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SMOPAC Meeting: Start of a New Era?
In early December, I had the pleasure and privilege of attending the final meeting of the Mexican P&O Association as the guest of the outgoing President, Juan Carlos Comacho. Like many SMOPAC meetings in recent years, it was held at the Holiday Inn Plaza Dali in Mexico City. This property, which is owned and operated by the Holiday Inn itself, is one of the nicest hotels under that brand name that I have ever stayed in. The staff, facilities, and food service were uniformly excellent.
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The capital of Mexico is one of the world's largest urban areas, teeming with life and literally thousands of interesting historical, cultural, and artistic attractions.
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Even the ubiquitous "hotel fish filets" at the lunch buffet had a little zing from the judicious addition of fresh hot peppers, making them taste far better than the more typical fare in the US. This hotel is just a short ride from the airport and very close to a number of attractions, including the renowned Museum of Anthropology. I'd recommend it to anyone planning a visit to the capital city.
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The National Museum of Anthropopology is considered one of the world's foremost collections and displays of historic artifacts.
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Like all the SMOPAC meetings, this one was packed with information, discussion, and camaraderie. The morning session and the first half of the afternoon was filled with a very thorough presentation on ergonomics by Dr. Carlos Espejo Guasco, whose delivery was entertaining and interactive, in addition to being full of useful practical information.
In the afternoon, the topic was "The State of Education and Credentialing in Latin America". In addition to electronic reports from a number of Central and South American countries, there were presentations by representatives from Colombia, Panama, and the GTZ in Germany [who currently support the P&O school at Don Bosco University in San Salvador.] At this time, there are formal P&O schools in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mexico City, and El Salvador. Although the program in El Salvador is just a few years old, the others have been in existence for decades.
I presented a short "History of the CPO in the USA" to summarize the evolution in training, testing, and credentialing we have undergone in the past half- century. Arturo Vasquez Vela, CO offered a very thorough proposal illustrating how a Mexican Certification Board might be structured, suggesting alternate pathways to sitting for a national examination based on the amount of formal education obtained. Miguel Gomez, MD emphasized the importance of becoming a recognized member of the rehabilitation team, and noted the opportunity for all of Latin America to learn from initiatives undertaken by SMOPAC's membership.
Not surprisingly, the discussion and debate that followed the presentations was spirited and passionate! Establishing a national Certification program is a momentous step, and one that requires careful consideration and detailed planning. The ultimate decision was to charge a small committee of SMOPAC members and international advisers with the responsibility to review all the information from the various experts and synthesize it into a concise proposal for the President of SMOPAC to consider. The goal is to articulate the SMOPAC position at the international meeting on education and credentialing being held in El Salvador in February.
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Is there a spanish orthotic/prosthetic dictionary?
Hi! I work in the Orthotic and Prosthetic Center at the University of California in San Francisco, and I do alot of translating for the patients. Well its really hard for me to translate when I dont know alot of the medical jargon.I've done... read more
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Re: Is there a spanish orthotic/prosthetic dictionary?
I'm not aware of a specialized O&P dictionary, but maybe one of our readers will be able to help you out. Many of our terms are found in a standard medical dictionary, so that might be a good start. You might browse through the two lower ... read more
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Information needed
I am doing voluntary work in India. A 9 yr old boy has been brought to my attention. He lost both his arms 2 yrs ago. The amputations were carried out very high up and one clinic we contacted has said that for this reason he can not have... read more
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Re: Information needed
It is impossible to make a specific assessment based on such limited information. But, high level bilateral fittings are always a challenge, even under the best of circumstances. Close long-term follow-up is mandatory for practical succes... read more
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Re: Re: Information needed
If I sent you a photo by e-mail would that be helpful. We helped another boy from the same region last year who had both lower arms amputated and he is doing splendily - I don't want to get this youngsters hopes up by dragging him round In... read more
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Re: Re: Re: Information needed
A photo will not add sufficient information to allow a more specific evaluation, but thanks for the offer. Bilateral transradial loss is far easier to manage prosthetically than bilateral loss near the shoulder, and therefore has a better ... read more
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"Primer Encuentro Hispanoamericano de Sociedades de Ortesistas y Protesista
Estimado John Michael C. P. O. FAAOP:
le enviamos un afectuoso saludo desde la Ciudad de México y aprovechamos este espacio para anunciar el evento organizado por el Comité Latinoamericano de Educación en Ortésis y Prótesis, el cual se rea... read more
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Re: "Primer Encuentro Hispanoamericano de Sociedades de Ortesistas y Protesista
Thank you for announcing this important meeting in El Salvador, being held next month. Regrettably, a prior commitment will preclude my attendence. This week-long conference, sponsored by ISPO, should be the next major step to enhance the... read more
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would like info
To whom it may concern
My father inlaw lost is leg 20 yrs. ago and has been on crutches ever since. He has learned to live and function very well. But over the years his shoulders have taken the brunt of the punishment and have now st... read more
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Re: would like info
Hi Crystal-
It's impossible to answer your questions accurately without examining your father-in-law and talking with him in person. You can go to www.opoffice.org, click on the "Patients": button, then "Directory" and find a list of al... read more
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O and P reference books
Thanks for your reading list. It is a big help to know what is available. About a year and a half ago I purchased the book Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation by Michelle M. Lusardi and Caroline C. Nielsen, Butterworth-Heinemann p... read more
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Re: O and P reference books
Thanks Tim- I contributed a chapter to that text too. I'll reread it again and see if it should be added to the short list of references; it is certainly a good source for information. By the way, next month's Corner will announce that th... read more
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Industry Data
Hi!
I'm presently searching some informations on the podiatric industry, such as the number of foot Orthotic Laboratory, annual manufactrued orthosis, etc.
There is somebody who know where I can have these such of stats?
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Re: Industry Data
Short answer: it's not available. Because most US firms are privately owned, their sales information is proprietary; only public firms must publish their data. So, for prostheses or orthoses, it is virtually impossible to do more than make ... read more
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No se encuentra la página "SMOPAC ¿Una Nueva Era?
Ciudad de México 29 de diciembre 2001
Estimado John Michael C.P.O. le enviamos un afectuoso saludo y aprovechamos para preguntarle como ingresar a su artículo sobre El Seminario del 8 de diciembre celebrado en el Holiay Inn Plaza Dali.
... read more
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Re: No se encuentra la página "SMOPAC ¿Una Nueva Era?
Hello Alberto-
Perhaps there was a glitch in the Internet? So far as I can tell, the posted article is correct, in both the Spanish and English versions. Very best wishes for a Happy New Year!
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Que sucedió con la Esquina de Febrero?
Ciudad de México 5 de Febrero, 2002.
Estimado John Michael C. P. O.
el encabezado de su Esquina de John Michael señala el mes de Febrero, pero el contenido es de Enero. Existirá algún problema en O & P Digital Technologies?
Gracias y le... read more
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