On Aptil 27, 2002 the Association of Orthopaedic Technologists California (AOTC) held its annual Spring Educational meeting. Once again the AOTC Update was a great educational experience and was the largest turnout ever with 96 attendees. We even had Lloyd Constable OTC and a few members from the So. Arizona Association of Ortho Techs. in attendance. Thanks for making the trip guys.
   Once again, the AOTC would like to thank Danny Corpuz, OT-C of Kaiser Permanente Hospital-Harbor City and Jack Hart, OT-C, President / A.O.T.C., for planning and coordinating our educational meeting as well as Kaiser Permanente for opening their doors once again to host our meeting.
    The meeting kicked off with a continental breakfast followed  by the Opening Remarks, delivered by Jack Hart A.O.T.C. President. The first speaker up was Dr. Thomas giving an in-depth lecture on total joint replacement. The next lecturer was Brian Barry, A.T.C., giving a great lecture on career enhancement. This lecture was full of tips and insights on how to asses your present position and how to put a resume` together to get that dream position. "If your present position is not headed in the direction you really want to go, you are just doing time".
    After the first two presenters there was a break time to visit the exhibitor rooms to check out the latest in orthopaedic soft goods and casting material. The AOTC would like to thank the exhibitors that displayed their products. The exhibitors were Sue Brusso of 3m, Kevin DeBence of Orthopaedic Medical Supplies, Vince Ortega and Mario Rodrigues of BSN Medical, Rick Stone of EZ-Wrap Dennis Ayotte of Bledsoe Brace Systems and Brian Barry of Hely Weber. Also we would like to thank Jennifer Singhal of Royce Medical for donating some great gifts for our raffle. The participants and the exhibitors helped to make our meeting a great success. Also, I would like to thank our other supporters who donated gifts for our raffle that was held throughout the meeting.
   The Next speaker after the break was Dr.Strauss speaking on "The role of wound protection, Immobilization in Management of the Problem Wound". Dr.Strauss is a veteran speaker at our Updates and delivered one of his most imformative lectures yet. The next speaker was Anthony Kjenstad  lecturing on "Functional Bracing" If there was ever anything you ever wanted to know about bracing  you need to attend our meetings and hear Anthony DELIVER THE GOODS.    
The afternoon session was a great educational workshop. We had Michael Gill, President / N.A.O.T. representing DePuy / J & J, demonstrating and lecturing on F.R.C. (Focused Rigidity Casting). It was a very informative afternoon indeed.
    Our meeting was sponsored by DePuy  /  J & J. I would like to thank The DePuy Team and the local Reps for working with the AOTC in sponsoring the meeting. With their support of our meeting it was a great educational event, from the speakers to the splinting and casting workshop in the afternoon.
   Don't miss out,  join the AOTC and be informed, up to date, and attend some great educational meetings like this one sponsored by DePuy / J & J.

   Sincerely,

Troy Fite, OT-C
Vice President / A.O.T.C.