Savings. Solutions. Something Bigger: Highlighting O&P Leadership

Published in Orthotics & Prosthetics on April 10, 2024

Being part of OPGA means being part of a community of savings, solutions, and something bigger to help your practice succeed in the O&P profession. The profession is filled with leaders and innovators who strive to advance the profession and raise awareness about the critical role of education, networking, and advocacy in O&P.

Nikki Grace-Strader is the Director of North American Operations for the Osseointegration Group of Australia and Osseointegration International, as well as a certified peer visitor and certified peer visitor trainer with the Amputee Coalition. She is a leader in the O&P field and offers a valuable perspective on the needs of the profession because she utilizes innovative technology herself.

When Nikki isn’t using her superpowers of parallel parking, folding fitted sheets, and being able to sleep on airplanes, Nikki offers support to amputees worldwide in her role at Osseointegration International. Her intimate familiarity with the physical and emotional complexities of limb loss allows her to connect deeply with patients. By offering guidance and resources, she empowers individuals to navigate the process of exploring and obtaining osseointegration surgery, fostering a sense of empowerment and optimism in their personal journeys.

Her journey underscores the significance of clinical knowledge, particularly the expertise of prosthetists and orthotists, who are well-informed about patient-specific solutions. While Nikki found a solution that suited her, it’s clear that one size does not fit all, and her prosthetist remains a key figure in her ongoing journey. Her story also highlights the need for open dialogue with policymakers, clinicians, and the community to foster acceptance of new technologies and innovations in O&P.

In 2022, Nikki was a fellow of the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics & Prosthetics (NAAOP) George and Dena Breece Fellowship, where she gained insights into healthcare policy development. She also explored how the O&P profession could adopt a more solution-focused approach for everyone involved by embracing new technologies.

Moreover, Nikki was honored as the 2023 O&P Woman of the Year, a yearly award recognizing an individual’s substantial contributions to patients, the community, the business sector, and the O&P profession throughout her career.

Nikki's journey is a remarkable testament to the profound impact of personal experience and unwavering determination. She has transitioned from overcoming her own challenges as an amputee to becoming a dedicated advocate and leader in osseointegration education in the O&P field.

Read the articles below that detail Nikki’s role of leadership in the O&P community:

OPGA is grateful to all leaders in the O&P field, and we hope to meet more leaders in the future! If you know someone who has contributed to the O&P profession and deserves recognition, reach out to OPGA! Be sure to also stay tuned for announcements about the nomination period opening for the 2024 O&P Woman of the Year Award.

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