Making a Difference
Crownover, Keith
Description
Collection
Title:
Making a Difference
Creator:
Crownover, Keith
Date:
4/10/2008
Text:
In light of the changing educational requirements and the various conversations that it has sparked within our field, I began to consider the multitude of philosophies as well as the segment that seems relatively apathetic about it all. These thoughts brought to light questions and a few thoughts I would like to share. Regardless of where one's opinions rest concerning educational requirements or if this is a topic that hasn't gained your attention, should it not be an important topic for all? As professionals, should we ever cease learning or cease participation in the learning process for those coming into the field? As guardians of that which we have committed ourselves, do we have an ethical responsibility beyond our own professional lives? Having been in the field for a very long time and connected to it my entire life, I have heard many opinions about education. Opinions range from those who seem to feel formal education has very little use to those who feel as I that it is the foundation from which all else should be constructed. Everyone has an opinion about education and its place in Prosthetics and Orthotics. One of the typical complaints I have heard over the years hinges around the philosophy as to O/P educational programs ineffectiveness together with educational requirements not being specifically pertinent to the field or the needs of the field. As professionals, I believe it is our responsibility to care for our field and ensure its growth and success. I assume everyone has heard the challenge, One is either part of the solution or part of the problem. As I have not known any who desire the latter I must assume that everyone desires to improve and enhance educational processes and thus grow and stabilize our field. So, what can each do to be part of the solution?
With the educational requirements increasing for entrance into our field as a Prosthetist and/or Orthotist, many programs are changing their degree plans and many others are being developed and arriving into existence. For many of you, this is your opportunity to make a career change into the classroom as a professional educator. Together with that change will be a personal return to the classroom as we earn graduate and post graduate degrees in order to function in these enhanced and blossoming programs. For others, participation in the educational process will involve remaining or becoming involved in the Residency process. These educational professionals are vitally important. But what about those whose focus has been and will remain within the clinical or technical side of the profession? For those who desire to give back to the profession but are overwhelmed with their clinical practices and lives in general. Is there a place for educational participation for this majority segment of our profession?
Of course you guessed correctly, there is a place of participation that requires very little time and effort but for which each current and developing educational program is in need. That role, my friends, is that of the Program Advisor Committee member. Program Advisors exist for the purpose of providing feedback and input as to the curriculum and the mission of the particular program. Program Advisors are educational links to our profession. These invaluable professionals donate their time and energy, usually once or twice a year for the purpose of meeting together, evaluating programs and providing suggestions for improvement. These individuals are usually experienced, credentialed persons within our field or those closely related such as physiatrists, orthopedists, therapists and case managers. In addition, Advisory Committees seek out the involvement of program Alums, as well as users of Prosthetics and Orthotics. The program provides its curricular design, syllabi and degree plans to the advisors for examination and feedback in determining whether the program lines up with the identified educational standards, needs of the public and the field in general. Program Advisors also make suggestions regarding faculty construction, faculty resources and new program development. Educators can become insulated with the world of pedagogy and fail to evolve as the needs of the public and thus the field change. Without Program Advisors there is no link between educational systems and the profession for which one is becoming educated. Thus the Program Advisor is an irreplaceable resource.
Therefore, I would like to encourage you, my esteemed colleagues, get involved educationally. In the time in which we live, I respect and understand that time is your most valuable commodity. The function of a Program Advisor requires very little of this most precious resource. If each professional would volunteer for this important role, our educational process would be enhanced immeasurably. As a comparatively small medical field, each endeavor requires a commitment from each professional. Serving as a Program Advisor is a small time commitment each professional can make. I challenge you to contact an O/P Educational program within your vicinity and offer that which you and you alone possess-your time, your expertise and your professional insights.
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology(AKA: OSU-Okmulgee), Orthotic and Prosthetic Programs are currently accepting Advisory Committee Member Applications. Please forward CV's, questions and comments to:
Keith Crownover, CPO
Director, O/P Programs
Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee
Health and Environmental Technologies
1801 E. 4th St.
Okmulgee, Ok 74447
918.293.5320
[cid: <Email Address Redacted> ]
OSU-Okmulgee O/P website< <URL Redacted>>
With the educational requirements increasing for entrance into our field as a Prosthetist and/or Orthotist, many programs are changing their degree plans and many others are being developed and arriving into existence. For many of you, this is your opportunity to make a career change into the classroom as a professional educator. Together with that change will be a personal return to the classroom as we earn graduate and post graduate degrees in order to function in these enhanced and blossoming programs. For others, participation in the educational process will involve remaining or becoming involved in the Residency process. These educational professionals are vitally important. But what about those whose focus has been and will remain within the clinical or technical side of the profession? For those who desire to give back to the profession but are overwhelmed with their clinical practices and lives in general. Is there a place for educational participation for this majority segment of our profession?
Of course you guessed correctly, there is a place of participation that requires very little time and effort but for which each current and developing educational program is in need. That role, my friends, is that of the Program Advisor Committee member. Program Advisors exist for the purpose of providing feedback and input as to the curriculum and the mission of the particular program. Program Advisors are educational links to our profession. These invaluable professionals donate their time and energy, usually once or twice a year for the purpose of meeting together, evaluating programs and providing suggestions for improvement. These individuals are usually experienced, credentialed persons within our field or those closely related such as physiatrists, orthopedists, therapists and case managers. In addition, Advisory Committees seek out the involvement of program Alums, as well as users of Prosthetics and Orthotics. The program provides its curricular design, syllabi and degree plans to the advisors for examination and feedback in determining whether the program lines up with the identified educational standards, needs of the public and the field in general. Program Advisors also make suggestions regarding faculty construction, faculty resources and new program development. Educators can become insulated with the world of pedagogy and fail to evolve as the needs of the public and thus the field change. Without Program Advisors there is no link between educational systems and the profession for which one is becoming educated. Thus the Program Advisor is an irreplaceable resource.
Therefore, I would like to encourage you, my esteemed colleagues, get involved educationally. In the time in which we live, I respect and understand that time is your most valuable commodity. The function of a Program Advisor requires very little of this most precious resource. If each professional would volunteer for this important role, our educational process would be enhanced immeasurably. As a comparatively small medical field, each endeavor requires a commitment from each professional. Serving as a Program Advisor is a small time commitment each professional can make. I challenge you to contact an O/P Educational program within your vicinity and offer that which you and you alone possess-your time, your expertise and your professional insights.
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology(AKA: OSU-Okmulgee), Orthotic and Prosthetic Programs are currently accepting Advisory Committee Member Applications. Please forward CV's, questions and comments to:
Keith Crownover, CPO
Director, O/P Programs
Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee
Health and Environmental Technologies
1801 E. 4th St.
Okmulgee, Ok 74447
918.293.5320
[cid: <Email Address Redacted> ]
OSU-Okmulgee O/P website< <URL Redacted>>
Citation
Crownover, Keith, “Making a Difference,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 1, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/229210.
