Re: August 1,1999 International O&P License Requirement Poll
Carita Backman Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist
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Re: August 1,1999 International O&P License Requirement Poll
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Carita Backman Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist
Text:
An interesting point, which might have validity with respect to some
countries. However, I would not make generalizations. For all we know there
are prosthetists in China, India, or other countries to which you show
disdain who are the equal if not superior to prosthetists in the US.
Of course, I have not mentioned Europe. I would venture to say that the
prosthetist profession in parts of Europe predate this country. Those
prosthetists might look as ABC as a provincial experiment. I would also
point out that the European licensing boards require an extensive education.
Moreover, it is well recognized in the medical field that some of the
greatest physicians in the world are currently from Europe (as well the US).
It stands to reason that some of the prosthetists there are also excellent.
Please consider that Otto Bock, Endolite, Boa, and Ossur (among others) are
European companies. Surely, you have used their components. Imagine that,
excellence from countries that have a government sponsored licensing.
In the US, most professions are licensed by one form or another by
government. Would you go to an attorney who was a member of the ABA, but not
a member of the bar? Would you go to a doctor who was a member of the AMA,
but not licensed by his state to practice medicine?
There is alot to be said for government licensing. That is not to say that
ABC does not have its advantages. But, being a private organization, is it
not subject to politics and corruption to a greater extent because there is
no oversight.
Finally, I must agree with your point that we should not look merely to the
fact that a country requires licensing, but to the requirements for attaining
that license.
countries. However, I would not make generalizations. For all we know there
are prosthetists in China, India, or other countries to which you show
disdain who are the equal if not superior to prosthetists in the US.
Of course, I have not mentioned Europe. I would venture to say that the
prosthetist profession in parts of Europe predate this country. Those
prosthetists might look as ABC as a provincial experiment. I would also
point out that the European licensing boards require an extensive education.
Moreover, it is well recognized in the medical field that some of the
greatest physicians in the world are currently from Europe (as well the US).
It stands to reason that some of the prosthetists there are also excellent.
Please consider that Otto Bock, Endolite, Boa, and Ossur (among others) are
European companies. Surely, you have used their components. Imagine that,
excellence from countries that have a government sponsored licensing.
In the US, most professions are licensed by one form or another by
government. Would you go to an attorney who was a member of the ABA, but not
a member of the bar? Would you go to a doctor who was a member of the AMA,
but not licensed by his state to practice medicine?
There is alot to be said for government licensing. That is not to say that
ABC does not have its advantages. But, being a private organization, is it
not subject to politics and corruption to a greater extent because there is
no oversight.
Finally, I must agree with your point that we should not look merely to the
fact that a country requires licensing, but to the requirements for attaining
that license.
Citation
Carita Backman Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist, “Re: August 1,1999 International O&P License Requirement Poll,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 1, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/212404.
