Follow up and conference presentation
Thomas Cutler
Description
Collection
Title:
Follow up and conference presentation
Creator:
Thomas Cutler
Date:
12/2/2021
Text:
Hey Folks,
Nothing too long this time. I’ve gotten tremendous feedback, including four people who were able to confirm the long-ago facts of my previous post.
More recently (an hour ago), a conference wrapped up in the UK that showcased a 10 minute video presentation that I submitted. That means that I can now share it with you. I’ve linked it below and I think it’s important to watch. You see, not only is it crucial for O&P to have compensation for office visits, we need to have our right recognized when it comes to starting a conversation about the surgical foundation upon which we have build our profession.
The next time you get told, “You shouldn’t be asking that question because you’re not a surgeon”, try responding with, “Really? And are you next going to tell me that women don’t belong in STEM?”
You see, I’ve sat in on Orthopedic Grand Rounds on the topic of OI, and 99% of surgeons watching proponents are murmuring “with that infection rate? Not a chance!” when it comes to percutaneous OI. And the vascular surgeons are elated with the thought of a safe, internal implant that improves outcomes on a procedure with otherwise atrocious reimbursement. I simply approached them with a win-win solution.
Why say this? Because I’ve been rejected 4 times from presenting on this topic at our own Academy meetings. From their comments, it seems like they are afraid of rocking the boat, not realizing the percentage of furious orthopods will be so miniscule. Understanding the volatility, I’ve even tried having a conversation with them ahead of the submission (I mean, why waste time on submissions 3&4?) but gotten nowhere. I’m also told it’s not appropriate for the JPO. Not a problem, and I respect their right to reject my submission. But I’m tired… Tired of having my scope of practice poached. Tired of not getting paid for expertise. Tired of seeing complacent care based on components. And tired of seeing the pain, which stems from the unquestioned surgical techniques of decades ago, which causes desperation within amputees to find solutions. And since many of these amputees are my friends… and the surgery is hurting them… People out there are hurting my friends. And that makes it personal. So even though I respect their right to prevent this discussion happening at their national conference… well, lol, it doesn’t mean I have to keep my yap shut everywhere, now does it?
And for anyone in O&P leadership who takes umbrage at this, please have the self-awareness to recognize anger as a common coping mechanism for shame. For the leaders who are glad I’m bringing it up, I’m with you folks.
Enjoy the video…
Tom Cutler, CPO, FAAOP
<URL Redacted>
Sent from Mail< <URL Redacted> > for Windows
Nothing too long this time. I’ve gotten tremendous feedback, including four people who were able to confirm the long-ago facts of my previous post.
More recently (an hour ago), a conference wrapped up in the UK that showcased a 10 minute video presentation that I submitted. That means that I can now share it with you. I’ve linked it below and I think it’s important to watch. You see, not only is it crucial for O&P to have compensation for office visits, we need to have our right recognized when it comes to starting a conversation about the surgical foundation upon which we have build our profession.
The next time you get told, “You shouldn’t be asking that question because you’re not a surgeon”, try responding with, “Really? And are you next going to tell me that women don’t belong in STEM?”
You see, I’ve sat in on Orthopedic Grand Rounds on the topic of OI, and 99% of surgeons watching proponents are murmuring “with that infection rate? Not a chance!” when it comes to percutaneous OI. And the vascular surgeons are elated with the thought of a safe, internal implant that improves outcomes on a procedure with otherwise atrocious reimbursement. I simply approached them with a win-win solution.
Why say this? Because I’ve been rejected 4 times from presenting on this topic at our own Academy meetings. From their comments, it seems like they are afraid of rocking the boat, not realizing the percentage of furious orthopods will be so miniscule. Understanding the volatility, I’ve even tried having a conversation with them ahead of the submission (I mean, why waste time on submissions 3&4?) but gotten nowhere. I’m also told it’s not appropriate for the JPO. Not a problem, and I respect their right to reject my submission. But I’m tired… Tired of having my scope of practice poached. Tired of not getting paid for expertise. Tired of seeing complacent care based on components. And tired of seeing the pain, which stems from the unquestioned surgical techniques of decades ago, which causes desperation within amputees to find solutions. And since many of these amputees are my friends… and the surgery is hurting them… People out there are hurting my friends. And that makes it personal. So even though I respect their right to prevent this discussion happening at their national conference… well, lol, it doesn’t mean I have to keep my yap shut everywhere, now does it?
And for anyone in O&P leadership who takes umbrage at this, please have the self-awareness to recognize anger as a common coping mechanism for shame. For the leaders who are glad I’m bringing it up, I’m with you folks.
Enjoy the video…
Tom Cutler, CPO, FAAOP
<URL Redacted>
Sent from Mail< <URL Redacted> > for Windows
Citation
Thomas Cutler, “Follow up and conference presentation,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed May 17, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/255789.
