NEWS
Fall 2025
Volume 46
Letter from the
Editor
As we enter our busy season for Holidays, and end of year care for patient care, it’s a good time to reflect on the year. This year ACPOC has worked diligently to bring you the most of your membership. From virtual webinars free to members, an education packed annual meeting, ACPOC newsletters, to global access to Doc Matter we are constantly striving to offer the best benefits for your membership.
ACPOC is excited for the upcoming Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. The board has collaborated with many Philadelphia local physicians, and clinicians to bring you a jam-packed program this year. Submissions for the program were at an all time high! We also heard your wants, and our industry partners ask, for more workshops, so look out for a longer workshop agenda. Our program committee will announce the program agenda soon.
ACPOC values your membership and your voice. With the holidays approaching we wish you all the best! We cannot wait to see you in Philadelphia!
Connie Summers, CO
Phoebe Scott-Wyard, DO
Letter from the
President
Happy fall! I hope everyone is having a wonderful fall season and enjoying cooler weather. We have some exciting things coming in the next year! We have had a RECORD number of abstract submissions for the 2026 ACPOC conference, and our program committee is working hard to put together an incredible educational session for you. I am very excited about our Presidential and Hector Kay invited speakers: Jessica Cox, Paralympian/Pilot and Dr Susan Apkon, a pediatric rehabilitation physician who will be updating us on the advances in care in Neuromuscular diseases. Please plan to join us in Philadelphia in 2026! You won’t want to miss it. We will again be offering orthopedic trainee grants for the conference, thanks to the grant we received from the Pritzker Foundation, in an effort to increase orthopedic physician participation in ACPOC.
Our webinar series, headed by Rebecca Spragg, has been bringing you ACPOC education all year round – the recent webinar on international care featured an incredible panel and is available to watch as part of your member benefits.
STATEMENT FROM ACPOC ON
EQUALITY
Read Full Statement
We, the members of ACPOC, stand in solidarity against the violent acts of racism and gender discrimination that have led to the recent and horrific deaths of Nina Pop, Tony McDade, Monika Diamond, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and those names who remain unnamed or unknown. At a time when racial and ethnic minorities are already disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is yet another terror to face within our communities. To live in constant fear for safety simply because you look or seem different within your own community, and even your own home, is agonizing. To suffer innocently at the hands of the same government that is meant to protect you is inhumane and intolerable. Where is the “liberty and justice for all”?
Change begins with recognizing the long-standing systemic racism and marginalization of individuals and groups that is embedded in our society for many generations. But this is not enough. We must speak out and demand a difference. If not, we passively allow what we know in our hearts is wrong. We must challenge the day-to-day ignorance that is pervasive and openly offer our support and love to those who are targeted.
As members of ACPOC, we devote our lives to the children and families who frequently experience bullying and feeling ostracized from society. We know firsthand the power of expressing our heartfelt support and the importance of advocacy within the home, our schools, and our communities. We would like to urge all ACPOC members to extend that same support to the families and communities experiencing so much pain, loss, and fear right now. Take the time to ask those around you if they are OK. If they feel safe. Stop and listen to their stories. And if you feel targeted or unsafe, seek a friend or colleague you trust and share your experience. We cannot fight this in our silos. As we grieve together, we can also build a stronger, safer, fairer world that celebrates our differences — together.
Member Spotlight
Calli Clark, MSPO, CPO/L Director of Orthotics and Prosthetics, Shriners Children’s Philadelphia
Calli Clark is a certified prosthetist orthotist and Director of Orthotics and Prosthetics at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. She was first introduced to O&P while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. Her initial impression was “Wow, this is really fun and interesting to learn about.” After all these years as a CPO, she still thinks O&P is really and fun and interesting to learn about! A favorite part of her job is the opportunity to travel to outreach clinics – She have been to Panama, and I go to Puerto Rico four times a year.
She recently assisted ACPOC with planning the 2026 Conference in Philadelphia. As she worked with my local colleagues to generate abstract submissions for the conference, she was often asked the question “Is this relevant? How does my work relate to O&P?” These efforts made her realize how crucial ACPOC’s mission is to build multidisciplinary partnerships in patient care.
Some fun facts about her: She has 2 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and only 1 husband. She is an avid golfer and have been in Golf Digest three times, most recently when she was the invited speaker at the Timothy J Piazza Foundation memorial golf outing which supports providing prosthetics to children.
She looks forward to welcoming all 2026 conference attendees to Philadelphia!
Register Today
ACPOC 2026 Annual Meeting
Registration for ACPOC’s 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place April 29– May 2, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA is now open! We look forward to seeing you all again for 3 days of engaging educational sessions. ACPOC is now offering the option to stream the meeting virtually! So don’t hesitate and register today!
Meeting Registration
ACPOC Members — $525/$625
Non-Members — $825/$925
Students — $200
Register by February 23rd, 2026 and save $100 on Member and Non-Member registrations!
Here is a sneak of the meeting Program
- Longer day of Technical Workshops
- Session on Spine which will include heavy topic on scoliosis including bracing, outcomes, and rehab
- Session on motion analysis with presentations on case studies
- Session on Surgical which will include amputation indications and interventions, Physical therapies, clubfoot, and case study
2026 Guest Speakers
We are excited for Local Philadelphia physician speakers Dr. Samdani, Dr. Arkader, and Dr. Sankar
Presidential Speaker
Susan Apkon, MD
Read Bio
Dr. Susan Apkon is the Fischahs Chair in Pediatric Rehabilitation at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Visiting Professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at University of Colorado School of Medicine. She leads a nationally recognized pediatric rehabilitation program that provides innovate and evidenced based care to children and adolescents with changes in function related to injury, illness, or congenital conditions.
Dr. Apkon’s clinical focus is on the care of children with neuromuscular conditions and is the Co-Director of the Neuromuscular Clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Dr. Apkon’s research interests are focused on providing novel treatments to children with neuromuscular conditions and has been involved over the last 15 years in clinical trials, some of which have led to FDA approved drugs that are changing the course of pediatric neuromuscular diseases.
Hector Kay Lecturer
Jessica Cox, Motivational Speaker
Read Bio
Jessica Cox is a motivational speaker featured on TV shows like Ellen, CNN, National Geographic, Fox and Friends, and BBC News. Her speaking career spans 18 years, 28 countries, and audiences up to 40,000 people. Companies like AT&T, NASA, the Smithsonian, State Farm, and Cisco have asked her for inspirational workshops, keynotes, and more.
Jessica was born without arms and uses her feet the way most people use their hands. Jessica grew up asking with frustration and anger, “Why me? Why do I have to be different?” She learned to see the blessings in her life and accept herself as a whole person. Now, Jessica flies airplanes, drives cars, is married, and otherwise lives a normal life. Jessica is the author of Disarm Your Limits, an autobiographical self-help book that has sold more than 10,000 copies. She also writes a monthly article for Flying Magazine.
In 2020, Jessica announced plans to build The Impossible Airplane, a custom 200 mph, 4 seat airplane she will use to circumnavigate the world. When she’s not flying off into the sunset, Jessica continues to train in Taekwondo, where she’s a Fourth Degree Black Belt.
ACPOC is also pleased to offer the “New Investigator Research Award” for papers accepted for the Annual Meeting by qualified students, residents, and fellows in the field of pediatric orthopaedics, orthotics, and prosthetics. Monetary awards are provided for up to three award recipients, in addition to waived Annual Meeting registration and one year ACPOC membership. Award recipients must attend the Annual Meeting to present their paper, and are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.
New Investigator Submission Deadline: December 1st
Who is Eligible:
Students and residents in O&P, MD, OT, and PT programs, who are completing or have completed their directed study in the current year. The study must be applicable to the pediatric population.
The criteria to be considered for the award are:
- A letter from the head of the applicant’s department verifying training status.
- The majority of the work must have been completed during the time the applicant was a student or resident.
- You are eligible to submit, if you are within one year of completing the training program.
- A full manuscript must be submitted.
- Winning manuscripts must be eligible for publication in the ACPOC News.
- All students and residents (medical, physical, engineers, researchers, occupational therapy, orthotic, and prosthetic) are welcome to submit applications.
Sponsor the 2026 Annual Meeting
ACPOC is once again excited to offer sponsorship opportunities for our industry partners. Many event sponsorship levels are available, including exhibit space, event sponsorships, and other exciting opportunities.
Time slots for Technical Workshop Presentations fill up fast. Submit your sponsor form today!
During the exhibitors’ technical workshops, commercial devices/products can be presented by the vendor without having to meet any of the normal scientific guidelines required of the scientific workshops. Here, commercial content will not be scrutinized. Essentially, this is a chance for you to present your techniques, manufacturing tools, devices, etc. to the audience and provide information on indications, fit, repair, solutions, etc.
Interested in learning more, or want to register for any of the sponsorships? Contact info@acpoc.org today for more information!
ACPOC Annual Meeting Orthopedic Resident Travel Award
Proudly Sponsored by:
Through a generous grant from the Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation, we are excited to expand access to collaborative multidisciplinary healthcare for children and adolescents through educational opportunities for physicians in the orthopedic field. The Pritzker Family Foundation funds medical research and clinical innovation to improve service delivery, patient care, behavioral health, and wellbeing.
$2,000 Award
The award is for $2,000 to fund travel, hotel, and meeting registration costs.
2025 Orthopedic Travel Award
Proudly Sponsored by:
Daniel Whittingslow
Read Bio
Dr. Daniel Whittingslow completed his MD/PhD training at Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2021. There he specialized in fabricating novel wearable devices for longitudinal monitoring of musculoskeletal health. He matched into orthopaedic residency at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 2021, and was selected as the research resident for his class with an additional year dedicated to entirely to orthopaedic research.
At this time, he plans to pursue a fellowship in spine surgery and is hoping to continue to serve underserved populations by both performing surgery and designing wearable devices to aid in rehabilitation and recovery of his patients.
Justin Reagh
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J.J. Reagh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Ohio University and a Master’s in Biomechanics from Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Turkey. As a Whitaker Fellow at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain, he conducted research in spine biophysics. Currently a fourth-year orthopedic surgery resident at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, GA, he plans to serve as a general orthopedic surgeon in the U.S. Army before pursuing subspecialty training in pediatric orthopedics.
His clinical and research interests include prosthetic design, biomechanical modeling, and optimizing surgical techniques for young patients. Hobbies include mountain biking and all things outdoors.
Read Impact Statement
Thank you again for the opportunity to attend the ACPOC Annual Meeting through the 2025 Orthopedic Resident Travel Award. The experience was valuable and offered perspective well outside of traditional orthopedic conferences.
What stood out most was ACPOC’s multidisciplinary emphasis. Hearing directly from prosthetists, therapists, surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists showed how each discipline contributes an essential component of the treatment plan. The meeting demonstrated that these perspectives are not merely parallel viewpoints, but interconnected pieces that shape more effective and realistic care. This comprehensive approach is especially important when managing complex issues such as limb differences in a growing child, where decisions must balance surgical planning, prosthetic feasibility, rehabilitation goals, and long-term function. ACPOC’s structure made it clear how early alignment among all team members leads to better outcomes.
The case discussions were particularly helpful. They highlighted how treatment plans evolve once each discipline contributes—for example, adjusting surgical goals based on prosthetic considerations or shaping rehabilitation timelines according to device capabilities. These conversations gave me a practical understanding of how my surgical decisions intersect with the work of other team members and reinforced the importance of involving the entire care team early in the process.
The meeting also allowed me to build relationships with colleagues and mentors, and I expect those connections to play an important role as I move toward a career in pediatric orthopedics
Tyler Hunt
Upcoming Webinar
Helping Families Navigate Complicated Feelings About Limb Difference
November 20th, 2025, 8:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM CST / 6:00 PM PST
Registration is free for ACPOC Members and $50 for Non-Members
Laura Faye Clubok, MS, OTR/L
Read Bio
Laura Faye Clubok, MS, OTR/L, was born with a hand difference and began receiving occupational therapy at age eight. After earning degrees from Harvard and Tufts Universities, she has spent the past 26 years as a pediatric occupational therapist in private practice. During that time, Laura has contributed to the limb difference community through her educational website, keynote and panel presentations, and articles for newsletters and magazines. For the past two years, she has co-facilitated a professional group for occupational therapy practitioners and students with upper limb differences. Laura is currently pursuing a Post-Professional Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Boston University, where her focus is developing an overuse syndrome prevention program for children with upper limb differences. She is dedicated to helping families and professionals navigate both the practical and emotional sides of limb difference. Laura’s work centers on fostering understanding and connection between families and clinicians, integrating her lived experience with her clinical expertise. She shares resources for families and professionals on Instagramand Facebook at @ontheotherhandtherapy.
Sarah Tuberty, OTD, OTR/L
Read Bio
Sarah Tuberty, OTD, OTR/L, brings a profound and personal understanding to her role as an occupational therapist, having navigated life with a congenital hand difference. Her own experiences, including her time as a patient at the Shriner’s Children’s – Northern California, have significantly shaped her empathy and insight into the disability journey.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Saint Mary’s College of California, Sarah’s path took her through AmeriCorps service and a career as a flight attendant before she pursued advanced studies. Her dedication continued in a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Boston University, renowned for its excellence in the field. Currently enrolled in an Occupational Therapy PhD program at Texas Woman’s University, she continues to deepen her expertise and commitment to the field.
Sarah’s contributions extend beyond academia, co-authoring The Hand Book: An Informational Guide for Parents of Children with Hand Differences, providing invaluable support and resources to families navigating similar journeys.
In addition to her clinical practice, Sarah is a passionate advocate and educator. She co-founded Disarming Disability, a podcast aimed at challenging societal perceptions of disability, and authored Super-Abled Comics, amplifying diverse representation in media.
Through her multifaceted efforts, Sarah endeavors to foster understanding, empowerment, and inclusivity for individuals with congenital limb differences and beyond.
DocMatter
ACPOC Community Snapshot:
- Members: 496
- Discussions: 35 total (17 in 2025)
- Discussion Posts: 164 total (65 in 2025)
Popular Topics in the Community (click below to see examples)
Consider Renewing Your ACPOC Membership
We have big plans for 2026 and want you to be a part of them! You won’t want to miss out on our upcoming programs, including:
- Member discount to the ACPOC 2026 Annual Meeting! Next year’s meeting is being held on April 29 - May 2 in Philadelphia, PA. Early bird registration is open!
- Opportunities to learn about the latest insights, perspectives, and trends in children, adolescents, and young adults with various musculoskeletal differences in our triannual newsletter.
- Join our new Webinar Series featuring monthly topics in orthotics and prosthetics, Registration is free for Members!
- New membership levels for students and clinics-receive a 10% discount for 3+ people
- Clinic listing for individuals and clinics
- Clinician and physician guided forums providing opportunity to present challenging cases. Members share experiences and recommendations for interventions at Annual Meeting and on our new platform, DocMatters.
There is a grace period until 1/31/26 to renew your membership.
All Membership levels begin on 1/1 of every year. We don’t pro-rate membership if you decide to renew after 1/31
Call for Nominations
The Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics Nominating Committee, is requesting nominations for members willing to serve on the ACPOC Board of Directors. The following positions will be accepting nominations:
Current members are welcome to nominate him/herself or another member, with the stipulation that the member is aware of and accepts the nomination. With the nomination, please confirm the position in which the candidate should be considered.
Add Your Heading Text The commitments of the ACPOC Board of Directors are as follows:
All Members
- Attend, or participate via conference call, in all ACPOC Board Meetings – traditionally on Wednesday and Saturday of the ACPOC Annual Meeting and the first Saturday in November.
- Share all disclosures and conflicts of interest with the ACPOC Board of Directors prior to all Board Meetings, excluding self from participation in any discussions in which a conflict exists.
- Create committee liaison reports as needed.
- Participate in Strategic Plan, Bylaws, and Policy and Procedure voting, review and updates
- Actively participate in Board Committees and committee assignments
- Assist in ACPOC’s membership growth and leadership development
Secretary-Treasurer
In addition to the member commitments above, the Secretary-Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer of the Corporation. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be in charge of its financial affairs, funds, securities and valuable papers and shall keep full and accurate records thereof. The Secretary-Treasurer will be responsible for reporting on the association’s financial status at each board meeting and the Members Business Meeting.
Vice President
In addition to the member commitments above, the Vice President shall be responsible for filling in for the President if the President becomes indisposed. The Vice President will need to be prepared to fill the role of the Presidency after their two-year term has been fulfilled.
Nominations must be submitted by 5:00 pm Central Time, on Monday, March 23, 2026. Verbal nominations may not be accepted. If you applied last year and would like to be considered on the ballot again, please apply again to confirm your interest to be on board and what position you would like to run.
The slate and a proxy ballot will be sent to members prior to the 2026 ACPOC Annual Meeting for those unable to attend. A hard copy slate and ballot will be provided to members at the ACPOC Member Business Meeting on Friday, May 1st in Philadelphia, PA.