Program Director, Orthotics and Prosthetics
Glendale, AZ
I acquired formal training (Bachelor of Science and clinical residencies) in Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) and certification in O&P (American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics) followed by several years of clinical practice in a variety of settings (i.e., large institutional medical centers, multiple-office regional O&P centers and small private practice O&P office. In academia and research), I acquired formal training in education and research via graduate degrees in Allied Health Science (Master of Science) and Applied Physiology/Movement Science (PhD). I developed entry-level master’s degree programs in Othotics and Prosthetics at small and large universities. I am committed to creating novel and responsive education programs. At present, I am working with a multidisciplinary team of educators and clinicians (i.e., O&P, Anatomy, PT, OT, PA, Clinical Psychology, Podiatry, Nursing, Veterinary Medicine) to develop the Orthotics and Prosthetics program and the entry-level Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics curiculum at Midwestern University's Glendale campus, which is slated to matriculate its first class in fall of 2023.
Title
Program Director, Orthotics and Prosthetics
Campus
Glendale, AZ
College
College of Graduate Studies - AZ
College of Health Sciences - AZ
Department
Orthotics and Prosthetics
Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
Occupational Therapy
Orthotics & Prosthetics
Physical Therapy
Podiatric Medicine
Courses Taught:
Midwestern University:
Currently developing all courses in the MSOP degree curriculum.
East Tennessee State University:
Developed all courses in the MSOP degree curriculum. Developed and taught the course Medical Classification in Rehabilitative Health Sciences
University of Pittsburgh:
Developed and taught courses in Lower Extremity Orthotics, Upper Extremity Orthotics and Materials/Equipment/Fabrication, and mentored selected students in Research Capstone
Georgia Tech:
Developed all courses in the MSPO degree curriculum. Developed and taught courses in Lower Extremity Orthotics, Upper Extremity Orthotics, Spinal Orthotics, Clinical Gait Analysis, Clinical Methods, Clinical Pathology, Research Seminar and mentored selected students in Research Capstone
St. Ambrose University:
Developed all courses in the Master of Orthotic Science (MOS) degree curriculum.
University of Texas Southwestern:
Assisted in teaching two courses: Health Care Research, and Clinical Experience
My research examines the influence of wearable motion controlling treatments (i.e., external orthoses, prostheses, footwear) on the balance, movement and quality of life of persons that require this class of medical technologies. Another area of interest is exploring "best practice" teaching and learning strategies that optimize practitioners' knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors in the profession of Orthotics and Prosthetics. The ultimate goal of these research endeavors is to translate knowledge into clinical practice in order to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.
Hovorka CF. O&P education: Guiding the transition to client-centric training. The O&P Edge. March 2022; 1-3.
Kogler G, Hovorka CF. Academia’s role to drive change in the Orthotics and Prosthetics profession. Canadian Prosthetics and Orthotics Journal. 2021:4(2). https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v4i2.36673
Hovorka CF, Kogler GF, Gregor RF, Chang Y-H. Material properties and application of biomechanical principles provide significant motion control performance in experimental ankle foot orthosis-footwear combination. Clinical Biomechanics. 2021;82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105285
Hovorka, CF, Acker DA. Orthotic Considerations for Arthritis and Overuse Syndromes in the Upper Extremity in Webster JB, Murphy DP (eds.). Atlas of Orthoses and Assistive Devices. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier, Inc., April 2019.
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics
American Society of Biomechanics
American College of Sports Medicine
Society for Science
Center for Orthotic and Prosthetic Learning and Outcomes Evidence-Based Practice, American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association
AOPA-COPL2019 Hovorka (PI) 8/15/19-8/15/23
“Quality of life, satisfaction, gait and motion control outcomes of articulated passive dynamic, non-articulated passive dynamic and solid ankle foot orthoses in hemiparetic stroke survivors”
Role: Principal Investigator
Center for Orthotic and Prosthetic Learning and Outcomes Evidence-Based Practice, American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association
AOPA-COPL2018 Hovorka (PI) 8/1/17-01/1/19
“Gait and motion control benefits of custom molded passive-dynamic AFOs versus custom fit carbon composite AFOs in persons with neuromuscular impairment”
Role: Principal Investigator
Between 1998 – 2018, I was awarded funding from a variety of sources such as:
Bauerfeind USA, Department of Education, Georgia Tech, Hospital for Special Care, Iowa SCRIPT, Jacob and Valeria Langeloth Foundation, National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, Orthotic and Prosthetic Research and Education Foundation, Scott County Regional Authority and the University of Connecticut.
AMTI Best Scientific Achievement Award, Human Movement Variability Conference, Omaha, NE
Distinguished Teaching Award, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh
Award for Excellence in Instruction, Georgia Tech:
APPH 6209 Clinical Pathology
APPH 6971 Introduction to P&O Processes and Methods
APPH 6895 Lower Limb Orthotics I
Georgia Tech College of Sciences Faculty Recognition Award
Fellowship in the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists
Outstanding Educator Award, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers
