Mission Statement
- Educate current IIOP students about all areas of research in O&P and rehabilitation
- Promote opportunities to students for O&P research, both in graduate and post-graduate years
- Foster participation in the IIOP Student Government Association (SGA)
- Encourage and support networking between IIOP students and alumni
- Support people with limb differences including, but not limited to, veterans and people living with disabilities
- Advocate unity within the O&P community
- Enhance relationships between the O&P community and other related healthcare professions
- Forge relationships with the local community to spread awareness of our profession
- Recruit future practitioners into the O&P field through educational outreach
The SGA was established in 2021 and membership is open to all currently enrolled full-time IIOP students. $10 dues are collected at the second meeting of every semester. Dues can be paid here
SGA Upcoming Events
- Symposium: December 6, 2023
- Graduation: December 7, 2023
- White Coat: January 19, 2024
- Alumni Weekend: January 26-27, 2024
- Valspar Gold Tournament: March 18-24, 2024
Volunteer Opportunities
- Warrior Games
- Special Olympics Florida State Fall Classic
- Tampa Pig Jig
- Gasparilla
SGA Leadership
President: Grace George
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama
Undergraduate Degree: Auburn University
About Grace: Hello everyone! My name is Grace George, and I am excited to serve as President of the Student Government Association at IIOP. I am from Mobile, Alabama and my journey into O&P began a couple of years ago with undergraduate research at Auburn University and hands-on technician experience. Driven by my passion for orthotics and prosthetics, I am committed to expanding opportunities within the O&P community and raising awareness of our field. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with fellow advocates who share a passion for bringing positive change, fostering inclusivity, and nurturing a supportive community throughout my journey in this field.
Vice President: Megan Merryman
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
Undergraduate Degree: Liberty University – Exercise Science
About Megan: Hi, my name is Megan Merryman, and I serve as the vice president for SGA at IIOP. I am from Fairfax, Virginia, and I received my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Liberty University. I explored many different career paths and traveled extensively before being introduced by my sister to the world of O&P. After learning more about this amazing field, I realized it was absolutely the path for me. O&P is the perfect combination of being able to work with my hands while having the privilege and joy of helping improve the quality of life for people. Through SGA, I look forward to becoming more involved in the local community with my fellow classmates and interacting with and serving the people around us to the best of our abilities as students!
Treasurer: John Davis
Hometown: Pensacola, Florida
Undergraduate Degree: University of West Florida – Biomedical Science
About John: Hello! My name is John Davis and I serve as the SGA treasurer at IIOP. I am from Pensacola; Florida and I earned my bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from the University of West Florida. I always knew I wanted to go into healthcare, but I struggled to find the career that best fit my interests and skills until O&P. I was introduced to the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics toward the end of my undergraduate degree and quickly realized that it was the perfect career for me. The field of O&P requires a uniquely hands-on approach to patient care and promotes patient-practitioner relationships that are not possible in other healthcare fields. I look forward to helping patients reclaim their autonomy and promoting patient advocacy and community education on topics within the field of O&P as a CPO.
Secretary: Nicole Bentley
Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama
About Nicole: Hi, my name is Nicole Bentley and I serve as the secretary for SGA at IIOP. I am from Huntsville, AL and have my bachelor’s in biomedical engineering. Growing up I loved science and was always creating things, so choosing orthotics and prosthetics as a career came easy. It combines my love of science and anatomy with my love of creating and helping others. O&P provides the unique opportunity of allowing us as practitioners to create joy and give people their lives back. That is why I am proud to be a part of this field and I am looking forward to working as a CPO.
Fundraising: Louie Quiroz
Hometown: New Jersey
About Louie: Hello! My name is Louie Quiroz, and I am excited to introduce myself to everyone. I am currently involved with SGA and the fundraising committee. I am from New Jersey, and I decided to come all the way to Tampa in search of an education in Orthotics and Prosthetics so that I can fulfill my goal of becoming an accomplished CPO. Motivating and caring for others is one of the most important reasons as to why I chose to join the O&P healthcare team. Also, the need to help others and improve their daily lives is something I find very rewarding. I am eager to continue my path of becoming a successful CPO and I hope you all are too.
