If you’re not already familiar with The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research (The O&P Foundation), then you should be! The O&P Foundation was formed in 2022 through the historic merger of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Education and Research Foundation (OPERF) and the Center for Outcomes and Learning / Evidence-Based Practice (COPL), two pioneering organizations in the O&P field that were dedicated to supporting researchers, students and educators through grants, scholarships and awards. 

The O&P Foundation was established to advance the art and science of orthotic and prosthetic rehabilitation by enhancing clinical practices through professional training awards, promoting educational opportunities through academic scholarships, strengthening the body of knowledge through research grants and fellowships, and inspiring excellence through the recognition of scholarly achievements. 

In all, The O&P Foundation helps support and administer 15 awards, grants and scholarships that provide up to 249,500 each year. ABC is proud to fund six of these scholarships and awards to help achieve both organizations’ shared vision of supporting the growth and excellence of our profession. ABC is thrilled to be working with Fanny Schultea, MS, MSEd, CPO, LP, FAAOP, The O&P Foundation’s first executive director. Schultea is a certified Prosthetist Orthotist and Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine’s Orthotics and Prosthetics master’s program. She is also the former inaugural O&P iQ Director. 

"The O&P Foundation is honored to serve the entire O&P community, from its professional stakeholders to the patients we serve,” said Schultea. “We are here to coalesce and unify through collaborations and partnerships within education, research and clinical practice. The O&P Foundation is dedicated to supporting the future of Orthotics and Prosthetics through funding opportunities at every stage of professional development and contribution to the advancement of clinical practice and patient care. We are rooted in YOU, now let's grow these branches and spread the seeds of change TOGETHER." 

The O&P Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors and Committee Members. If you are interested in supporting the profession through The O&P Foundation, please consider donating or becoming a volunteer. Needed areas of volunteer support include marketing, fundraising, education and research committees. The money raised by The O&P Foundation goes to promote education and research in the field of orthotics and prosthetics. 

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