Alexandria, VA (October 1, 2024) – The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) was pleased to award the 2024 Professor Hans Georg Näder Digital O&P Care Award to Joshua Steer, PhD on Sunday, September 15 during the 2024 National Assembly.
The Award was established in 2022 by a gift from Ottobock Healthcare in honor of Professor Hans Georg Näder and his many contributions to the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics worldwide. The purpose is to prepare the O&P profession for the future as digital care and innovations in technology continue to lead the direction of patient care.
AOPA’s Digital O&P Care Workgroup chose Dr. Steer based on his research, Insights into Transtibial Prosthetic Socket Design from Expert UK Clinicians’ Digital Records.
“Congratulations to Dr. Steer for being this year’s recipient. We appreciate his contribution to digital clinical care research that will help advance the profession,” said Eve Lee, MBA, CAE, Executive Director, American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. “AOPA is proud to award the Professor Hans Georg Näder Digital O&P Care Award for the third year. It is important to recognize contributions to improvements in digital clinical care for the individuals our profession serves.”
Professor Näder commented, “Digitalization and patient care go hand in hand. During the Paralympic Games in Paris, we were able to successfully prove this. There we used 3D printing technologies for the first time to support athletes in giving their best. These new ways of digital treatment underline the significance of the award we created together with AOPA. We honour people who carry the spirit of Futuring within them. The award recognizes inventiveness that sustainably improves both current and future treatment in the O&P industry.”
More information about the 2024 National Assembly is available at www.AOPAassembly.org.
About the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA): A trusted partner, advocating for and serving the orthotic and prosthetic community, the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) fosters relationships with decision makers, provides education, supports research, and advances equality to strengthen the orthotic and prosthetic profession and improve the lives of its patients. Since 1917, AOPA has been the largest non-profit organization consisting of more than 2,000 patient care facilities and suppliers that together manufacture, distribute, design, fabricate, fit, and provide clinical care for patients using orthopedic braces) and prostheses (artificial limbs). Each and every day, AOPA and its members strive for a world where orthotic and prosthetic care transforms lives.
Contact: Joy Klapp, jklapp@AOPAnet.org