Strengthening the Future of Pedorthics through Unified Support for Education, Research, and Professional Development
The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research (The O&P Foundation) is honored to announce that The Pedorthic Foundation has voted to dissolve and transfer its assets to The O&P Foundation, ensuring the continuation of its decades-long mission to advance the profession of pedorthics.
Effective immediately, The O&P Foundation will assume stewardship of The Pedorthic Foundation’s legacy and funds, which will be dedicated exclusively to supporting pedorthic education, research, and professional development initiatives. The first O&P Foundation Pedorthic Programs for fiscal year 2026 will be announced next month.
As part of this transition, The O&P Foundation will continue close collaboration with leaders from The Pedorthic Foundation to ensure seamless integration and enduring representation of the pedorthic profession in program development and review processes. Pedorthic professionals will serve on program committees and selection panels, helping guide the direction of future initiatives.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment and represents a meaningful step forward in our shared effort to rejuvenate and strengthen the pedorthic profession. By entrusting the Pedorthic Foundation’s legacy to The O&P Foundation, we are ensuring that our commitment to advancing education, research, and professional growth in pedorthics continues to thrive and evolve in the years to come.” — Dennis Janisse CPed, Past President, The Pedorthic Foundation
Chris Fairman CPO, Immediate Past Chair, and Fanny Schultea MS, MSEd, CPO, FAAOP(D), Executive Director of The O&P Foundation issued a joint statement:
“We proudly acknowledge and thank The Pedorthic Foundation and its visionary leaders, Dennis Janisse CPed and Scott Williamson, for their exceptional leadership and generosity. Their decision to consolidate efforts and align resources with The O&P Foundation reflects true foresight and a shared commitment to advancing education, research, and professional growth in pedorthics. This act of collaboration not only strengthens the collective impact of both organizations but also ensures that pedorthic initiatives continue. The timing of this announcement also captures their thoughtful consideration of The O&P Foundation’s ongoing $1 million match challenge from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) which will further amplify the impact of these resources towards fueling a sustainable future for orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics.”
Additional details and new opportunities for the pedorthic community will be announced during the Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) Annual Symposium, held in conjunction with the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) Annual Meeting in Nashville in February 2026.
About The Pedorthic Foundation
Established to promote excellence and innovation in the field of pedorthics, The Pedorthic Foundation has long served as a catalyst for professional growth, education, and advancement of the specialty. Through its commitment to supporting students, practitioners, and educators, the Pedorthic Foundation played a pivotal role in strengthening the pedorthic community for over three decades.
About The Orthotics and Prosthetics Foundation for Education and Research (The O&P Foundation)
The O&P Foundation is the only national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining the future and the quality of orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic care through thoughtful funding programs in OP&P education, research, and professional development.
