In this episode of O&P Rising, recorded live at the 52nd Academy Annual Meeting in Nashville, guest host Abbey Senczyszyn, CPO, of Bremer Prosthetic Design, sits down with Jonah Rhymer, MPO, CPO of Open Bionics, and Kathleen Carroll, MS, MSPO, CPO, FAAOP, of Hanger Clinic to explore how early-career professionals can grow and adapt in orthotics and prosthetics. Jonah shares how a single encounter with an above-knee prosthesis set him on a path from technician to clinician and ultimately into upper-limb specialization, fueled by a passion for emerging technologies like 3D printing and strengthened through mentorship and national networking. Kathleen reflects on her unconventional transition from graduate math into O&P, her focus on pediatric orthotics, and how she expanded into clinic leadership and outcomes work that blends data with patient care. Together, they discuss the importance of staying nimble as opportunities emerge, leaning into your strengths while embracing discomfort, and using professional meetings to build connections and close knowledge gaps. They also offer candid insights on navigating imposter syndrome, avoiding burnout, learning from mistakes, and shaping a career that evolves with purpose.

O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Liz Morse, a prosthetic and orthotic resident at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin, leads a candid discussion on residency stressors and the transition into clinical practice. She is joined by Kelley Berk, MS, CPO, LPO, of Shamrock Prosthetics in Athens, Georgia, and Julie Quinlan, MPO, MS, CPO, ATC, FAAOP, of Hanger Clinic and associate director of the O&P program at Drexel University. Together, they explore how strong communication lays the foundation for success when joining a new clinic, from setting expectations with mentors and teammates to giving and receiving constructive feedback. The conversation addresses imposter syndrome, maintaining a growth mindset, and building patient trust through transparency, realistic timelines, and honest follow-up. They also share practical strategies for staying organized, reflecting on progress, celebrating daily wins, and leaning on community support to reduce burnout and sustain meaningful patient care.

O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Noelle Medina, a newly certified prosthetist and orthotist at Eastside O&P in Portland, Oregon, leads a powerful conversation on activism and advocacy within the O&P profession. They are joined by Kyle Stepp, elite paratriathlete and national strategic partnerships lead for So Every BODY Can Move, and Nicole Ver Kuilen, disability rights advocate and Director of Impact Campaigns at the Amputee Coalition and lead for So Every BODY Can Move. Kyle and Nicole share their personal journeys into advocacy and the experiences that inspired them to push for legislative change to improve access to prosthetic and orthotic care. The conversation explores the origin and growth of the So Every BODY Can Move movement, which is working to ensure equitable access to physical activity devices through policy efforts across the United States. They discuss the role clinicians can play in advocacy, the impact of laws already enacted in 12 states, and why a coordinated, nationwide approach is critical.

O&P Rising is produced by Association Briefings.