Our Resolutions

As 2011 comes to a close, our minds are already churning with ways to make 2012 even better. Last year we resolved to connect with our patients through various social media outlets. We are active on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. We invite you to join us so that you can stay up to date on the latest developments! Simply click on the icons on the sidebar of this blog to join the conversation.

We wanted to take a moment to share two of our resolutions. We are working towards a paperless office in 2012. While we are realistic and know that we aren't going to eliminate paper altogether, we pledge to reduce our usage. Ben is spearheading this effort. When he isn't working on prosthetics he has been busy researching integrated office technologies and methods to computerize our office.

Over the next few months we will be changing some of our office procedures. Our new on-line appointment option is one of our first steps in this process! Have you tried it yet? Simply go to our website (www.opc1.com) and click the blue "schedule an appointment online" button. Enter some basic information and then pick your appointment time. You can receive confirmation via text message, phone call or email.

In 2012 we would like to continue our patient outreach programs. We recognize that our patients are more than the prosthetics that they utilize. Last year we began our monthly "AmpuTea Party" to foster peer sharing. We are exploring other programs to assist our patients, including possibly developing exercise and/ or walking groups. If you have any program ideas, please let us know!

2012 promises to be an exciting year at OPC. We look forward to watching our patients achieve their goals and dreams. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey, and we look forward to working with you in the upcoming year!

Cover Shot!

As you walk into our fabrication room, you might notice the pile of component catalogs stacked on the corner desk. Unlike some facilities, our practitioners create custom devices utilizing components from a variety of manufacturers. Because we are an independent facility that is not managed by a corporation, we are only beholden to our patients. We will utilize the components that are most appropriate for our patient regardless of the manufacturer.

Among those catalogs, one is particularly special to the OPC family this year. A photograph of our patient--and Social Media Director--and her son has been selected to grace the cover for the 2012 Ossur prosthetic catalog. We are delighted that our socket design is prominently featured in the photograph!

Peggy became a patient after her amputation in 2003. Elliot, recognizing that she was limiting herself because of her own preconceived notions, pushed her to explore prosthetic technology. He introduced her to a bionic ankle, an event that changed her life.

Prosthetic components only change lives when they are fit on the appropriate patient. The practitioners at OPC make an effort to stay current with the latest technology. Continuing education is not just a professional requirement to maintain board certification, it is an expectation for those working at OPC. Because Elliot learned about the bionic Proprio ankle, he was able to fit Peggy before it was considered a mainstream device.

OPC is proud to provide individualized and state of the art devices for our patients. Our priority is pleasing the patient, not corporate managers. Congratulations Peggy on your cover shot!

Love to Ski?

The thermometer is starting to plunge, hinting at the start of another winter season. While some detest the cold temperatures and spend three long months yearning for warmer weather, there are others who relish the frigid air. If you are a snow lover and an experienced skier, we have an opportunity that may pique your interest!

OPC along with Teton Adaptive sports is proud to announce that registration is currently open for this year's Adaptive Steep & Deep Ski Camp in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This adult ski camp has become an anticipated event for experienced amputee skiers from around the country. If you feel comfortable on skis and want to hone your mountain skills, you don't want to miss this opportunity. (It should be noted that this program is not appropriate for the novice skier.)

We are excited to announce the addition of World Champion and Paralympic medalist Chris Devlin-Young to the highly experienced field of instructors. In addition to his skiing accolades, Chris accomplished the 1st unassisted sit ski descent of the infamous Corbet's Couloir. His experience and insight concerning mountain descents is an asset to the program.

If you are an advanced skier who is looking to gain big mountain experience, this program might be for you. Unlike other adapted sports programs, the Steep and Deep Camp is fully inclusive. Skiers are grouped by their skiing abilities, not by the level of disability that may be present. This year's camp will be held from February 29 - March 3, 2012.

The camp has been heralded as the experience of a lifetime for the experienced adaptive skier. If you're itching for snow so that you can hit the slopes, and you feel comfortable with your ski abilities, you don't want to pass up this opportunity. Spaces are limited so don't delay and register today.

Playing Hard!

Elliot is a former Olympic athlete. Ben is an acclaimed steeple chase runner. How do they blow off steam when they get together? They go racing!

Yesterday, the staff at OPC got together for a friendly go-cart race. The competition was high as they suited up and sat behind the wheel. It was revealed that there was a ringer in the group. Jeff, a prosthetic technician, is also an amateur race car driver who travels the mid-Atlantic circuit racing his souped=up Volvo. The fact that he came to the track with his own helmet was an indication that this was not his first time behind the competitive wheel!

Wheels started screeching when the flag dropped. Jeff, Elliot, and Philip (OPC IT consultant) immediately took control of the race. They zoomed around the winding track, touching wheels and exchanging positions throughout the race. Wanza held her own as she bumped and volleyed her way to the leaders. This blogger stayed tucked behind Liz's wheel. I can attest that she was sliding all over the track and took more than a few bumps into the barriers!

The race resulted in a photo finish. Philip was the winner, with Jeff and Elliot coming in as second and third. Ben finished a close fourth, staying on the lead lap. Wanza, Liz, myself, and JonI finished out the field.

Everyday the staff at OPC demonstrates that they work hard. Yesterday they proved that they play with just as much gusto.

Mark Your Calendar

Last year the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) announced that it will not be sponsoring a national conference for 2012. In lieu of a single national event, the organization has opted to sponsor a series of local educational opportunities. The hope is that more amputees will be able to participate in local events which would require a limited time commitment.

It has recently been announced that the first event, dubbed "Limb Loss Education Day" has been scheduled for April 21 in Atlanta, Georgia. Gait analysis, various seminars and opportunities to network within the limb loss community will all be offered during this abbreviated program. If you plan on being in the Atlanta area and are interested in expanding your knowledge of prosthetic components or seek to improve your gait, you don't want to miss this opportunity!

The ACA website has promised upcoming programming throughout 2012. Rest assured that we will keep you abreast of these opportunities. At OPC we realize that our job is not limited to building prosthetics. We strive to help our patients live their life to the fullest, and power comes from information.

Want to Change The World?

Living in close proximity to Washington, DC, affords some unique opportunities for many of our patients. We have recently been contacted to assist with recruiting candidates for the 2012 White House Summer Internship program. This year an emphasis has been placed upon involving individuals with disabilities, or those who have a parent with a disability, in the program.

The White House Internship Program is a highly sought-after opportunity for young leaders around the country. Participants work within the White House on a variety of projects and programs tailored to their interests and skill set. Duties include but are not limited to conducting research, writing memos, and assisting with the planning of events.

Basic accessibility continues to be an obstacle for individuals with disabilities around the country. Whether it be securing transportation to work or being forced to enter a restaurant through the loading dock because of limited access for wheelchairs, thousands of Americans struggle because of their handicaps. This summer addressing accessibility issues has been designated as a priority program for Interns.

Research and interviews can bring only limited knowledge to the table. Many times the most compelling arguments for change come from those who have first-hand experience. If you are living with limb loss or have a family member who is an amputee and are interested in working as a White House Intern, you certainly don't want to miss this opportunity.

Applications are currently being accepted for the summer program, which runs from May 29 - August 10, 2012. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a minimum of a GED equivalent diploma. If you have always been interested in being a voice for individuals with disabilities, this is your chance! Good luck, and please let us know if we can help with your application.

Because Time Matters

In this age of outsourcing, OPC proudly manufactures all of our prosthetic devices on premises. From casting and measuring the residual limb to molding and configuring the components for the final product, the prosthetic device never needs to leave our facility. The ability to manufacturer our own prosthetic devices ensures that we always produce a high quality product in a timely fashion.

Sending measurements and molds to an off-site manufacturing facility is a trend in the field of prosthetics. Assuming that shipping schedules are adhered, this adds a minimum of one week to the wait time before a device is delivered to the patient. When a patient is waiting for a prosthetic device, OPC realizes that days matter!

Because we handcraft our devices, we are able to deliver prosthetics quickly to our patients. Many times we are able to go from a test socket to a permanent prosthetic within one day. Our patients depend upon their prosthetics in every aspect of their lives, and because of this, we strive to keep their wait time to a minimum.

Our patients are more than molds and measurements. In our office people are not defined by the level of limb loss. As we craft their prosthetics, we never forget the needs of the person who will be wearing and depending upon the device. We put care into every aspect of manufacturing because we know we aren't just making a socket for an amputee: we are making a prosthetic for a person.

Personal care and quality devices are hallmarks of OPC. We are renown for our quick turn-around time, and because we are involved in every stage of prosthetic manufacturing, we are able to maintain our standard of high quality care. In one week we can manufacture comfortable and highly functional prosthetic devices. Give us a week- we can give you the prosthetic for the life you live!