The International African American Prosthetic & Orthotic Coalition held its 21^st Annual Meeting this past May in the beautiful city of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Thanks to the hosts Mr. Rondell Richardson and Mr. Rico Phronebarger, the owners of Impact Prosthetic Solutions, the program was a success.

Thursday the 5^th of May started with a golf outing to benefit the IAAPOC’s scholarship program.  Many members showed up for the early 8:00 am start and were treated to a wonderful day of golfing. Later in the day there was a welcome reception in the Piedmont Ballroom of the Hilton Charlotte Center City.  The Master of Ceremonies for the reception was Minister Bryan Williams.  Minister Williams is a friend and spiritual advisor for Mr. Richardson and Mr. Phronebarger.  He also leads the Sharing Solutions Amputee and Disability support group in Charlotte that meet monthly to assist new and old amputees in over coming the difficulties of amputation.  The crowd was also treated to live entertainment. Ms Barbara Weathers, an international recording artist, delighted everyone present with her beautiful voice and her warm personality that invited the audience to sign along.  Later in the program three amputees and friends of Impact Prosthetic Solutions gave testimonies to the different that quality P&O services have made in lives.

 On Friday the 6^th of May the Scientific Program started of with the presentation of “Medical Conditions for the Amputee” by Dr. Sharon Kanelos.  Following were Ed White of Flo-Tech; Maurice Wilson who provided a financial discussion “Saving & Investing After the Great Recession”; Henry Christner presented the ‘Echelon Foot’; Jackie Valdez, Co shared her expertise on “Custom Molded TLSO’s & LSO’s”; Carolyn Scott, PT, CP, LP (and member of IAAPOC Board of Directors) presented “Adding S.O.A.P. to you Notes”.  The day ended with Dr. Zachary Nellas presentation of “The Diabetic Foot”.

Saturday the 7^th of May started with a comprehensive presentation on “Deformational Plagiocephaly” by Jennifer Baxley, PA-C.  The next presentation was by Dr. Augustine Eze. This local doctor discussed “Effectively Working with Vascular Surgeon and Vascular Patients,”, and Frank Caruso, CO presented ‘Hybrid AFO for Treatment of Charcot Foot and Fixed Deformities.

Through out the two day program the members were able to meeting in the exhibit hall with the many vendors in attendance. Among them were Allard USA, College Park Industries, Apis Footwear Company, Endolite, Euro International, The Fillauer Companies, Flo-Tech® O & P Systems, Freedom Innovations, Friddle’s Orthopedic Appliances, Ossur Americas, Otto Bock, Pel Supply Co, Trulife, Spinal Technology, Southern Prosthetic Supply, and Rx Textiles.

The 2011 Annual meeting was a great success.  IAAPOC’s 2012 Annual Meeting will be held in Jacksonville, FL the 26-28 of April at the HYATT REGENCY JACKSONVILLE RIVERFRONT.  Please return to the IAAPOC’s web sight  for updates as the time nears.

Please see  http://iaapoc.shutterfly.com/ for pictures of this and  previous meeting and more.