Physical Therapy (PT) is a very important part of the clinical care team for those with limb loss or limb difference. Mark Hopkins, Dankmeyer’s CEO, first practiced as a physical therapist before becoming a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist, and maintains his PT license. Mark is a longterm member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and is excited to share news about a new special interest academy which has been proposed at APTA.
Limb difference, which includes limb loss and limb absence, affects millions of Americans today. It is a national epidemic that needs focused, evidence based and lifelong management. The new Academy would be devoted to the standardization and advancement of care for persons with limb difference, and professional development for physical therapists working in this field. The Academy of Amputation and Limb Difference Physical Therapy will support the development of professional standards in amputation and limb difference care. These standards will span entry level education and training standards for PTs and PTAs, advanced training standards, development of training platforms and integration of a multidisciplinary team for optimal patient outcomes.
The Academy of Amputation and Limb Difference Physical Therapy (AALDPT) would join other special interest groups in the APTA. Consolidating PT’s who work with amputation and limb difference into a group that can facilitate the sharing of information, clinical practice and education will serve to benefit all members of the patient’s clinical care team. Mark has been a strong advocate for education in prosthetics and orthotics as for physical therapists, teaching a number of different practicing PT’s and PT students at the University of Maryland and the University of Delaware several times a year. This educational thrust is part of Dankmeyer Academy, which is devoted to fulfilling Dankmeyer’s strong educational mission.
Mark encourages APTA members to join over 200 current and active APTA members who have already indicated they will be members of the new academy. Click here to learn more and support the petition for the new Academy which has been submitted to the APTA board for consideration. He looks forward to participating in AALDPT, sharing his in depth knowledge and experience with PT’s from his practice as a CPO for over 25 years.
-Submitted by Mark Hopkins, CEO, PT, CPO, MBA