The Crimal Rehabilitation Institute in Queretaro, Mexico hosted its first Prosthetic Certification Examination on November 1-2, 2002. Under the administration of BAMCOP President Arturo Vasquez-Vela, CPO, FAAOP, American practitioners John (Mo) Kenney CPO, FAAOP of Lexington Kentucky, and Joel Kempfer CP, FAAOP of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin assisted in the administration of the inaugural clinical patient management examination. Both Kenney and Kempfer have examiner and committee experience with ABC and were invited to consult with the Mexican exam process.
The contents of the three exam components were authored and designed by Vasquez-Vela over the past several years. Vasquez-Vela accepted this responsibility citing “ There is a need in our country to set a higher standard of care to ensure our clients receive the utmost in professional services”. The clinical patient management portion of the certification process is similar to ABC’s CPM exam but is not accredited or affiliated with ABC. Vasquez-Vela anticipates offering the opportunity for Orthotic Certification in the coming year.
The nine candidates participating in the first clinical exam came from various states throughout Mexico and varied in age from 23 to 72. These candidates had successfully completed the written and written-simulation portions of the certification process prior to participating in the clinical exam. The clinical exam was held over a two and one half day span. It included patient evaluation, cast and measure skills, fabrication, fitting and alignment of a device, and trouble-shooting. As Kenney and Kempfer’s Spanish was limited, translators were provided, and extra time was allowed for each portion of the process.
Few glitches were observed during the examination administration and most candidates had positive feedback after the completion. Of the nine candidates, eight passed and were awarded the title of Certified Prosthetist. It is Vasquez-Vela’s intention to repeat this exam annually as the need requires.