March 2005

As a graduate of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and former resident of the Rehabilitation Institution of Chicago (RIC), Jeffrey M. Brandt CPO, CEO of Ability, wanted to give something back to the institutions and people that helped to shape his career.

One of these people was Dale Yasukawa CP, former RIC colleague and mentor to Mr. Brandt, who died suddenly due to complications after routine surgery. "One of the most notable attributes of Dale," states Jeffrey, "was his consistent, honest nature, not to mention his dedication to the orthotic and prosthetic profession. Dale's death sent a shock through the O&P community."

In honor of Dale, the Midwest Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) established a scholarship fund for a student of the Northwestern University Program. When Mr. Brandt was a student, he was a recipient of the Gunther Gehl Scholarship, also awarded by AAOP, which was presented to him by then President, Dale Yasukawa. "Ability's contribution to the scholarship fund just made sense" comments Jeffrey, "as it allows us to honor a great person, to support an excellent training program and to show reciprocity to the professional organization that previously gave to me."