November 2005

In 1999, Jeffrey Brandt, an orthotics and prosthetics student at Northwestern University never thought he'd be on the opposite side of the classroom. This past fall, however, Jeffrey Brandt, now CPO and CEO of Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics, found himself in the role of instructor.

The purpose of Jeffrey's lecture was to provide practical information regarding the business side of the orthotics and prosthetics profession. "While the clinical training at Northwestern is unmatched," states Jeffrey, "the program is beginning to realize more lectures focused on the non-patient-related-roles of the practitioner are necessary."

In addition to knowing how to evaluate and manage the various pathologies needing O & P care, today's practitioner must also be skilled at marketing, accounting and the navigation of the insurance and billing worlds. "Educating our future practitioners about business," Jeffrey shares, "will ultimately result in a better experience for the patient."