The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA; a VGM & Associates division) and prosthetic and brace maker Össur have opened the application period for two grants available for individuals in orthotics and prosthetics.

The two grants are the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant and the Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant. OPGA and Össur Americas co-sponsor and support both programs, which each helps fund a current O&P resident and certified orthotist or prosthetist (or both) to attend and participate in the AOPA Policy Forum and the Challenged Athletes Foundation Triathlon Challenge.

In its second year, the Russell Walker CP, LP Emerging Leader Grant honors Russell “Rusty” Walker, a practitioner that was passionate about mentoring the next generation of O&P leaders. To apply, visit marketing.vgm.com/acton/media/10445/russell-walker-emerging-leader-grant.

The inaugural Todd Eagen Advocacy in Action Memorial Grant honors Todd Eagen, former president of OPGA, who unexpectedly passed on June 4, 2022, and was an important leader in the O&P profession. To apply, visit marketing.vgm.com/acton/media/10445/todd-eagen-advocacy-in-action-memorial-grant.

The application period for both grants closes on Feb. 10. A selection committee of five O&P professionals will review all applications, and the recipient will be notified and announced during the AAOP Annual Meeting, which is slated for March 1–4, 2023.

“Anyone who knew Todd Eagen knew that he was heavily involved with several of our profession’s advocacy champions, including NAAOP and AOPA,” said Adam Miller, president of OPGA. “He will always be remembered for his fierce commitment to helping others, his tireless efforts to make the O&P profession the best it can be, and above all, the friendships that he made along the way.” 

“Össur is honored to partner with OPGA to provide professional development opportunities for the future leaders of O&P while memorializing Rusty Walker and the imprint he left on the lives of his
patients and colleagues,” said Shane Namack, vice president of Prosthetics for Össur. “We look forward to facilitating these resident experiences as they aid in elevating the O&P profession.”