Research and Development Grants

Georgia Tech Research Update

On Monday, February 20, 2012, six members of the Pedorthic Foundation met with Geza Kogler, Ph.D., and his associates at the School of Applied Physiology associated with Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, Georgia. The purpose of the visit was to observe the research being done as a result of a $5,000 grant given to Georgia Tech to promote research in pedorthics that will benefit any pedorthic clinician. A secondary benefit of the visit was to develop a relationship between the pedorthic profession and the Applied Physiology staff and students. Each member independently funded the trip.

Dr. Kogler is no stranger to Pedorthics. He is grateful to have received some grants fro the Pedorthic Foundation when he was working on his doctoral degree. He envisons a long term relationship with The Pedorthic Foundation and the Pedorthic Footcare Association by providing basic research which will improve the level of practice for any certified or licensed pedorthist. He is a firm believer in elevating the scope of practice for pedorthics, and desires that Georgia Tech be an integral part of that development. The students in the program are highly motivated and creative in designing the models for their research. Dr. Kogler feels strongly in providing a mentoring program between the upper level and the entering students in the program. It was refreshing to see the caliber of research that is taking place at this facility, and the dedication of the students participating in the research projects.

Anyone interested in promoting pedorthic development will be pleased to know that the seed money provided by the Pedorthic Foundation to Georgia Tech is working toward improving clinical practice. Only by continuing reasearch activities, and obtaining the funding for these endeavors can we hope to improve our standing in the medical community, and become the viable profession that we all aspire to in our respective communities. Make a donation today so that this important work can continue.

Goals

In its first 25 years, the Pedorthic Foundation took a leadership role in encouraging pedorthic research. It funded many of the early and key research projects in the field of pedorthics. To reach out as broadly as possible, many times the Foundation is one of several funding sources. The Foundation has recently recommitted itself to continue to support research as a method of advancing pedorthics.

Among the Pedorthic Foundation's goals for this key activity are:

To demonstrate the efficacy of pedorthic treatment
To assist individuals and companies with research projects, including literature reviews
To publish pedorthic research
To generate funds that can be used for research
To educate pedorthists in research techniques and methods.

Literature Reviews

Currently the Foundation is focusing on the area of literature review, to establish an information bank on subjects related to pedorthics. Students and individuals interested in pursuing literature review are invited to contact the Foundation at info@pedorthicfoundation.org for more information. The Foundation anticipates making funds available to cover out-of-pocket expenses involved in researching completed studies. For more information please contact the foundation info@pedorthicfoundation.org.

Other Research

The Foundation is developing a database of companies and individuals that are currently conducting or contemplating pedorthic research. If you can help us add to that database, please send the information to info@pedorthicfoundation.org. Although the Foundation anticipates being in a position to make research grants in the near future, the size of Foundation research grants is limited at this time, primarily due to limited Foundation assets. Fund drives are currently being planned to increase the Foundation's research funds.

Previous Research

The Pedorthic Foundation is currently compiling a list of previous research supported by the Foundation and plans to make this document available in the near future. Insofar as possible, the Foundation will also make available summaries of the findings of its research.