Theme:
From Local Roots to Global Reach: Building Educational Bridges
The fifth Global Educators Meeting (GEM) brought together prosthetics and orthotics educators, researchers, institutions, and professional organizations from around the world. Hosted by Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, GEM 2026 provided a platform for sharing educational innovations, strengthening collaborations, and advancing excellence in P&O education.
Participants gathered in an open-air forum and spacious auditorium, encouraging interaction with colleagues and sponsors while fostering global connections.
Participation
34 Countries Represented
Faculty and professionals from universities, training institutions, NGOs and organizations worldwide participated in GEM 2026.
Participating institutions included:
- Mahidol University
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Jordan
- Human Study
- International Committee of the Red Cross
- University of Malaya
- Mobility India
…and many more.
Highlights
Distinguished Keynote Speakers
GEM 2026 featured internationally recognized leaders from medicine, education and prosthetics and orthotics:
Dr. Apichat Asavamongkolkul
Dean, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Dr. Cherdsak Iramaneerat
Director, Siriraj Health Science Education Excellence Center
Christian Schlierf
Founder and CEO, Human Study
These keynote speakers shared expertise spanning medical education, learning psychology, and global P&O education development.
Educational Innovation
The scientific programme addressed topics including:
- Artificial intelligence in P&O education
- Competency-based assessment
- Digital workflows
- Clinical reasoning
- Gamification
- Structured internships
- Oral assessments
- Disability awareness
- Collaborative learning
- Global curriculum development
Presentations reflected emerging trends and practical approaches to modern P&O education.
Education Research Fund
The ISPO Education Research Fund, established following previous GEM meetings, continued to support evidence-based educational research.
At GEM 2026, Louise Puli presented findings from the inaugural funded project:
Exploring Mobility Assistive Product Competencies
A second call for proposals was announced, supported through donations and contributions from partners and supporters.
ISPO Education Accreditation
For the first time, GEM included dedicated accreditation sessions for programmes interested in pursuing ISPO Education Accreditation.
Topics included:
- ISPO Standards
- Self-study preparation
- Outcome-based education
- Audit visits
- Terminal competency assessment
Twenty-five participants attended these sessions, and the success of the programme paved the way for future accreditation workshops at GEM 2028 and the ISPO World Congress 2027.
Auditor Training
Following the meeting, eleven experienced educators participated in an auditor training programme designed to strengthen ISPO’s global accreditation efforts.
Key Outcomes
Strengthening Global Collaboration
Educators from 34 countries exchanged ideas and built relationships to advance P&O education worldwide.
Promoting Educational Research
The Education Research Fund continued to support collaborative and evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning.
Expanding Accreditation Capacity
New accreditation information sessions and auditor training programmes strengthened quality assurance initiatives.
Embracing Innovation
Sessions explored AI, digital workflows, competency-based education and modern assessment strategies.
Participant Voices
“Highly valuable training for the accreditation process, along with excellent networking opportunities.”
“Very well done as always. The LOC and Subcommittee did a great job with a well-balanced program and well-run meeting.”
“From the scheduling, to the content, to the location, to the networking and opportunities to tour, it was fantastic!”
Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
- Proteor
- OPED
Gold Sponsors
- Ottobock
- Regal
- Fillauer
- Instalimb
Bronze Sponsors
- NCOPE
- ABC
- Boundless Biomedical Bracing
Support was also provided by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
Event Report
Looking Ahead
GEM 2028
Glasgow, Scotland
“We look forward to seeing you at GEM 2028 in Glasgow, Scotland.”Â