This post is a direct copy of a paper published for Dr. Vaughn Upshaw’s Principles of Public Health Leadership (PUBH 791) at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to grow as a leader through UNC’s Public Health Leadership program. As I take stock in how far I’ve come in my career, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the attributes that I believe got me this far. My passion and commitment to cause are the first characteristics that come to mind. Many still compliment me on these attributes today. I am almost […]
Joining the Amputee Coalition
Published on socials 8/6/22: I am excited to announce that today I joined the Amputee Coalition team as the new Chief Programs Officer. I cannot imagine an endeavor more aligned with my passions and skillset than this role, at this organization, in service to the limb loss and limb difference community. My father, a semi-retired prosthetist of 43 years, exposed me to this community at birth. I’ve never known a world without knowing individuals living with limb loss and limb difference. Through my personal and professional experiences I have come to understand many of the challenges facing the limb loss […]
On Departing AOPA
Written for socials on August 3, 2022 Today is my last day at the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA). For the past six years, this organization has given me the opportunity to live my dream job, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such amazing teammates and to have shared in moments that upon reflection will forever bring a smile to my face. I am thankful to all of AOPA’s members for the opportunity to serve them in this role; it has been such an honor. I am indebted […]
NYU Law/Wagner Entrance Essays
The MS Health Law and Strategy program is designed for mid- or senior-career professionals to develop strategy and drive innovation in health. Describe how the MSHLS will contribute to your career objectives. How do you expect this joint degree program to benefit you on a personal and professional level? (500 works max) As the Director of Health Policy and Strategic Alliances and the in-house lobbyist at the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), I currently oversee both the advocacy and research portfolios for the organization. I helped design the department I now run under the guiding principle that our policy […]
Important vs Urgent
This past week, I had the opportunity to represent AOPA at the Council of Medical Specialty Societies Annual Specialty Forum where the theme was Advancing Care through Technology: Role of Telehealth, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. You might be thinking, “What does this have to do with O&P?” Everything. Unfortunately, recent trends in the O&P profession have made it hard to be forward-thinking. As AOPA’s incoming President, Jeff Lutz has said, “We’ve been forced to focus on the urgent instead of the important.” We’ve been forced to remain in a constant state of reaction in order to defend the profession. Resources have been […]