"New Orleans 2003"

21st Annual Clinical Symposium
 

   The 21st Annual Clinical Symposium was an outstanding success. As usual, the planning and execution was right on the mark. Thank-you one and all for your attention to detail and your perseverance, the effort paid off. The Symposium committees, both local and national, did an outstanding job in planning and arranging everything.
   A new Vice President, Sean Conkle, OTC, was elected to office and Phelo Keller,OTC, was re-elected as our Secretary. Congratulations Gentlemen!!! The outgoing Vice President, Jack Hart, OTC, was honored with a plaque and a Thank-you by N.A.O.T. President Michael Gill at the closing banquet. I think that Michael echoed the feelings of most of the membership when he recognized Jack for his contributions to the N.A.O.T. and the field of Orthopaedic Technology. Jack will continue to work to help our field to progress as fast and far as possible.
   Our meetings are attracting more international attendees every year. This year we had representatives from Australia, England, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. As our organization (N.A.O.T.) becomes more progressive we are attracting attention from all corners of the globe. Welcome one and all.
   Our Loyal Supporters, The Vendors, were out in full force, THANK-YOU VERY MUCH. Our vendors are key to our success as an organization and cannot be thanked enough.
   A big thank-you goes out to all the speakers who took time out from their busy schedules and families to come and speak at the Symposium. We really appreciate it.
   New Orleans is a very exciting place to visit. The free shuttle left from the Hotel to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street every 15 minutes. There were lots of places to go and things to do in our free time. The package tours were inexpensive. The variety of tours was amazing to say the least.

As always it was an honor and a privilege to represent the A.O.T.C. at the Annual Clinical Symposium.
Sincerely,
Troy Fite, OTC
Vice President / A.O.T.C.

Please click on the thumbnails to view larger pictures.
The welcome reception is always something to look forward to.  There was plenty to eat and drink. This reception was sponsored be B.S.N. Medical. Stress relief and jet-lag antidotes were at arms reach at all times.
The welcome reception is always something to look forward to.  There was plenty to eat and drink. This reception was sponsored by B.S.N. Medical. Stress relief and jet-lag antidotes were at arms reach at all times.
The welcome reception is always something to look forward to.  There was plenty to eat and drink. This reception was sponsored by B.S.N. Medical. Stress relief and jet-lag antidotes were at arms reach at all times.
The welcome reception is always something to look forward to.  There was plenty to eat and drink. This reception was sponsored by B.S.N. Medical. Stress relief and jet-lag antidotes were at arms reach at all times.
The welcome reception is always something to look forward to.  There was plenty to eat and drink. This reception was sponsored by B.S.N. Medical. Stress relief and jet-lag antidotes were at arms reach at all times.
The welcome reception is always something to look forward to.  There was plenty to eat and drink. This reception was sponsored by B.S.N. Medical. Stress relief and jet-lag antidotes were at arms reach at all times.
The welcome reception is always something to look forward to.  There was plenty to eat and drink. This reception was sponsored by B.S.N. Medical. Stress relief and jet-lag antidotes were at arms reach at all times.
N.A.O.T. President Michael Gill kicks off the 21st Annual Symposium with a Welcome and his opening remarks.
N.A.O.T. Secretary, Phelo Keller, addresses the assembled membership and welcomed everyone to the great state of Louisiana.
Phelo Keller introduced the Honorable Senator from Louisiana, John B. Breaux (D), who spoke for a few minutes to the assembled membership.
Bobbi Charlesworth, National Symposium Chairperson, addresses the assembled membership.
Cindy Bishop, a lobbyist, addresses the membership and explains the legislative process and its importance to us.
Kim Foster, OTC, introduces Dr. Regan Green who gave a great lecture on "Metastatic Bone Disease".
Cindy Henderson, OTC, explained the importance of coding to the attendees and answered all the questions that anyone had. Cindy is a great asset to our organization and with her experience is quite a "knowledge base" for anyone who has any questions relating to Orthopaedic Technology.
Dr. Michelle Brumfield gave a great lecture on "Anesthesia and Orthopedic Surgery".
Nancy Hiltz, RN, MS, ONC, gave a great lecture on "Lower Extremity Injuries & Treatment".
David Marshall, OTC, conducts a Hands on Workshop: "Basic Splinting Techniques".
Peter Solan, OTC, conducts a Hands on workshop: "Skelecasting".
No symposium would be complete without Tom Byrne, OTC / OPA-C representing Zimmer and answering any and all questions. If there is something that Tom doesn't know about traction no one has figured out what it is yet! If you need more information on their product line go to their website at www.zimmer.com
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins was exhibiting for the second year in a row at our Symposium. If you have any questions concerning their products please got to their website at www.lww.com
Generation ll USA. Inc was well represented by Laurie Hodge and she was standing by to explain her product line. If you need further information please go to  www.gen2.com
Aircast was on hand to display their complete product line. if you need further information please go to their website at www.aircast.com
Chris Eaton, from E.B.I., was on hand to answer all questions about his product line. They don't have a website, their phone number is (973)299-391
The guys from Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation (MTF) were on hand to explain their services to the "Orthopaedic Community". If you need more information go to their website at www.mtf.org
The gals from Bacefit.com were on hand to check your putting skills and answer questions about their product line. If you ned more information go to their website at www.bracefit.com
The guys from M-Pact were standing by to answer any and all questions. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.m-pactmed.com
Carol Hiemstra-Perez was on hand to explain and demonstrate her product line. If you would like more information on her products got to their website at www.runliteusa.com
The guys from dj Ortho stood by to demonstrate their product line. If you would like more information on their products go to www.djortho.com
The crew from BSN Medical was on hand to explain and demonstrate their products. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.bsnmedical.com
The crew from BSN Medical was on hand to explain and demonstrate their products. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.bsnmedical.com
The folks at DePuy Casting were available to explain and demonstrate their products. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.depuy.com
The guys from Professional Products, Inc were on hand to demonstrate their products. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at ezywrap.com
The crew from Omni Bodyworks was on hand to show off their product line. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.bw-omni.com
Orthopedic Medical Supplies was represented by Kevin DeBence who stood by to answer all the questions. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.orthomedicalsupplies.com
Texas Medical Industries was well represented and standing by to answer any and all questions about their product line. If you would like more information on their products call them at (214)351-6463 or contact them by E-mail at tmiunited@aol.com
The folks from DeRoyal Industries were on hand to demonstrate their product line. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.deroyal.com
Texas Orthopedic Products was represented by Buddy Abdou who stood by to answer all questions. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.topsproducts.com
Ted Lorenzetti and his associate were on hand to talk about their line of products. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.corflex.com
The guys from Innovation Sports were on hand to talk about their product line. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.isports.com
Gary Bledsoe and his crew were on hand to demonstrate their line of products. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.bledsoebrace.net
James Johnson from Prizm Medical was on hand to demonstrate his electro-therapy product line. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.prizm-medical.com
The guys from Restorative Care of America were on hand to demonstrate their product line. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.rcai.com
The folks from W. L. Gore were on hand to demonstrate their line of waterproof casting products They don't have a website, their telephone number is (928)864-3557.
Pam Compton was on hand to talk about her line of products. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.cmo-inc.com
The crew from 3M was on hand to talk about and demonstrate their extensive line of products. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.mmm.com
The people from Breg were standing by to talk about their line of products. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.breg.com
Max was on hand to show his product line and give everybody their yearly issue of padded insoles and arch supports. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.hapad.com
The folks from Chattanooga Group were on hand to demonstrate their product line. If you would like more information on their products go to their website at www.chatgroup.com
Jeffrey Virgo moderates the annual N.B.C.O.T. question and answer session following the N.A.O.T. General Business Meeting.
The N.B.C.O.T. booth is always handy and manned to field all questions concerning "Certification".
The N.A.O.T. registration booth "Crossroads of the World" is always manned and ready to service the membership!
Carla Brown, OTC, gave a great lecture on "Functional Cast Therapy: Upper Extremity". Carla's lecture was full of tips and tricks to share with everyone. Our members are our strongest asset when it comes to lecturing on Orthopedic technology.
Chris Fletcher Gave a great demonstration and lecture on "Removable Casts for Back and Hips.
Chris Fletcher Gave a great demonstration and lecture on "Removable Casts for Back and Hips.
Chris Fletcher Gave a great demonstration and lecture on "Removable Casts for Back and Hips.
Chris Fletcher Gave a great demonstration and lecture on "Removable Casts for Back and Hips.
Chris Fletcher Gave a great demonstration and lecture on "Removable Casts for Back and Hips.
Kevin Gayle Jr. presented a new course offering this year "Principles of Wealth Management". Now here is a subject that is on everyones mind.
Michael Gill, N.A.O.T. President, gave a great lecture on "Focused Rigidity Casting and Bracing".
Dr. Robert Holladay gave a great lecture on "Kyphoplasty: Balloons for Bones"
Dr. Mark Dodson gave a very informative lecture on "Derotational Osteotomies".
We had the usual "Packed House" for the Closing Banquet sponsored by 3m.
We had the usual "Packed House" for the Closing Banquet sponsored by 3m.
We had the usual "Packed House" for the Closing Banquet sponsored by 3m. I have attended 5 Closing Banquets and this was the best food that was ever served, to date.
Jack Hart, President / A.O.T.C., Troy Fite, Vice President / A.O.T.C., and Michael Johnson, Treasurer / A.O.T.C., gathered for a picture before the Closing Banquet.
N.A.O.T. President Mike Gill addresses the the Closing Banquet attendees
Pett Allen Jr., OTC, gave the blessing  for the Closing Banquet.
Gerald Cotton, OTC, won the drawing for a free admission to the 22nd. Annual Clinical Symposium in Miami, Bobbi Charlesworth, OTC, National Symposium Chairperson, back to the camera, makes the award.
Outgoing N.A.O.T. Vice President, Jack Hart, OTC, was honored with a plaque and a thank-you for his service to N.A.O.T. and Orthopedic Technology.
Outgoing N.A.O.T. Vice President, Jack Hart, OTC, addresses the general membership and thanked everyone for their support and pledged to keep fighting the good fight to promote the field of Orthopedic Technology
Kathy Covington receives an award from the N.A.O.T.
Lloyd Constable,OTC, was inducted into the N.A.O.T. Hall of Fame, CONGRATULATIONS LLOYD!!!
Jeff Virgo, OTC / OPA-C, was inducted into the N.A.O.T. Hall of Fame, CONGRATULATIONS JEFF!!!
Gerald Cotton, OTC, was inducted into the N.A.O.T. Hall of Fame, CONGRATULATIONS GERALD!!!
The Closing Banquet was sponsored by 3m and they secured Rocky Bleier as our guest speaker.
Rocky kept us entertained for almost an hour  while he recounted his experiences and escapades in the N.F.L.. He was a great motivational speaker. A big thank-you goes out to 3m for providing "Top Quality" guest speakers for our closing Banquets

There were numerous other people who received awards and were recognized for their contributions to the N.A.O.T. and the field of Orthopaedic Technology but due to time and space were not included on this page. I would like to take a moment and say THANK-YOU one and all for your hard work and dedication to the field of Orthopaedic Technology and our organization (N.A.O.T.). We wouldn't be where we are without you.