For decades, the Pedorthic Foundation has played an essential role in supporting pedorthic education and research to advance excellence in patient care. Its impact is reflected in the many careers it impacted and the patients who benefited from its commitment to quality foot and ankle care.

In 2025, The Orthotics & Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research (the O&P Foundation) was honored to assume the mission and steward the funds of the Pedorthic Foundation. This transition was not an ending, but a continuation –– an intentional step to ensure that the legacy and purpose of the Pedorthic Foundation remain visible and impactful for years to come.

The O&P Foundation was created through a collaboration between the leaders of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Education and Research Foundation (OPERF) and the Center for Orthotics and Prosthetics Learning (COPL). Beginning in 2020, these groups came together around a shared vision: to establish an independent, unified charitable organization that could more effectively support advancement through education, research, and professional support across the orthotics and prosthetics profession.

In September 2022, The O&P Foundation was established as an independent national organization in support of the continuum of professionals in the orthotics, prosthetics, and now, pedorthics space.

The O&P Foundation’s mission is to advance the art and science of orthotic and prosthetic rehabilitation through education, research, professional development, and recognition of excellence.

Pedorthics is a vital and distinct discipline within the rehabilitation care continuum. Pedorthists are often the first point of contact for patients managing chronic disease, mobility challenges, and foot and ankle conditions—making access, prevention, and long-term management central to their role.

When The O&P Foundation assumed the funds and mission of the Pedorthic Foundation, it did so with a clear commitment to ensure that pedorthic-focused education, professional development, and leadership opportunities remain a priority within a stronger, more sustainable organizational framework.

Simply put, pedorthics is being both integrated and elevated.

Today, the O&P Foundation supports the profession across the full arc of education, training, research and career development. Our programs are designed to:

• Expand access to education through scholarships and workforce development funding
• Support orthotics and prosthetics clinicians, pedorthists, assistants, and technicians through professional development awards
• Fund clinically relevant research that drives improvements in patient outcomes
• Prepare professionals to lead in quality-focused, value-based healthcare systems

These initiatives are grounded in a single goal: to ensure patients have access to high-quality, innovative, and sustainable orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic care.

As healthcare continues to evolve toward outcomes-driven and value-based models, the role of pedorthists in prevention, chronic disease management, and mobility preservation has never been more important. The O&P Foundation is actively investing in programs that strengthen the pedorthic workforce and prepare professionals to thrive in this changing environment.

The integration of the Pedorthic Foundation’s mission into the O&P Foundation creates meaningful opportunity for the pedorthic community:

• Greater visibility within national education and research initiatives
• Access to expanded funding programs and
• Inclusion in multidisciplinary initiatives that reflect real-world care delivery
• A stronger voice in shaping the future of rehabilitation care

Most importantly, it ensures that pedorthists are central to the profession’s growth—not on the periphery of it.

The O&P Foundation’s work is driven by the community it serves. We actively invite pedorthists to engage in meaningful ways, including:

• Serving as reviewers or committee members for scholarships, grants, and awards
• Contributing as thought leaders or advisors in program development
• Mentoring students and early-career professionals entering pedorthics
• Participating in focus groups and working groups shaping future initiatives
• Supporting programs through partnerships and philanthropy

Whether you are early in your career or a seasoned professional, there is a place for you, your voice, expertise, and leadership.

The legacy of the Pedorthic Foundation is one of service, leadership, and dedication to patient care. The O&P Foundation is proud to carry that legacy forward—strengthening it with new resources, broader reach, and a long-term vision for sustainability.

Together, we can ensure that pedorthic care remains accessible, innovative, and patient-centered for generations to come.