The Prosthetics and Orthotics Podcast

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Ever stop and think about the power of children's literature? How it can help shape the attitudes and perceptions of little minds, fostering a more inclusive world? Well, that's exactly what our guest for this episode, Hillary Sussman, a physical therapist and accomplished children's book author, has successfully done. Through the endearing tales of Roxy, a lovable pup with a prosthetic leg, Hillary has made incredible strides in educating kids about differences, disability inclusion, and the importance of being an upstander.
For everyone who's ever had a story to tell and considered self-publishing, this episode is a must-listen. Hillary generously shares her author journey, the challenges and joy of self-publishing, and the gratifying impact her books have had. Her stories of interactive reading sessions in schools, the conversations centered on differences that her books have sparked amongst children of varying ages, are both enlightening and heartwarming. She also discusses her work with hospitals and clinics, making her books and activities accessible in waiting rooms and offering comfort to little patients through her adorable stuffed Roxy toy.
The latter part of our chat revolves around the role of empathy in the fields of physical therapy and prosthetics. Hillary provides valuable insights on how clinicians can offer the best care by simply taking the time to listen and ask the right questions. So, plug in your headphones, get comfy and join us in this enriching conversation with Hillary Sussman, as we navigate through the fascinating crossroads of physical therapy, children's literature, and disability advocacy.
This episode was brought to you by:
Indiana Institue for Prosthetics
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Unlock the transformative potential of additive manufacturing in healthcare with a journey through the intricacies of 3D printing materials and their implications for the prosthetics and orthotics industry. Joined by Ben Demuth, we delve into the evolution of 3D printing materials and the challenges faced when matching them to their applications. Imagine a world where the defense and O&P sectors are not just surviving but thriving, thanks to a keen focus on value propositions that resonate with market needs.
As we navigate the industry's current landscape, we highlight how companies are adapting their strategies to stay buoyant in a tightening market. The emerging narrative isn't just about cutting-edge tech; it's about the seamless integration of 3D printing into clinical workflows, enhancing patient care and the clinician experience. Embrace the paradigm shift as we explore the marriage of customization with broad applicability—crafting devices that solve problems reliably and efficiently.
But it's not all smooth sailing; the adoption of new technologies like 3D printing in clinical settings comes with its own set of hesitations and learning curves. We discuss the mindset shift required in clinicians' values, where time and connection triumph over manual creation of medical devices. Through personal anecdotes and expert insight, we address the importance of education, the role of testing and standards, and the clinician's pivotal role in the digital fabrication of test sockets. From the clinic floor to the patient's home, this episode promises to reveal how innovation, when embraced, can shape the future of healthcare and patient outcomes.
Special thanks to Coyote for bringing us this episode!

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Get ready to embark on an audio journey that promises to leave you informed and inspired about one of the names that has been around digital workflow since nearly the beginning. We're joined by Chris Handford, Chief Product Officer at Vorum, who shares his fascinating transition from the telecommunications industry to the front lines of O&P innovation, giving us a personal glimpse into the power of technology to revolutionize patient care.
As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, we unwrap the narrative of Vorum's impressive 30-year history, detailing how they've navigated the fluid medical tech landscape. We'll tackle the tangible benefits of dedicated CAD/CAM solutions, the reasons carving still dominates in our field, and the must-know factors for clinics considering in-house manufacturing versus collaboration with central fabricators. This episode isn't just about the cold hard facts—it's a testament to the warmth and dedication found within the O&P community.
Finally, we take you through the ins and outs of the Luma 3D scanner, which is a tool that is redefining how we capture the human form for custom devices. We'll explore the cost-effective strategies for integrating digital tools into your practice, even for the smallest clinics aiming to punch above their weight. And for those new to the digital dance, we stress the importance of education in making the transition as smooth as the glide of a well-fitted prosthesis or orthosis. So, whether you're prepping for a feast of knowledge or just curious about the future of O&P, this episode serves up a hearty helping of insight.
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Have you ever wondered how cutting-edge technology is transforming the world of prosthetics and orthotics? Join us as we kick off the Prosthetics and Orthotics Podcast with a thrilling behind-the-scenes look at our experiences recording live at industry trade shows. From tackling technical hurdles with Plantronics headsets to enjoying the comfort of Dive Designs' 3D printed chairs, we share our excitement about the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) show. You'll hear firsthand accounts of innovative products, successful interviews with industry experts, and the seamless effort that went into coordinating multiple live recordings.
Expect to be captivated as we highlight standout presentations and memorable interviews. Katie from Advanced 3D delivered an enthralling talk on the applications of additive manufacturing, while Psyonic's live demo of a prosthetic hand reacting to muscle signals left us in awe. We also bring you insights from dynamic leaders like Anika from Psyonic and Louis-Philippe from Spentys, whose genuine and approachable nature made our conversations truly memorable. From low-tech solutions for tremor sufferers to the high-tech marvels presented by MyOMO and Spentys, this episode is packed with diverse perspectives and groundbreaking innovations.
Explore the future of prosthetics and orthotics as we introduce pioneering companies like Coyote and Radii, discuss the educational approaches of Dr. Adrian Hill, and reflect on Paul Gudonis' leadership at Myomo. Learn about the transformative impact of new technologies, such as Rocky Tech's cooling solutions for prosthetic sockets and the potential for Formlabs' additive manufacturing advancements. We also touch on the importance of making prosthetic technology more accessible and highlight the global market trends showcased at OT World. This season promises to be an exciting journey full of advancements and compelling stories from the ever-evolving field of prosthetics and orthotics.
Special thanks to Advanced 3D for sponsoring this episode.

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This episode examines the evolving role of 3D printing in prosthetics and orthotics, focusing on advancements in additive manufacturing. Joris Peels and Brent Wright discuss Formnext and hop into the weeds about some other things.

The conversation highlights collaborative robots (cobots) as tools for creating body-specific parts like scoliosis braces, offering safer and more cost-effective solutions across industries such as aerospace and specialty vehicles. Bambu Labs' developments in material extrusion are also explored for their potential to set new industry standards for personalized manufacturing.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the intersection of technology, design, and market trends, focusing on companies like Zellerfeld and Nike. Topics include custom foot orthoses and footwear innovations, as well as the potential for luxury applications in prosthetics and orthotics, signaling a shift in industry possibilities.
Special thanks to Advanced 3D for sponsoring this episode.

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