOPA and to earn a livelihood.” Hale emphasized the To ensure O&P patients received proper directed the affairs of the association in the states value of the prosthetist’s role in fitting patients care, ALMA began its focus to elevate the of New York and New Jersey. She also worked with prostheses: “The vast majority of users profession and educate the public about closely with the New York City-based Metropolitan of artificial limbs are people of moderate, the efficacy of O&P intervention—initiatives Orthopedic Appliance and Limb Manufacturers and sometimes straitened, circumstances to that continue to be central to AOPA’s mission Association. She served as AOPA’s first woman whom an item of $100 or $150 is a great deal today. In 1924, ALMA President Chester B. president in 1971-1972. Her daughter, Marita Dorsch Carozza, CP, FAAOP, also works in orthotics of money. Yet one should not lose sight of the Winn gave a rousing speech during the and prosthetics. fact that a cheaply constructed and poorly association’s Seventh Annual Meeting, held fitted limb should, under any circumstances, at the Hotel Waldorf-Astoria, which was docu- Anthony Filippis Sr., CPO be avoided. A firm which is capable of, and mented in an issue of Surgical Appliance Anthony “Tony” Filippis does turn out a really serviceable, first-class and Instrument Review. Winn spoke of the Sr., a bilateral below-knee association’s emphasis on the use of “clean amputee who lost his legs competition” to avoid price fixing. He noted at age 13 in a train accident, that at each previous ALMA meeting, members began working in 1934 as had been sent home “with a firm resolve to an apprentice to Carl Wright, make their product better and in keeping with the prosthetist who made his artificial limbs. Ten years the standard advanced by our association, ANTHONY FILIPPIS SR., CPO later, in 1944, the two men which has brought forth a gradual increase formed their own company, in the benefits to be derived from correctly Wright & Filippis. After Wright manufactured prostheses.” Winn noted that passed away in 1959, Filippis “if the association itself does not educate the led the company on his own. public, outsiders will, and regardless of what Filippis loved sports we may think, the public is constantly being and set out to blaze a trail for Michigan’s disabled educated to believe that our association is athletes. In 1946, he formed or is not worthy of support.” the first bowling league and swimming program for the disabled. He developed a variety of other sports COMPANY PROFILE circa programs for both able-bodied and disabled athletes, including basketball, baseball, softball, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 1915 golf, tennis, boxing, and track and field—sports that he participated in himself. A not-for-profit organization, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has been Filippis was honored with AOPA’s Lifetime dedicated to kids for more than 100 years. Managing more than 920,000 Achievement Award in 1995, the same year he patient visits annually at three hospitals and 27 neighborhood locations, retired. Even in retirement, he maintained an Children’s is the largest health-care provider for children in Georgia and office and continued significant philanthropic one of the largest pediatric clinical care providers in the country. Children’s offers access to more efforts. He founded the Athletes With Disabilities than 60 pediatric specialties and programs and is ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the Hall of Fame in 1999. He passed away in 2007, country by U.S. News & World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support since 1915, and the Filippis family continues to guide the large family-owned company. Children’s has impacted the lives of children in Georgia, the United States, and throughout the world.
12 Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
AOPA During World War II: Advancing Education and Research Between the World Wars, ALMA’s focus had changed. Its members began to view them- selves as clinicians and professionals caring for patients, rather than as craftspeople and blacksmiths hammering on leather and metal. The rehabilitation of people with disabilities was becoming a priority. But ALMA members and the rest of the country were once again thrust into a wartime 1940 ALMA Annual Meeting environment when the Japanese attacked the American naval fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1941. Everyday life across the country was dramatically altered as food, gas, and clothing were rationed, and soldiers were once again put in danger’s way. As the United States became involved in World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, ALMA took on a larger role, ensuring prosthetic professionals were prepared for later transferred to the U.S. Department of the deluge of amputee and limb-impaired Veterans Affairs (VA). patients. Such support was essential as the Following the war, “new awareness by brutality and length of U.S. involvement led Congress and American taxpayers of veterans’ to 18,000 amputees. To address the growth real and urgent problems after returning from of the amputee population, “the Army and battle positively influenced the passage of Navy established amputation centers where important legislation for post-World War II the disabled servicemen received treatment veterans,” reported a 2011 article in the Journal and new limbs,” reports the “History of of Rehabilitation Research and Develop- Prosthetic-Orthotic Education.” The limb shops ment. “On Nov. 1, 1945, in response to both at these centers “were headed by men from the industry, and crash training programs to COMPANY PROFILE man these shops were carried out. Many of circa the men trained in these shops, some of them 1890 service-connected amputees,” continued to Endolite practice O&P for years to come. Endolite is a part of the Blatchford Group, which has been making Toward the end of the war, the Office of artificial limbs and prosthetic components since 1890. As one of the Scientific Research and Development (OSRD) oldest prosthetic manufacturers, biomimetic engineering is at the became interested in the services available heart of Endolite’s design philosophy; the company believes the best to amputees. The National Academy of prostheses replicate the dynamic and adaptive qualities of natural Sciences—National Research Council spon- human gait and motion. sored a meeting early in 1945 as the initial step Enhancing quality of life and health for amputees through of a program to standardize prosthetic appli- research, design, and innovation has been Endolite’s commitment for ances and initiated an Advisory Committee on over 125 years. Artificial Limbs, according to the History“ of Prosthetic-Orthotic Education.” The committee issued contracts to several universities and industrial laboratories. In addition, the Army and Navy established their own research facilities, which participated in the OSRD program. When the war ended and the OSRD was dissolved, the financial responsibility for the program was assumed by the Office of the Surgeon General of the Army. This responsibility was
Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory 13 AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
CHAMPIONS OF O&P the angry amputee veterans that was heat-treated and Congress, the Veterans after shaping, with steel George Fillauer Administration established the bushings at the knee and Prosthetic Appliance Service, ankle joints. George Fillauer, a German which would evolve into the Several well-known immigrant and entrepreneur, Veterans’ Administration’s O&P companies got their opened a pharmacy in Prosthetics and Sensory starts in these years. Wright & Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Aids Service in 1948.” Filippis debuted in 1944, and 1914. Fillauer positioned the GEORGE FILLAUER This time period also Leimkuehler Limb Co. opened pharmacy across the street saw many innovations and its doors in 1948. from a hospital, and by the 1920s was fitting improvements to O&P During this period of trans- appliances. In the early 1930s, Fillauer hired a devices. Some practi- formation, ALMA worked hard to German mechanic to manufacture braces, and tioners began to use advocate for the profession and began fitting custom-made corsets, trusses, and plastic laminates instead of wood. ensure qualified providers were back braces, some of which were patented in Many innovations came out of VA-funded fitting patients with appropriate the late 1930s. Next, he added on to the phar- upper-limb research at Northrop Aircraft Corp. componentry. The association also realized a macy, building a shop that focused on orthotics. (later taken over by the University of California need for increased research and worked with He became a distributor for Minneapolis at Los Angeles)—for example, researchers the U.S. government to fund studies. Artificial Limb and expanded into prosthetics. at Northrop applied the same cable system In addition, ALMA recognized that Now called Fillauer Cos., it remains a used to control aircraft to power split hooks bringing brace manufacturers and fitters into successful O&P company today, and now in upper-limb prostheses. Around this time, its fold would strengthen the organization encompasses Fillauer LLC, Hosmer, Motion the first patella tendon-bearing below-knee and better serve the needs of O&P patients. Control, Emotis, and Centri. prosthesis was introduced, which became In 1946, ALMA leaders invited the orthopedic the basis for more modern prostheses in brace fabricators to join them, resulting in the James Edward Hanger subsequent years. association changing its name to the Ortho- In 1861, 18-year-old James Private companies also contributed to pedic Appliance and Limb Manufacturers Edward Hanger, a Confederate O&P development. Ohio Willow Wood intro- Association (OALMA). OALMA established soldier, became one of the first duced the first semi-finished, above-knee a national office in Washington, DC, where amputees of the Civil War when prostheses, which used interchangeable parts its leaders could work collaboratively with a cannonball tore through his and allowed for easier repairs. And in 1948, Jim the government on important O&P initiatives. leg in the Battle of Philippi. He J.E. HANGER Snell developed a revolutionary process for OALMA also hired an executive director to underwent a life-saving battlefield amputation, making lightweight leg braces, using aluminum lead the organization. then returned home. He spent hours designing his own prosthesis, the “Hanger Limb,” from whittled barrel staves, and was subsequently COMPANY PROFILE circa granted two patents from the Confederate 1933 government. Hanger was commissioned to Becker Orthopedic develop prosthetic limbs for veteran soldiers. In Becker Orthopedic began as the Otto K. Becker Co. in Huntington, 1891, Hanger was granted a U.S. patent for his West Virginia, in 1933. Otto Becker was a mechanical engineer prosthetic innovation. from Essen, Germany, who immigrated to the United States in 1929. Over the years, Becker Hanger’s company grew quickly; by the opened an office in Michigan and ultimately moved the entire business to Detroit in the early time of his death in June 1919, the J.E. Hanger 1940s, renaming it Becker Orthopedic Appliance Co. He then added central fabrication, with the Company had branches in Atlanta, Philadelphia, first catalog in 1941 showing an array of custom braces for sale to other O&P shops. Pittsburgh, St. Louis, London, and Paris. The In 1980, his youngest son, Rudolf Becker assumed control of the company. After 84 years, company continues to be a key player in the Becker Orthopedic remains a family business. A longtime supporter of AOPA, Becker Orthopedic O&P profession today, and continues to honor provides a special endowment for the annual Otto and Lucille Becker Award, for the best orthotic and abide by the tenets articulated by its abstract submitted by a qualifying student or resident at the National Assembly. founder, who said, “There is sound logic in our determination not to extend our activities beyond our capacity. If we have learned no other lesson, we are fully convinced of the wisdom of the policy we have followed all these years, never to allow our output to grow faster than our standards of quality and individual attention will allow.”
14 Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory AOPA-100-YEARS-HANGER-FULL-PG.pdf 1 3/6/17 12:06 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!
For over a century AOPA has propelled the orthotic and prosthetic industry towards the future, benefiting each of us through government relations advocacy, efforts to C
M raise awareness of our patient care, and
Y support and education of O&P professionals.
CM
MY Hanger is honored and proud to have
CY provided unwavering support to AOPA’s CMY
K efforts since its inception, and is looking forward to continued collaboration.
BEST WISHES FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS OF SUCCESS! AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
CHAMPIONS OF O&P
A.J. Hosmer A.J. Hosmer, who suffered an upper-limb amputation due to an industrial accident in 1943, 1957 OALMA National Assembly opened an upper-limb manufacturing company in the mid 20th century. His company is credited with developing such components as wrists, elbows, hinges, and cable parts. 1957 OALMA National Assembly Hosmer’s company merged with D.W. Dorrance’s upper-limb company in 1969, becoming the Hosmer Dorrance Co., which is today a subsidiary of the Fillauer Cos. In Chattanooga, Tennessee.
William Edgar “Billy” Isle, CPO William Edgar “Billy” Isle began his career working as a brakeman in Missouri, and lost his left foot 1957 OALMA National Assembly after a train accident. He soon began working as an apprentice at the Fit-Well Artificial Limb Co. in Kansas City. He moved to J.K. OALMA played a significant role in advo- Rowley Co., where he became cating for the profession as well as ensuring manager of the Kansas City branch. O&P professionals were properly qualified. During World War I, he traveled to The organization worked in cooperation with Paris and then London to help treat the VA in 1947 in “the first large-scale effort war amputees and design spaces toward the training of prosthetists,” reports “The apprenticeship program of OALMA to produce prostheses for military WILLIAM EDGAR the “History of Prosthetic-Orthotic Educa- seemed well accepted in 1954,” reports the patients. He also helped direct the “BILLY” ISLE, CO tion.” By January 1949, “20 short courses “History of Prosthetic-Orthotic Education.” establishment of a prosthetic facility for the fitting of suction-socket above-knee “Many individuals were registered under the in Rome. prostheses had been presented in various program. Over the years, however, it fell into In 1920, Isle purchased the Kansas City parts of the United States.” disuse, due mainly to the lack of availability of office of J.K. Rowley. As the business thrived, Isle In 1948, OALMA members recom- formal instruction to augment the on-the-job and his wife began producing stump socks. He mended the formation of an organization training. In addition, the terms ‘apprentice’ founded Knit-Rite Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri, with the responsibility to establish minimum and ‘trainee’ have not been well accepted in in 1923. requirements for the operation of a limb or this country, where the emphasis seems to Isle was a staunch advocate for improved brace facility to ensure that patients would be on formal training in institutions of higher professional status and supporter of ALMA. He receive adequate service. After informal education.” worked on a joint committee with members of discussions with the Department of Justice, In addition to its focus on education and ALMA and the American Medical Association, the American Board for Certification of the advocacy, OALMA continued to hold meetings which led to the publication of the Handbook Prosthetic and Orthopedic Appliance Industry and grow its membership. The organization on Amputations, and later helped lead to the Inc. was formed, which later became the published a journal beginning in 1946. establishment of ABC. He also became one of American Board for Certification in Orthotics Published under the name The Journal of the first prosthetists/orthotists certified by the and Prosthetics Inc. (ABC). Thus, the terms OALMA from 1946 to 1951, the journal went American Board for Certification in Orthotics, “certified orthotist” and “certified prosthetist” by the name of Orthopedic & Prosthetic Prosthetics, and Pedorthics. In 1948, he received were adopted for those who met certification Appliance Journal from 1952 to 1967 and honorary life membership from OALMA. requirements. The first certifying exam was Orthotics and Prosthetics from 1967 to 1988. held in New York City in 1951. AOPA co-published the Journal of Prosthetics At the recommendation of an ABC advisory and Orthotics from 1988 until the dissolution committee, OALMA’s Education Committee, of the O&P National Office. led by McCarthy Hanger Jr., developed OALMA also published an early version on-the-job training schedules and course of what is now called the O&P Almanac—the materials for related training, to meet the association’s monthly magazine—during these adopted standards for apprenticeship training. years. The inaugural issues appeared in news-
16 Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
An Association and Profession in Transition: The Korean War and Its Aftermath The 1950s started off uneventfully, with the World Wars over, “Howdy Doody” broadcast on black-and-white TV, and milk still delivered directly to doorsteps. But the peaceful atmo- sphere did not last long. The Korean War began in June of 1950 and continued until July of 1953, challenging OALMA members to innovate for wounded warriors once again—though smaller percentages than in previous conflicts. Medicine had advanced since World War II, and some amputations were prevented due to new techniques: “During the Korean War, surgeons experimented and implemented techniques of vascular repair, which restored circulation and limited the number of ampu- tations; soldiers injured in battle had another 1960 OALMA National Assembly Becker exhibit booth option besides losing a limb,” reports Battlefield Medicine. New Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) units were developed to offer resusci- letter or simpler formats. Its first iteration, prior Walter Sievers, concluded: “Behind this tative surgical care within 10 miles of the front to 1946, was called the ALMAnac, and was inquiry is the conviction that a strong private lines. The amputation rate of blood vessel issued by officers and volunteers of ALMA. enterprise engaged in the brace business is injuries was reduced from about 50 percent From 1946 to 1949, the publication was not put most conducive to good service to patients.” during World War II to about 10 percent when out because funds were diverted to the new OALMA’s dedication to advocating on behalf the vessels were repaired properly, according Journal of OALMA. But in 1949, the association of its member companies, which was evident to Military In-Step. Still, more than 1,500 ampu- resumed publishing, calling the document during this time, continued throughout the tations to U.S. soldiers were recorded during the OALMA Almanac. The first issue of the ensuing years. this time period. OALMA Almanac, published in July 1949, was described as “nothing fancy…. It is our good COMPANY PROFILE will and public relations feature. The Almanac, circa carrying no ads, can be afforded only if it is 1948 accepted as a low-cost, quickly printed ‘house Leimkuehler Inc. organ.’ …We hope it may be found of real value Leimkuehler Inc. was founded in 1948 by Paul Leimkuehler. Leimkuehler as a current bulletin on matters affecting the lost his left leg above the knee while serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. welfare of our membership family.” The debut Army in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. In 1960, Paul Leimkuehler issue included briefs on the Group Life and built the building near downtown Cleveland that is still in use. In 1978, his Health Insurance Program, the Ladies Auxiliary, son Robert bought the business. Currently Robert, his wife Rosie, and their new contracts with the VA, a new suction two sons, Greg and Jim, work at the Detroit Road facility. socket school, OALMA’s suction socket valve As a third-generation company, Leimkuehler strives to provide study, and OALMA convention details. Left: Paul Leimkuehler with a patient in 1951 patients with innovative quality prosthetic and orthotic care. Leimkuehler OALMA’s advocacy efforts shone through Center: Chicago Regional Meeting 1972 has expanded to two other offices located on the south and east sides of during this time period—even tackling the Right: PEL Warehouse 1980 Cleveland. prickly subject of government encroach- ment on behalf of its members. In a Feb. 20, 1950, letter to brace-making firms, OALMA’s Committee on Braces wrote that “several complaints have been received that the government has been encroaching in the field and manufacture of braces.” The letter was accompanied by a questionnaire to determine how big a problem encroachment had become. The letter, signed by Chairman
Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory 17 AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
CHAMPIONS OF O&P
James Kaiser, CP, LP James Kaiser, CP, LP, spent his 40-year career at Scheck & Siress Prosthetics Inc. A graduate of the University of Illinois, he started as a prosthetic technician in 1974, JAMES KAISER, CP, LP attended NUPOC, and became ABC-certified in prosthetics in 1977 and Illinois-li- censed in 2000. For 30 years, Kaiser served as chief executive officer of Scheck & Siress, until he transferred interest in the company to the remaining shareholders in 2013.
In 2000, Kaiser was a member of the Negotiated Rule Making Committee that defined Around this time, universities began to made remarkable progress during the past the language in BIPA 427 that CMS, now in 2017, establish schools for O&P professionals, as decade—since the association had established is supporting enforcement. Kaiser was heavily an alternative to attending selected training a national office with an executive director involved in AOPA. He served as president in programs at locations across the country. and staff. The participants agreed that “the 2009–2010. He led the organization when The University of California—Los Angeles shop of the past is giving way to the facility AOPA advocated for the exemption of O&P (UCLA) began to offer its Prosthetic Education of the future.” They also described the char- medical devices from the 2.3 percent medical Program in 1952. In January 1953, the first acteristics of a successful O&P facility in the device excise tax—an effort that was ultimately of 12 six-week upper-extremity prosthetics future: “The facility must be well located for its successful, saving O&P business owners millions courses for prosthetists was conducted at purpose, with good transportation available, of dollars. In 2010, Kaiser led the initiative UCLA. Other colleges, including New York good parking space nearby, with a minimum of “One Voice” in government relations with University (in 1956) and Northwestern Univer- of three fitting rooms, well equipped, with a the inclusion of BOC into the Alliance. Kaiser sity (in 1959) followed suit, offering courses in typical efficient group of four people, one of advocated on behalf of the profession in above-knee prosthetics, orthotics, and other whom is the head and one of whom should securing the 2000 passage of licensure in Illinois O&P topics. In 1958, an 18-month program in be a lady attendant….The work week will not so reimbursement for O&P services could only upper-extremity orthotics began at Rancho be over 44 hours. The facility must be open be made through licensed providers in certified Los Amigos Hospital in Downey, California, at least full-time ordinary business hours. A facilities. He also assisted in AOPA’s initiatives to then expanded to a 24-month program to new facility for the future can hardly justify assist O&P professionals in states without licen- include lower-extremity orthotics. opening short of $30,000 capital and a Dun sure to begin efforts to advocate for licensure in OALMA began a very proactive focus and Bradstreet report should be able to say, their state. In addition, Kaiser worked to secure during this time period. In January 1958, ‘adequate for its purposes.’” amputee fairness legislation, to improve and members of the Executive Committee of The O&P profession was, in fact, in a period create transparency coverage limitations for O&P OALMA and eight OALMA past presidents of great transition, with OALMA spearheading care with the 2009 Illinois Parity Act. He was met for four days at the Bon-Air Hotel in efforts to elevate the profession in the eyes awarded the AOPA Legislative Advocacy Award Augusta, Georgia, as an “attempt to analyze of other health-care providers. The minutes in 2014. and appraise our progress, our present condi- from the Planning Our Future meeting sum it Now retired from Scheck & Siress, Kaiser tion, and what’s in our future,” according to the up nicely: “Are we a business or a profession? continues to be involved in O&P as president of minutes of the “Planning Our Future” event. Hopefully we have to be both. And, are we the Illinois Society of Orthotists & Prosthetists The Planning Our Future meeting was mechanics, with engineering skills, or are we and chairman of the Illinois State O&P License “an effort to draw, in bold lines, a picture in the medical field where the structure of Board for Professional Regulation. of the future art-science of prosthetics and anatomy is all important? Again, we have to orthotics.” The minutes noted that OALMA had be both. Therein lies our complicated future.”
18 Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
To help orthotists and prosthetists prepare for and embrace that complicated future, the association undertook additional educa- tional initiatives. In 1959, OALMA, under the leadership of President Karl Buschenfeldt, CO, appointed a six-person Committee on Education. The committee was charged with devising a profile of what should be expected of prosthetists and orthotists of the future, and developing a plan to reach that goal. The committee worked under the chairmanship of E.W. Snygg from September 1959 until September 1961, when the responsibilities were shifted to OALMA’s Committee on Educational Standards. “A tangible benefit 1967 AOPA National Assembly ribbon cutting 1967 AOPA National Assembly and 50th Anniversary celebration of OALMA’s Committee on Education was the development of a correspondence educa- developed. The first reciprocating gait orthosis budget for Medicare was approximately $10 tional program directed at individuals who (RGO) also was introduced. billion, and 19 million individuals signed up were just entering the field of prosthetics A game changer in the U.S. health-care for Medicare during its first year. Coverage and orthotics,” reports the “History of Pros- system also arrived in the 1960s, with the took effect in 1966. This program opened thetic-Orthotic Education.” This program birth of Medicare. On July 30, 1965, President access to orthotic and prosthetic care to many “was put together by selecting numerous Lyndon B. Johnson made the legislation to Americans who had previously “gone without” courses from different curricula offered enact Medicare official by signing H.R. 6675 due to cost—leading to more growth for the through the International Correspondence in Independence, Missouri. In 1965, the O&P profession. Schools.” Unfortunately, few students enrolled in the program because it was deemed too COMPANY PROFILE circa time-intensive for professionals who were already busy. The Snell P&O “Family” 1911 At the end of the 1950s, OALMA was R.W. “Pop” Snell started Snell’s Artificial Limbs, Braces, and Trusses in Memphis in 1911. poised for major change—and ready for what Snell entered the profession by fitting trusses in a Memphis pharmacy, eventually purchasing was to come next. the artificial limbs and braces portion of the company. Business thrived, and Snell’s soon expanded into Nashville and Little Rock. In the late 1930s, Pop’s son Jim opened his own facility in Shreve- AOPA Comes Into Its Own: port, Louisiana, while R.D. “Ralph” Snell, Jim’s brother, took over the Nashville operation. A few years later, G.E. “Ed” Snell, Pop’s nephew, purchased the Little Rock portion of the business from Growth and Change in his uncle. the 1960s and 1970s Grandson to Pop, Ronney Snell, CPO, FAAOP, had a long and inspiring history through his work within the field and his long-term relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in The 1960s were a decade of change for Memphis. Ronney served as president of three major O&P organizations. Ronney passed away in the nation, and for AOPA. In particular, 1960 May 2003. Today, the Snells’ legacy is continued by Pop’s great grandson, Ted; grandson, Clint; was a notable year because of the election and great nephew, Frank. of John F. Kennedy to the presidency, the While all three companies, CFI Prosthetics-Orthotics, with offices in Tennessee and Mississippi, development of the first pacemaker, and the owned by Ted Snell, CP; Snell’s Orthotics and Prosthetics, with three offices in Louisiana, owned by first U.S. troops being sent to Vietnam. This Clint Snell, CPO; and Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory, with nine offices in Arkansas, owned conflict, which divided the nation, resulted in by Frank Snell, have the same roots, each of the companies have individual approaches and approximately 5,300 amputees, according to philosophies that guide their success. data from the Veterans Health Initiative and VFW Magazine. O&P technology continued its rapid advance, with innovations such as Ohio Willow Wood’s first solid-ankle-cushion-heel (SACH) foot and Durr-Fillauer’s introduction of a nonporous, thermomoldable foam called PeLite. Over at Becker—a manufacturing company originally founded in 1933 by Otto K. Becker—a new double-action joint and Frank Snell, CPO, LPO, FAAOP Ted Snell, CPO, CPA Clint Snell, CPO, left, accepts Lifetime Achievement modified drop-lock knee joint were being Award in 2014
Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory 19 AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
CHAMPIONS OF O&P This was also a period of Amid the growth of women in transition for OALMA, beginning the U.S. workforce, the year 1971 with a new moniker. In 1966, marked an important milestone for Daniel A. McKeever, CP OALMA officially changed AOPA: Mary Dorsch, CPO, became Daniel A. McKeever was its name to the American the first female president of the born in New York City in 1910. Orthotic and Prosthetic Asso- association. Women had always After earning a bachelor of ciation (AOPA). The association played important roles in O&P; science degree in electrical renewed is dedication to educa- at many family-run businesses, engineering from the Georgia tion and research by working in wives and daughters were part of Institute of Technology, DANIEL A. MCKEEVER, CP conjunction with the Committee the staff, and the Ladies’ Auxiliary McKeever began his career in for Prosthetic-Orthotic Educa- had a strong showing at AOPA the Coleman family’s O&P business. Soon after, tion of the National Research conventions. But Dorsch’s ascen- he worked as a part-time technician for J.E. Council to gather the first national data on the sion to the presidency marked a new era, Hanger Inc., crafting prosthetic legs and knee O&P field, which helped establish guidelines paralleling the advancement of women in joints from hardwood and rawhide. He became for practitioner education and recruitment. many professions throughout the country. the 11th prosthetist certified by the American In the early 1970s, AOPA helped develop In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon signed Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, a guideline for the O&P education course- into law the first major change to Medicare. and Pedorthics (ABC). In 1937, McKeever work essentials, universal orthotic-prosthetic The legislation expanded coverage to include became manager and treasurer of Hanger. terminology, and new occupational titles and individuals under the age of 65 with long-term In November 1940, McKeever reported to job descriptions. Shortly thereafter, AOPA disabilities and individuals with end-stage renal active duty as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. established the Business Procedures and disease, once again increasing the patient He served during World War II, achieving the Liaison Committee. Government and inter- pool for O&P clinicians. rank of lieutenant colonel and receiving the national relations activities also expanded An important change in education require- Legion of Merit for Service. He retired from the at AOPA during these years. ments for O&P professionals took place during Army in 1946, then established SPS, a company AOPA partnered with ABC in 1970, calling this decade. In 1976, AOPA joined forces with that administered patient treatment facilities as a for the development of an organization focused ABC and the American Academy of Orthotists cooperative for Hanger. on continuing education for O&P profes- and Prosthetists at a seminal meeting in Ponte McKeever served as president of AOPA sionals. As a result, the American Academy Vedra, Florida, to evaluate the O&P profes- in 1949-1950, and as president of ABC in of Orthotists and Prosthetists was founded sion’s education and occupational status. The 1953-1954. He served on the board of directors in November 1970 to expand the scientific participants concluded that, going forward, with the Hanger Orthopedic Group and was an and educational attainments of professional a four-year baccalaureate degree would be active consultant to SPS. He died in 1998, but practitioners in the O&P disciplines. required for O&P practitioners. his legacy lives on through McKeever’s First Ride, a therapeutic riding program run by OPAF and the First Clinics. COMPANY PROFILE circa Ben B. Moss 1901 Ben B. Moss is commonly considered an O&P pioneer. Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. Moss, who served in the Navy Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. has been serving Southwestern BEN B. MOSS during World War II, began Pennsylvania for more than 116 years. Union O&P is a family-owned and his career practicing law but migrated to the -operated company providing orthotics and prosthetics. O&P profession in 1964, when he purchased The history of the company can be traced back to 1901. Adam Florida Brace Corp. from Eugene Jewett, MD. Forster and Louis Hossfeld started a partnership as leg makers as His guidance helped grow the company, which Forster & Hossfeld at was the sole manufacturer of the Jewett brace, 113 Smithfield Street in a hyperextension spinal orthosis. The brace had downtown Pittsburgh. been created by Jewett in 1936, as an alternative The company has to the body casts used at the time. gone through various Moss was a well-respected business owners through the owner within the O&P community. He served years. In August 1988, as president of AOPA in 1976-1977, and led the Jon Leimkuehler, association through some challenging regulatory CPO, purchased the times. In 1995, he was awarded AOPA’s Lifetime company from Leonard Achievement Award. At the time of his death in Svetz, CP. Jon retired in 2010, he was still involved with Florida Brace, 2013 and left the reins serving as chairman of the board. to his three children.
20 Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory ALPS throughout the times
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CHAMPIONS OF O&P 1978 AOPA Past Presidents
Ivan Sabel, CPO In 1967, Ivan Sabel was one of the first 10 graduates of the prosthetics and orthotics program at New York Univer- sity. He founded Capital Ortho- IVAN SABEL, CPO pedics in 1969 in Bethesda, Maryland. At the height of the Vietnam War, Sabel—who had been trained in immediate postoperative fittings—became the “go-to” prosthetist for the Bethesda Naval Hospital. His facility grew in stature and size, eventually serving three locations. He served as president of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics in 1981. In 1986, after Capital Orthopedics was acquired by Sequel Corp., Sabel embarked on a quest to reunite and consolidate the various Hanger companies. He became president and chief executive officer of Hanger Orthopedic Group in 1995. For the next 13 years, Sabel In the 1970s, the yearly AOPA National The Health Care Financing Administration led Hanger in the acquisition of nearly 100 Assembly continued to be a popular member (HCFA) adopted the South Carolina system and companies, including J.E. Hanger Inc. of Georgia, benefit. At the time, there were fewer AOPA established the Healthcare Common Procedure doubling the company’s size and adding SPS. staff members, so most Assembly activities Coding System (HCPCS) in 1978. The L codes While at Hanger, Sabel created the Hanger were planned and organized by members, are included in HCPCS Level II codes. Ivan Sabel Foundation to provide charitable pros- says Don Hardin, who volunteered for the AOPA’s significance grew as the implemen- thetic care to developing countries. In 2010, the National Assembly Committee in the 1970s and tation of Medicare and new coding regulations foundation and its partners provided prosthetic 1980s and served as AOPA president in 1991- complicated the provision of O&P services. care to more than 1,200 Haitian amputees. 1992. With fewer members, the conventions Many more O&P companies joined the asso- Sabel retired as chief executive officer were held in hotels rather than convention ciation and benefitted from the services and of Hanger in 2008, remaining non-executive centers. But the attendees enjoyed these products offered by AOPA—including services chair until he fully retired in 2010—the same annual gatherings, which were anticipated aimed at helping O&P professionals understand year he was recognized with an AOPA Lifetime each year as fun networking opportunities, the L codes and learn to use them to attain Achievement Award. He later co-invested in and where participants enjoyed the socializing appropriate reimbursement. With so much Frazier Healthcare to acquire Orthotic Holdings aspect as much as the exhibit and educational activity and change impacting the profession, Inc. (OHI). He currently serves as chief executive components, Hardin recalls. AOPA membership numbers soared—almost officer of OHI, a company that specializes in One of AOPA’s most important contribu- doubling between 1973 and 1980. technologies and treatment options for health- tions during this time period was in helping to Another seminal AOPA program made care providers who treat conditions associated develop the L codes. AOPA and Blue Cross its debut in 1979: AOPA’s Loss Control with the lower extremities. Blue Shield (BCBS) of South Carolina developed Program, part of AOPA’s insurance program. the first template for the L-code system in the The program was designed to save members 1970s. They created a pilot program, which money by reducing overall rates for malpractice BCBS-South Carolina applied in 1979, with and product liability insurance. Of course, the other insurers following suit. The L codes were association continued to host the well-regarded developed to provide a consistent, logical, AOPA National Assembly each year, and standardized method to describe the way publish its journal and magazine, as well as O&P services were being provided. With the other documents, to aid O&P professionals system, a base code described the simplest in their business practices. procedure possible, including costs of materials, With a slew of new member benefits in related costs, and the professional services place at the end of the 1970s, AOPA was involved. Add-on codes would be applied if well-prepared to lead the O&P profession more complex care was administered. into the final two decades of the 20th century.
22 Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
to fit and manage ampu- AOPA Members tees, those fears were Embrace Technology: unfounded. Instead, CAD/CAM revolution- Innovation in the ized prosthetic practice 1980s and 1990s with increased shape management options, With the 1980s arrived the rise of Reagonomics production capabil- and the advent of personal computers. AOPA ities, and access to extended its interests during this decade outsourced fabrication, as well as greater to such areas as business education, and ease of use in transmitting digital files. members’ marketing needs. A campaign was In 1988, AOPA’s Orthotics and Prosthetics launched to offer education on the value of Journal was merged with the Academy’s O&P intervention to personnel on Capitol Hill Clinical Prosthetics & Orthotics to become the and at HCFA, now the Centers for Medicaid Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, published and Medicare Services (CMS), the VA, and by both associations. The quarterly publication other agencies overseeing O&P funding. grew to 64 pages and featured research- One of AOPA’s most widely regarded based articles published after undergoing a publications—the Pictorial Reference Manual comprehensive peer-review process. of Orthotics and Prosthetics—was first released in October 1986. The project was intended to COMPANY PROFILE circa alleviate some of the confusion pertaining to the identification of specific devices. AOPA 1907 members now know that document, which WillowWood continues to be updated annually, as the Founded in 1907 by William E. Arbogast, WillowWood has worked within AOPA Illustrated Guide. the O&P community as a family business for 110 years. Each generation The 1980s also saw extraordinary innova- of the Arbogast family has made its mark on the company with determi- tion in terms of O&P devices. Van Phillips, a nation through uncertain national and global crises, the development biomedical design engineer at the University of new prosthetic products, the utilization of emerging technology, and of Utah, founded Flex-Foot Inc. in 1984. Phillips continual growth. created an innovative workable artificial foot A constant for both the Arbogast family and WillowWood has been made from carbon graphite, which stored their membership and support of AOPA. Founder William E. Arbogast kinetic energy from the wearer’s steps as recognized the value of the organization and became involved from the potential energy. The “spring-like” device very start. He instilled in his sons the importance of AOPA and how it allowed amputees to run and jump as never served the industry. The company has been a regular exhibitor at trade before and became popular among amputee shows and was even recognized in 1941 for its excellence athletes. Not long after, Ernest Burgess, MD, in show displays. debuted the Seattle Foot, an energy-storing WillowWood provides a special endowment foot using a patented spring made of a new for the annual Edwin and Kathryn Arbogast plastic developed by DuPont, which helped Award, for the best prosthetic abstract users push off when taking a step. submitted by a qualifying student or resident Endoskeletal prostheses also began at the National Assembly. to take hold during the 1980s. With these devices, modular components could be easily fitted, aligned and realigned, repaired, replaced, and updated. Advances in fiber technology also enabled companies such as Knit-Rite to incorporate high-stretch yarns and wicking yarns, as well as silver fiber, into their O&P products. The 1980s also saw a change in the way many facilities provided services as more practitioners adopted computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) technologies. While some O&P professionals feared that the implementation of such technology would give other health-care professionals the opportunity
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CHAMPIONS OF O&P AOPA led the way in helping members navigate the move to managed care during the 1980s. Though managed-care R.W. “Pop” Snell organizations, such as health-maintenance R.W. “Pop” Snell had a organizations (HMOs), had been in exis- number of business interests tence for several decades, the movement in the early 1900s, working in received a boost from a 1978 congressional fruit orchards, in the manufac- amendment that increased federal aid for ture of walking canes, and HMO development. From 1980 to 1989, as a teacher. Eventually, he R.W. “POP” SNELL enrollment in HMOs increased from 9 million got a job in Memphis with a to 36 million Americans. By 1990, managed surgical supply business that had an O&P office care was incorporated into Medicare and as a sideline. In 1911, Snell bought the O&P end Medicaid plans as well. As patients moved of the business, naming the company Snell’s from choosing all of their own health-care Artificial Limbs, Braces, and Trusses. Working providers to being required or encouraged 1992 ISPO 7th World Congress with his sons, he handcrafted each custom- to visit only those care providers in a given fitted artificial limb, setting his own style, and network, O&P business owners considered later renamed the AOPA Policy Forum—several responding proactively and creatively to create whether to continue on their own or join O&P professionals convened on Capitol Hill to O&P solutions. He fashioned early limbs out of forces with managed-care organizations. meet individually with lawmakers and share the rawhide and red willow. AOPA and the O&P profession claimed O&P message. This marked the beginning of Snell branched out from Memphis into Nash- a major victory in 1990, when O&P won the AOPA’s annual trek to DC to serve as the voice ville and Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1935. In the late right to be considered a separate field from of the O&P profession and facilitate hundreds 1930s, Pop’s son Jim opened his own facility in durable medical equipment for reimbursement of individual meetings with lawmakers. Shreveport, Louisiana, while R.D. “Ralph” Snell, purposes. Other efforts on Capitol Hill resulted Also in 1992, the National Easter Seal Jim’s brother, took over the Nashville operation. in the signing of H.R. 3839, Savings Account Society presented the O&P Almanac with A few years later, G.E. “Ed” Snell, Pop’s nephew, for a Valued Education Act, which increased an EDI (Equality, Dignity, Independence) purchased the Little Rock portion of the business funding for O&P schools. Award for an article that appeared in its from his uncle. All three corporations continue to The first AOPA Legislative Conference took May 1992 issue: “Disability in America: A serve O&P patients today. place in 1992, as AOPA celebrated its 75th Transition in Awareness.” anniversary. At that conference—which was Another association benchmark occurred in the mid 1990s when the first AOPA Coding & Billing seminar was held in Hartford, COMPANY PROFILE circa Connecticut. AOPA staff teamed with members 1888 of the AOPA Coding & Billing Committee, including Michael S. O’Donnell, CPO, and Keith Winkley Orthotics & Cornell, CP, FAAOP, to lead the first presentation Prosthetics designed as a national forum to provide basic The Winkley Company was founded in 1888 by Albert orthotic and prosthetic coding guidance. These Winkley in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Winkley became seminars proved highly popular, and continue a below-knee amputee as a result of a farming to be held on a quarterly basis at locations accident. He also was a craftsman and inventor who throughout the country. became dissatisfied with his initial prosthesis. After This time period also was notable for the some modifications to improve his prosthesis, he number of mergers and acquisitions that took patented those changes and started a limb manu- place within the O&P industry. Just as other facturing company. His major contribution became health-care verticals underwent periods of known as a “slip socket,” providing a separate consolidation, some smaller, mom-and-pop interface between the skin and socket structure. type O&P facilities were acquired by larger The Winkley Company has produced more than facilities. “When I started out in the industry quality orthotics and prosthetics over the years—both 50 years ago, it was a mom-and-pop business, A.P. Gruman (1948) and Robert Gruman (1963), served with only a few multi-office facilities,” says as AOPA presidents. The Winkley Company is a Hardin. “Consolidation changed that and fifth-generation family-owned business. brought about some national companies.” Throughout this period of consolidation, facilities continued their “patient-centered” approach to care and continued to rely on AOPA for products and services to help them best meet patients’ needs.
24 Who’s Who 100th Anniversary 2017 Commemorative Membership Directory AOPA: Our Story Is Your Story
The arrival of micropro- cessor knees also “changed reimbursement,” says Hardin, bringing added scrutiny to the field due to the higher costs associated with the advanced technology. With advances in O&P devices came more widespread participation of O&P patients in athletic endeavors. AOPA member companies frequently stepped in to help patients find ways to participate in sports and extracurric- 1999 AOPA Board Meeting 2000 World Rehab Fund Dinner honoring Ivan Sabel, from left: Tom Watson, ular activities. In 1995, AOPA, in conjunction CP; Van Sabel; and C. Michael Schuch, CPO, FISPO, FAAOP with ABC and the Academy, established and incorporated the Orthotic & Prosthetic The 1990s saw a number of technological Thomas H. Watson, CP, who served as Activities Fund (OPAF). The fund was initially advancements related to prosthetic devices, AOPA president in 2000-2001, was one of dedicated to providing financial and in-kind marked by the introduction of Endolite’s the first U.S. amputees to be fit with a C-leg. support to the 1996 Paralympic Games, which swing-control microprocessor knee in the “It was an unbelievable experience. I put the took place in Atlanta, Georgia. At the conclu- early 1990s and the 1997 release of Ottobock’s microprocessor knee on a socket and had to sion of the 1996 Games, the fund continued to C-leg, the first fully microprocessor-controlled retrain myself to walk in a different manner, provide support to adaptive sports programs, leg prosthesis system. “When the micropro- but it was so much easier,” Watson recalls. clinics, and activities; raise public awareness cessor knee came out, it changed everything,” “You didn’t even think about the journey; of the benefits that individuals with physical says Hardin, who worked for Ottobock. “It you just enjoyed the experience. That was a disabilities receive from physical activity; and changed the ability of people to walk.” tremendous experience.” facilitate continuing education programs for
As we celebrate our 10 year anniversary at Arise O&P, we would like to thank our friends and colleagues at AOPA for their 100 years of service and dedication to the O&P community! Many congratulations!
Charles Kuffel, MSM, CPO, FAAOP Teri Kuffel, JD Kevin Hines, CPO Arise Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc. 8338 Highway 65 NE, Suite E Spring Lake Park, MN 55432 763-755-9500 www.arise-op.com
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