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From the Editor - Progress and Idealism: Alive and Well
By Miki Fairley  Amazingly, despite all the current restraints
hobbling the O&P field, progress continues to be made. What
could be justly called a transfemoral revolution--the M.A.S.®
(Marlo Anatomical Socket) design, developed by Marlo Ortiz, a
prosthetist and engineer from Mexico, is described in the Cutting
Edge article "M.A.S. Socket: A Transfemoral Revolution".
Besides comfort, considerably increased range of motion, and a more
natural gait, the socket provides much better cosmesis: it has been
described as "simply disappearing underneath clothes."
Ortiz has lectured on his design internationally, including
presenting one of the Thranhardt lectures during the 2004 Academy
meeting. Ortiz's lecture was voted tops by his peers.
Idealism vs. Realism
Young people are often full of enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and
energy when they first burst on the scene of their chosen careers
after completing their education. But what happens when cold
reality hits?
Many do keep hold of their passion for their chosen field, even
if it is tempered by experience and coping with the unavoidable
hassles of the current scene. How do they do it? Some professionals
share their thoughts in the Feature article, "Idealism vs Realism: Balancing the Scales in
O&P Practice".
Helping people to help themselves--this is giving to others in
one of the best ways possible. It's a gift that will go far beyond
the O&P devices provided for patients in developing nations.
Training local people, who can then perhaps train others, will help
provide sustainable services even after medical mission teams have
left. Healing Hands for Haiti Foundation (HHHF) provides a great
opportunity to give to others, gain exposure in your community, and
work as a team with other medical and allied health professionals.
Read more about the Foundation's work--and how you can be a part of
it--" Healing Hands for Haiti Foundation".
Hanger's Linkia: Just what is it? An in-depth interview (" Hangers MCO: Where Is It Going?") reveals its
several faces--both current and future.
How does a group of dedicated O&P professionals remain true
to their mission of promoting continuing education while adapting
to changed qualifications for ABC certification? The Academy's
mission is "to promote high standards in patient care through
advocacy, education, literature, and research" ( www.oandp.org).
Find out (Read, " Academy Urges Bylaw Changes") how the Academy
is proposing to continue fulfilling its mission while opening its
doors to more professionals who can benefit from what it has to
offer. Some food for thought: "An idealist believes the short
run doesn't count. A cynic believes the long run doesn't matter. A
realist believes that what is done or left undone in the short run
determines the long run." 
Table Of Contents - June 2004
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