USISPO Expanding Conference Sponsorships and Partnerships

Robert S. Kistenberg

MPH, CP, LP, FAAOP

The United Forum of the Americas, 2011, provided a rare opportunity to share experiences and ideas in an international and yet a relatively intimate setting. Speakers, exhibitors and attendees representing nineteen countries* came together February 13-16 in San José, Costa Rica for the event which drew approximately 300 attendees.* The United Forum was a partnership of USISPO, Uniting Frontiers and the National Member ISPO societies of Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama and Mexico.

Simultaneous translation provided for the general sessions and the workshops offered a wide range of topics with certification workshops, live demonstrations and discussions ranging from bionic technology to wheelchairs for children with cerebral palsy, various technologies and a review of prosthetic and orthotic educational programs.

The Open Forum generated stimulating discussion, diverse questions and comments about the future of O & P in Central and Latin America as well as suggestions for future meetings and approaches to cooperation between countries.

The exhibit hall showcased a sell-out number of sponsors and vendors including both manufacturers and distributors of the latest advanced technology, along with those providing services and products more appropriate for developing countries.

The conference served as an example that although the cultures, languages, economies, and customs may differ from North America, to Latin America, to the Caribbean and beyond, the desire to provide the best possible care to the patient was shared by everyone.

*Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Holland, Panama, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United State and Venezuela.

SKILLS FOR LIFE 3

USISPO is pleased to be part of the upcoming Skills for Life 3 Upper Limb Loss Workshop scheduled to take place in Denver (October 12-16) The triennial event will include a series of workshops devoted specifically to issues faced by individuals with bilateral upper limb loss. Presenters will include therapists, prosthetists, physicians and others living with bilateral upper limb loss, according to USISPO Board Member and Planning Committee Chair, Shawn Johnson, OTR/L.

PACRIM 2012

Plans are gearing up for the Fifteenth PacRim Conference that will take place at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort in Honolulu January 22 through January 25, 2012. Terry Supan, CPO/FAAOP/FISPO, 2012 Pac Rim Program Chair, is developing a program to attract a wider audience from Pacific Rim countries. The planning committee also feels that the Honolulu location will offer easy access from locations around the world and the U.S. Watch for exciting details that will be posted soon!