The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) has appointed Robert S. Lin, CPO, FAAOP, president of the board of directors and hired Stephen B. Fletcher, CPO, to fill the newly created position of director of clinical resources. ABC also has named two new members to their board, Donald L. Pierson, Jr., CO, C.Ped., and Timothy E. Miller, CPO. All four the men will assume their new roles on Dec. 1, 2008.
Lin will replace Michael J. Allen, CPO, FAAOP, of Midland, Texas, as part of ABC’s annual leadership rotation. He comes into this new position with over 25 years of experience in the O&P field and five years serving on ABC’s board of directors.
Currently, Lin works as the chief orthotist and prosthetist and national residency director for Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc., at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. He also serves on the faculty at the University of Hartford in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions.
“I am looking forward to helping Bob and the board reach their objectives for the upcoming year,” said Catherine A. Carter, executive director of ABC. “The partnership between volunteer and staff leadership is a strong component of ABC’s mission, and I know with Bob’s leadership we will advance our ability to grow our programs and provide credentialed individuals and facilities with excellent service.”
Lin received his undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut and attended New York University for his O&P education. “Like many individuals, I was interested in health care and with an art background and interest in engineering and design, O&P seemed like a nice combination of all those skill sets,” he said.
Having received his Certified Orthotist (CO) designation from ABC in 1981 and three years later completing his certification as a certified prosthetist/orthotist (CPO), Lin has always believed in the importance of being certified. “When someone has any type of certification or credential it helps ensures competency or at least that certain thresholds have been met,” he said.
As director of clinical resources, Fletcher will be working with the staff directors as a resource for facility accreditation, certification, continuing education, public relations/marketing and governance. He will also work with programs that interface with NCOPE as ABC wants to continue to strengthen the tie between formal education and clinical training and certification. His previous experience as both an orthotic and prosthetic residency director will provide ABC and NCOPE staff with valuable insights.
The position of director of clinical resources was created in response to the growth and increased complexities of ABC’s programs. This position will not only allow ABC to respond more quickly to specific clinical and professional issues, but also will provide increased continuity between all of the different programs.
“The opportunity to have a clinical O&P professional on staff will add to our ability to ensure that the clinical aspects of our programs are contemporary and appropriate. Our programs have grown in both size and complexity, and additional staff will assist us in implementing the policies and programs of the board.” said Carter. Currently, Fletcher works as co-owner/practice manager for Gainesville Orthotics and Prosthetics. He brings to the position extensive experience in various practice settings, including serving as director of a hospital based O&P department as well as being employed as a staff prosthetist/orthotist for a midsized independent organization.
Fletcher also served on the initial Florida O&P licensure board as chairman. He first joined ABC as a volunteer in 1993 as an orthotic examiner and eventually served on the exam committee and did a rotation as an exam auditor and site coordinator. Fletcher was selected to join the board of directors in 2002 and went on to serve as president in 2007.
Bringing with them a wealth of experience in the O, P &P field, Pierson and Miller are excited about the impending year on ABC’s leadership team. Pierson comes to the board with more than 20 years of experience in the O, P &P profession and currently works as director of operations for Arizona AFO, Inc. Looking forward to his time on ABC’s board, Pierson is ready to learn more about his profession from leaders in the O&P field. Miller is the co-owner of Miller-Meier Limb & Brace, Inc., an ABC accredited facility in Battendorf, IA. Having been engrossed in the profession since he was 15 years-old, Miller became a second generation orthotist and prosthetist and eventually opened his own company in October 1994.