Re: Let the Games Begin

Robert Smithson

Description

Title:

Re: Let the Games Begin

Creator:

Robert Smithson

Date:

8/15/2003

Text:

You are really missing the point here, what Ossur is doing is like strong arm tactics. If you decide you do not want to use an ossur product based upon your professional opinion, then Ossur will go around you to the patient and attempt to discredit you and convince the patient that they should go to an Ossur facility to recieve an Ossur product.

You like the fact that Ossur is opening up opportunities for patients, Ok Justin, why not post a listing of all your patients so we can contact them and allow your patients the chance to get a second opinion, we can start making recommendations for your patients to use better components then what you used and convince them to go a different clinic and recieve different products.

Lets not forget one VERY IMPORTANT FACT. Ossur is a manufacture, they are not a provider and they are not clinicians, Ossur is not qualified to make recommendations for any patients, Ossur is only qualified to sell products and add up commissions.

Robert Smithson
Prosthetist, UK

----- Original Message -----
From: Justin Foster < <Email Address Redacted> >
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2003 23:08:29 -0700
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: Re: [OANDP-L] Let the Games Begin

> Mr. Addams and List,
>
> Hopefully, people who use the services of a prosthetist will not feel
> owned by anyone, and free to pursue care from the person or entity of
> their choice. Ossur has provided a new way for persons with lower extremity
> amputations to learn about componentry and choices applying to their
> everyday lives...
> Ossur will not likely feature products made by other manufacturers, and may
> in fact aggressively push their way of life. We must remember that persons
> with amputations have minds of their own, and may even be able to resist a
> sales pitch... How many have gladly invited one of their patients to an
> AOPA meeting, or AAOP??? Are people not exposed to and encouraged to try
> products in the exhibit halls???
>
> Information about componentry should not be the sole domain of the
> prosthetist, who bestows it on whomever they deem worthy!!!
>
> I would hope that we as prosthetists would be able to provide in our places
> of business a forum for honest discussion about the available products, and
> summarily encourage anyone in our contact to gain as much education as
> possible. We are in a position to RECOMMEND and ADVISE, not to DEMAND and
> CONTROL.
>
> Do I think it is great news that Ossur appears to be using methods of
> unsolicited contact, a la so many telemarketers? NO! Do I trust in the
> people I work with to be responsible for themselves? YES!!!
>
> If someone hears about the new FF2003ti Carbon Master 5000, and wants to
> check it out:
>
> 1. I had better be in a position to facilitate that (if I want to stay
> viable)!!!
>
> 2. I should (if I am to be the expert we all strive to be) already know
> about this product, it's indications, it's strengths and weaknesses, and be
> able to elucidate my opinion for or against.
>
> 3. I should respond with the enthusiasm and energy (again for or against the
> particular product) of someone who REALLY cares about the outcome at hand.
>
> If the above three conditions are regularly, honestly, and ethically met...
> I do believe I will one day retire a happy career prosthetist, regardless of
> who else is playing the game around me!
>
> Education=empowerment...
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Justin Foster
> Prosthetist / part-time evangelist
>
> >From: James Addams < <Email Address Redacted> >
> >Reply-To: James Addams < <Email Address Redacted> >
> >To: <Email Address Redacted>
> >Subject: [OANDP-L] Let the Games Begin
> >Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2003 21:00:39 +0000
> >
> >Back to the Ossur debate, for those of you waiting for the smoking gun to
> >prove that Ossur is and will be attempting to take your patients away from
> >you, well here it is.
> >
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE*
> <URL Redacted>
>
>

Citation

Robert Smithson, “Re: Let the Games Begin,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 26, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/221586.