National recognition and faculty presentations at the AOPA 2026 National Assembly

Faculty and adjunct faculty from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the UW School of Medicine will be recognized for professional leadership and present research at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 2026 National Assembly, September 9-12, 2026, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. The conference will include national recognition for Cody L. McDonald, PhD, MPH, L/CPO, as well as presentations by Joan E. Sanders, PhD; Brian J. Hafner, PhD; and Geoff Balkman, PhD, CPO. 

Cody McDonald receives national recognition

Cody L. McDonald, PhD, MPH, L/CPO, assistant professor, was named a finalist for the 10th Annual O&P Woman of the Year Award, presented by the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America and Össur. The award recognizes women who are advancing the orthotics and prosthetics profession through leadership, innovation, and commitment to patient care. The 2026 recipient will be announced during the AOPA National Assembly.

The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists' Collaborative on Inclusive Action and Engagement also recently profiled Dr. McDonald for their Collaborative Spotlight feature. 

Read the article: Collaborative Spotlight - American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists 

Conference presentations

Thursday, September 10

10:42 to 10:54 a.m. PDT | Clinical Care: Prosthetics Free Paper Session
How Do Patients Use Powered Adjustable Sockets?
Presented by Joan E. Sanders, PhD.

2 to 3:30 p.m. PDT | Clinical Care: Prosthetics Roundtable Panel
Adjustable-Volume Prosthetic Interfaces: Overview of Current Evidence, Clinical Indications, and Reimbursement
Joan E. Sanders, PhD, will serve as a roundtable speaker alongside representatives from Click Medical, Ottobock, and O&P Insight.

Friday, September 11

10:30 to 10:40 a.m. PDT | Clinical Care: Prosthetics Free Paper Session
Validating the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Falls (PLUS-F)
Presented by Brian J. Hafner, PhD.

Saturday, September 12

11:20 to 11:30 a.m. PDT | Clinical Care: Orthotics Free Paper Session
Orthotists' Use of Wearable Sensors and Standardized Outcome Measures in Routine Orthotic Care for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis in the United States
Presented by Geoff Balkman, PhD, CPO.

Full session details are available in the AOPA National Assembly online program.