JoAnne Kanas Elected President of the AAOP

We are proud to announce that JoAnne L. Kanas, DPT, CPO, corporate director of orthotics and prosthetics for Shriners Children’s, was elected president of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) for the 2022-2023 year. As president, Kanas will lead the AAOP’s efforts in promoting professionalism and advancing the standards of patient care through education, literature, research, advocacy and collaboration.

The Academy, founded in 1970, is the professional organization representing certified practitioners, state-licensed practitioners, assistants, technicians, fitters and others affiliated with the profession of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). It is dedicated to helping its members provide the highest level of professionalism and service to their patients.

“Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of O&P clinicians, researchers, and educators committed to driving professional excellence for quality O&P care," said Adriane K. Griffen, Dr.P.H., MPH, MCHES®, CNED, executive director of the Academy. “We are grateful to the Academy membership for electing this talented slate that is energized to further our mission.”

Kanas has been in the field for 35 years and practiced at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia before joining the headquarters for Shriners Children’s in 2013. After earning her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, she attended the long-term certificate program at Northwestern University in Chicago. She later went on to complete her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Boston University. Kanas previously served as chair of the Education Development Council of the Academy and chair of the Academy's Clinical Content Committee before being elected by membership to the Board of Directors where she served as a director, treasurer, vice president and now president.

The AAOP is the ‘professional home’ for all practitioners and technicians providing care to those that are in need of our services. To be elected to represent them this year is an honor and privilege,” said Kanas.

In this role, Kanas is focused on staying true to the Academy’s mission that has endured for more than 50 years, representation of the O&P professional, along with providing clear, unbiased continuing education in digestible formats for its members.

The Journal of Orthotics and Prosthetics (JPO), The Academy TODAY, and the Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium are just a few of the Academy’s established and impactful educational efforts. Whether it is offering live-streamed content, podcasts that highlight the key takeaways of significant research, or quick videos to illustrate how-to techniques rooted in evidence-based research, the Academy works hard to provide its members with practical information that will enhance their professional presence.