Ottobock recently announced Gerald Stark, MSEM, CPO/L, FAAOP, a senior upper-limb specialist, has been honored by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists with its Outstanding Educator Award for 2015.
Gerald Stark
The achievement marks Stark’s 23 years within the field of prosthetics, during which he has not only led numerous education and training initiatives, but has also worked in product development as an engineer and has served as a contributing faculty member for Northwestern University. He has also served as a director for the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) and the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO), according to a press release.
“I am truly thankful for this honor from a group of professionals I respect so much,” Stark said in the release. “I am also excited by advances in technology that adapt to patients — rather than vice versa — and the growing chance I have to familiarize prosthetists and patients with them.”
Stark was hired by Ottobock in 2012 to help lead its Upper-Limb Professional and Clinical Services team. In his role, he has actively developed training and educational resources for the company’s Michelangelo prosthetic hand, with a focus on support for Ottobock customers both in workshops and online. He has also traveled throughout the U.S. performing consultations for fittings, delivering conference lectures and meeting with professionals and patients.
Stark is also pursuing a doctoral degree in learning and leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, according to the release.
Reference: www.ottobockus.com.
