This meeting was conceived by people involved in the delivery of prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) education from universities around the world. They recognized that many of the challenges facing P&O educational programs are similar. In relation to larger and more established health science programs, P&O academic departments are usually smaller and consist of few faculty. In addition, advances in technology and health care have increased the need for collegial interaction between P&O academics, in order to enhance the state of education. Subsequently, an international P&O Educators Meeting (POEM), structured as a workshop was formulated to facilitate communication about common educational and professional issues in P&O.

The aim of the meeting is to develop strategies for the future of P&O university education. Experts will present points of view in several critical areas such as undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum, educational modes of delivery, collaboration between institutions and professional identity. Participants will explore, summarize, and recommend solutions that will be published in a post meeting text. The convening committee hopes that P&O Educators from around the world will join in Sweden to participate in shaping the future of P&O education at this landmark event.

At the POEM, P&O educators will:

• Consider points of view presented by experts.
• Examine critical educational areas such as:
• undergraduate curriculum,
• postgraduate curriculum,
• modes of delivery,
• collaboration between institutions,
• professional identity.
• Participate in discussion and strategy development.
• Contribute to the recommendations of the meeting.
• Interract with other P&O academics from around the world.

The information on this site is also available as an Adobe PDF file, which will allow you to view and print it in the proper format. If you do not already have the Adobe Acrobat plugin, you can download it free of charge from the Adobe web site.

Click here to view the brochure (PDF format)

Program - The program will be refined further during the coming months.
Click the link for information.

Official language at the POEM

All sessions at the POEM will be conducted in English and interpreter services will not be provided.

Survey - Please take a few minutes to complete a survey. Results of the survey will be circulated prior to the POEM, to facilitate communication.
Click the link for the Survey.

Registration Includes

• Full participation in the POEM
• Summary of the pre meeting survey
• A copy of the meeting discussion papers and recommendations
• Daytime meals
• Social Events: Welcome Reception, Swedish Evening, Meeting Dinner

Key dates

Registration due: 31 May 2002
Meeting dates: 14 17 August 2002

Convening committee
Click the link for information.

General information about Jonkoping

The countryside around Jonkoping is widely regarded as some of the most beautiful in Sweden. ft is verdant, roiling countryside with lakes, forests and farms. There are enchanting woodlands and open vistas in endless variation. The history of Jonkoping as a trading station at the southern end of lake Vattern dates back to the 13th century, when its town charter was granted by Magnus Ladulas Jonkoping is situated 330 kilometers south of Stockholm. You can find more Information on website at www.jonkoping.se.

The university is situated in the central part of Jonkoping, where the four schools of Jonkoping University are united around the large and modem university library. The School of Health Sciences provides the only prosthetic and orthotic course in Sweden and is also responsible for the education of Danish Prosthetists and Orthotists.

Air Transport

Jonkoping Airport is located approximately 8 kilometers from the centre of Jonkoping. The most convenient way of reaching the hotel or Jonkoping University is by taxi. The fare is not more than SEK 150 (January 2002).

Climate

Average day temperature in Sweden in August is around 18-20°C (66°-70°F). Although it is mainly sunny, you are advised to bring a sweater for chilly evenings and an umbrella or raincoat for possible rainy days.

Currency - The Swedish currency is Swedish Kronor (SEK).
Click the link for information.

Electricity

The electrical current in Sweden Is 220 volts. Most hotels provide 100 volt outlets for shavers.

Accommodation - Accommodation has been reserved for POEM participants. You are advised to contact the hotel directly, before the 31 May 2002.
Click the link for information.

Fees

Full registration SEK 2500 (including VAT)

Method of Payment

Please pay your registration via bank transfer. Payment should be made in SEK, payable to School of Health Sciences, Jonkoping, Sweden. Please make sure to indicate 'POEM' as well as your name and institution on all money transfers.

Bank Account, Postgirot Bank
IBAN no SE87 9500 0099 60261490 4270, SWIFT address PGSISESS

All bank charges, both in Sweden and in your country, will be deducted from your account.

Closing date for registration and payment: 31 May 2002

How to register

• Complete the attached form
• Pay the registration fee as outlined above
• If you have web access, complete the survey on the website: www.IAPOE.org
• Send your completed registration form and a copy of your bank transfer form to the Meeting Secretariat:

Ms Gunnel Hillden
School of Health Sciences
Jonkoping University
Box 1026
SE 551 11 Jonkoping, Sweden
Phone: +46 36157200
Fax: +46 36157341
Email: gunnel.hillden@hhj.hj.se

Confirmation of registration

A confirmation letter will be sent to you as soon as we have received your payment together with your registration form.

List server

A list server will be established to update participants about changes to the website as they occur. When you register, your email address will be added to the list server database.

This meeting is supported by the following organizations: