Re: ABC - BOC: What Would You Have Done -- What Would I Have Done?
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Re: ABC - BOC: What Would You Have Done -- What Would I Have Done?
Text:
Thank you Sam.
As always, you have provided a well thought out, sensible response to a very
emotional issue.
There are many of us who are unhappy with the ABC decision. We must however,
get past our own egos and look to the future of our profession. We failed
miserably to speak with a united voice during the Neg Reg negotiations. The
continuing alphabet wars cost us precious ground with our most important pay
source.
This is not the first time this issue has been dealt with. Some 25 years ago,
ABC (wisely) “grandfathered” orthotists certified by New York State into ABC
with full parity (and no exam). If my memory serves me correctly, these
people were basically fitters with no formal education and very little experience.
The ABC Board at that time took some serious heat about that issue as well,
but it proved to be the right decision over the long haul.
I have been personally involved with similar issues (and criticisms) during
the Ohio Licensure initiative. We grandfathered in BOC practitioners with full
parity as a needed compromise to establish a licensure standard for the
future. What now exists in Ohio is among the highest standards for O&P in the nation
and will serve our populace in the future by assuring minimum educational
requirements for new licensees as well as controlling current ones.
For those of who feel cheated, keep in mind that the education you have
earned belongs only to you and will serve you throughout your professional career.
No one has taken anything from you.
I have served ABC in the past for many years as an examiner, but have never
been a board member. I have however, served on many other Boards over my
career. When one agrees to serve on a board, he agrees to leave personal prejudice
behind. All decisions must be made for the long-term betterment of the entity
you are serving, even if it means having to take a bite out of the sour apple.
As for. Frank Friddle, I applaud him for having the courage to publicly take
a very difficult and controversial position for the long-term betterment of
our profession.
I would like to think I would have done the same.
Ron Kidd, LPO, CPO (and damned proud of it)
American Orthopedics
Columbus, Ohio
As always, you have provided a well thought out, sensible response to a very
emotional issue.
There are many of us who are unhappy with the ABC decision. We must however,
get past our own egos and look to the future of our profession. We failed
miserably to speak with a united voice during the Neg Reg negotiations. The
continuing alphabet wars cost us precious ground with our most important pay
source.
This is not the first time this issue has been dealt with. Some 25 years ago,
ABC (wisely) “grandfathered” orthotists certified by New York State into ABC
with full parity (and no exam). If my memory serves me correctly, these
people were basically fitters with no formal education and very little experience.
The ABC Board at that time took some serious heat about that issue as well,
but it proved to be the right decision over the long haul.
I have been personally involved with similar issues (and criticisms) during
the Ohio Licensure initiative. We grandfathered in BOC practitioners with full
parity as a needed compromise to establish a licensure standard for the
future. What now exists in Ohio is among the highest standards for O&P in the nation
and will serve our populace in the future by assuring minimum educational
requirements for new licensees as well as controlling current ones.
For those of who feel cheated, keep in mind that the education you have
earned belongs only to you and will serve you throughout your professional career.
No one has taken anything from you.
I have served ABC in the past for many years as an examiner, but have never
been a board member. I have however, served on many other Boards over my
career. When one agrees to serve on a board, he agrees to leave personal prejudice
behind. All decisions must be made for the long-term betterment of the entity
you are serving, even if it means having to take a bite out of the sour apple.
As for. Frank Friddle, I applaud him for having the courage to publicly take
a very difficult and controversial position for the long-term betterment of
our profession.
I would like to think I would have done the same.
Ron Kidd, LPO, CPO (and damned proud of it)
American Orthopedics
Columbus, Ohio
Citation
“Re: ABC - BOC: What Would You Have Done -- What Would I Have Done?,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 1, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/222539.
