ASOP Highlights Reprinted from Orthopedics Today, Oct. 99 issue (updated to 2002) SEMINOLE, FLA. A unique organization is using the Internet to help instruct, recognize and unify allied professionals working in orthopedic practices throughout the country. The American Society of Orthopedic Professionals (ASOP), www.asop.org, is enjoying tremendous growth since its formation in February 1999.
ASOP founder and director, Charles Barocas, CO, LXT, OAP(C), said he was inspired to start the organization as a means of training and educating these professionals in their everyday orthopedic duties. "After a while you realize all these allied health professionals, regardless of their title, end up doing a lot of the same functions, including taking a patients medical history, wound care, casting and splinting, etc", said Barocas who is a Radiologic Technologist, an Orthopedic Technologist and ABC Certified Orthotist by trade.
Advocating broad training....
A Purple Heart recipient from his service in the Vietnam War, Barocas cited his own Army training four decades ago as the inspiration for developing a comprehensive orthopedic -based curriculum. Soldiers were given broad training where they could move into someone else’s position, if needed. Like wise, I wanted to see that same range of training made available for everyone working in an orthopedic office. Ultimately, this broadly trained individual will be recognized as a certified orthopedic allied professional or OAP(C), said Barocas whose organization serves as the certifying body for orthopedic allied professionals.
The Registered Orthopedic Technologist....
Completing the new ASOP Online Registered Orthopedic Technologist Exam and having one-year experience working under the direction of an orthopedic surgeon makes the ASOP R.O.T. certification the most accessible for allied professionals seeking to be certified for their orthopedic casting skills. No travel or expensive testing fees are required. The exam is free to all ASOP members. A two hundred-page study is mailed to all new ASOP members to help them study for the exam. In the future, ASOP plans to add a practical component to the certification process that will include wound care, x-ray analysis, casting and bracing. The R.O.T. designation is for individuals who include fracture casting as a major element in their daily work requirements. Hands-on Workshop.....
The ASOP also offers hands-on monthly workshops (www.castingworkshop.com) in casting and bracing. Other educational endeavors in the works for ASOP include a six-month “Directed Orthopedic Technology Home Study Course that combines with “on the job” training to form a unique learning experience. This is to start in September/October 2002
Why the Internet?....
Barocas said that he and other ASOP organizers decided to make the Internet the conerstone of the organizations programs in an effort to promote faster and more efficient interaction among members. Other organizations spend most of their membership dues on printing, postage, office space and travel expenses for directors. We wanted to cut all that out. The Internet was the answer.
Forging bonds with the industry....
ASOP has recently entered into agreements with Alimed and the Primal Corporation. Alimed will help promote ASOP educational programs through mailers to orthopedic offices. Primal has agreed to allow ASOP members free initial use of Primal’s 3D anatomy website, www.anatomy.tv. Many orthopedic manufacturers are now sponsors of ASOP educational programs including EBI, DM Corporation, Kmedic, DJ Ortho, Aircast, Depuy Acromed and BSN.
Pushing for legislation....
A goal of ASOP is to encourage legislation and licensure policies governing the expertise of persons doing casting and bracing. Barocas said, “as a Radiologic Technologist I have to be licensed, but to apply a cast, which is one of the most dangerous things you can do in an orthopedic office, there is no license required”. ASOP is going to change that. With the new dues requirement, ASOP will be able to hire attorneys and lobbyists to push for Orthopedic Technologist licensure… |
