Biennium report 2023

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS 9 Helen is the chair of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) Education Committee and active in a range of national and international efforts to improve quality and access to appropriate prosthetics and orthotics services. She has clinical experience in both prosthetics and orthotics as well as international development, working in schools in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. She is an Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics program at the University of Pittsburgh. Education Committee What does ISPO represent to you? For me, ISPO is the leading organisation advocating for quality, prosthetic, orthotic services and establishing standards around the world to promote and develop education programmes that ensure a stable base for service. How does your committee contribute to ISPO’s mission and vision? The education committee sets standards for education, monitors quality programmes and promotes ongoing programme development. It ensures a robust profession exists to ensure that people with disabilities receive service at the most appropriate possible volume and quality in countries around the globe. What were the main objectives and goals of the committee during the biennium? The education committee has spent this biennium focused on promoting high-quality education programmes, programme development, and engagement of stakeholders. What were the major activities and projects undertaken by the committee during this period? The education committee has spent this biennium focusing on programme development though audits of 26 programmes. This is the largest number of audits ISPO has ever completed in a single year. These activities have been supported by almost 100 volunteer auditors and committee/subcommittee members. This represents thousands of hours of expert time and contributes to the impact, advocacy, and evolution of service for users of prosthetic orthotic services. How does the committee use the new ISPO Community? The ISPO Education Committee/Subcommittees and Auditors are comprised of members from every corner of the globe and include the most diverse representation of geography, backgrounds, and education levels of any ISPO committee. We are wholly reliant on the commitment of passionate experts who are willing to give their time and lend us their talents to advance service for users of prosthetic orthotic services. What lessons were learned during the biennium that can inform future activities and projects for members? The education committee has advanced its policies and procedure to support ever expanding and diversifying models of training. What’s your outlook/committee outlook for the next biennium? We look forward to supporting education programme through engagement of prosthetic orthotic educators at the Global Educators Meeting and associated events and initiatives. As well as through ongoing support of programmes review, audit, and engagement of experts. Education Core Committee (ECC) Helen Cochrane (Chair) Mary Scott Carson Harte Bryan Malas Christian Schlierf Claude Tardif Shin Sasaki Josh Utay Robin Seabrook Alaa Alobaidi David Rusaw Helen Cochrane Chair, Education Committee