Highlights from Hanger LIVE: Transforming the Future of O&P Patient Care

The annual Hanger LIVE conference took place from January 27–30 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing together over 1,600 Hanger employees, exhibitors, speakers, and industry experts. This year’s theme, “Future FWD,” highlighted Hanger’s commitment to creating an ecosystem that will revolutionize orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) patient care and the profession as a whole. 

Kicking Off with the Global Partners Summit 

The impactful week began with the first-ever Global Partners Summit, welcoming more than 150 thought leaders from O&P manufacturers, independent providers, educational institutions, and professional associations, along with O&P students and therapy partners in care.

Hanger Chief Executive Officer Pete Stoy emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Hanger LIVE provided the perfect setting to bring together our valued O&P partners to connect, collaborate, and drive progress within our profession.” 

Inspiring Stories and Recognizing Excellence 

The Hanger LIVE Showcase featured moving stories from two Hanger Clinic patients, Kemit-Amon Lewis and Nicole Grehn, alongside pediatric patients from across the Hanger ecosystem. The event also hosted Hanger’s annual Partner Awards, honoring four outstanding partners who excel in advancing the field of O&P:

Ottobock for Clinical Evidence, Infinite Biomedical Technologies LLC for Collaboration, WillowWood for Innovation, and College Park for Operational Performance. 

A Wealth of Educational Opportunities 

Over the course of four days, attendees had the opportunity to participate in 120 courses taught by 75 experts from across the country. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including cranial care, patient advocacy and policy change, outcome measures, and 3D printing. 

This year’s clinical keynote session was delivered by Dr. Robert Sallis, Director of Sports Medicine Fellowship at Kaiser Permanente, along with experts from the Hanger Institute for Clinical Research & Education. Dr. Sallis highlighted the significance of integrating fitness and movement into healthcare, while the Institute team shared insights on how evidence-based care and outcomes can expand access to technology for patients. 

Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

Hanger’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion was evident through a series of sessions dedicated to women in leadership and a special networking reception for U.S. military veterans as part of the Hanger Veterans Network. 

A Night to Inspire 

For the second year, the Hanger Foundation hosted its Night to Inspire event, raising over $730,000 to support its mission of empowering people with physical challenges to live life to the fullest. The event, presented by Access Healthcare, took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and featured a dinner, auction, and live performances by Nashville songwriting legends Rhett Akins and Natalie Hemby.