Indiana - The Founding State Of Pedorthic Education

Historically, Pedorthic education originated in the USA circa1960 in Muncie, Indiana. Carl Riecken and Fred Toenges, were successful proprietors of retail and orthopedic shoe stores throughout Muncie, Fort Wayne and Evansville. What could have lead rise to the need for more knowledge in their profession might have been the polio epidemic of 1952. The number of polio cases in the U.S. peaked at 57,879, resulting in 3,145 deaths. The children who survived this highly infectious disease could end up with some form of paralysis, forcing them to use crutches or wheelchairs. It was the most feared disease of the 20th century causing 15,000 cases of paralysis a year in the U.S. With the success of the polio vaccine, Jonas Salk, 39, and his team from the University of Pittsburg became on of the most celebrated scientists in the world; refusing a patent for his work, saying that the vaccine belonged to the people. By 1962, the cases of polio were reduced by 90%. For full article: https://theconversation.com/the-deadly-polio-epidemic-and-why-it-matters-for-coronavirus-133976 With no formal educational programs to teach retailers how to fit and modify shoes for polio deformed feet (or any medical condition requiring orthopedic shoes or modifications,) it led rise to the profession that we know of today. With this being said, these three men have been credited by some, as being the father's of pedorthic education. Pioneers in spearheading a grassroots movement in pursuit of higher education standards for their profession.
They transformed the footwear profession. Originating as a weekend Orthopedic Shoe Technician course held at a local Kiwana Club meeting it gained mometum by the mid 1980's and gained national recognition as the Ball State University Pedorthic Course; the first official pedorthic school - hosted at a prestigious University. The first academic setting for this growing "footwear to footcare" industry. Joe Haig of the RMPI attended this course in 1982 as pictured above; standing in the back row on the left side where a red square box identifies him. In the front row, right side - a circle identifies Clyde Edwards. Upon Clyde Edwards retirement, Dennis Janisse, CPed carried the torch for many years and in 2005 the RMPI had the honor of continuing this historic course. Excluding the COVID Pandemic, course enrollment continued consecutively since its conception; over four decades.
With a generous endowment from Superfeet Worldwide, The RMPI purchased a headquarters; not far from the campus of Ball State University. This being the Elwood Historical City Hall building offering 17,000 square feet for clinic, retail, education, manufacturing and the vision of a research lab in affiliation with a University. The RMPI Board of Directors have collaboraed with Indiana University School of Medicine Biomechanics Laboratory, the Human Performance Laboratory of Ball State University and The Clinical Biomechanics Lab of Georgia Institute of Technology. Several RMPI Sponsors have shown interest in the findings of the clinical trials and we will continue to pursue research funding, publishing our findings in a peer-reviewed medical journal to enhance patients and consumer's outcomes.

RMPI Pedorthic Course Gallary 2005

Pedorthic Education Estimated Timeline

1958 - Weekend Course (To Verify if circa 1961 TBD - 1 Week Course1992 - 2 Week Course (circa 1992)1997 - 3 Week CourseTBD - Scope Of Practice Increases To Gastroc-Soleus Juncture – SCFO’s = Subtalar Control Foot Orthoses2005 - Level 1,2,3 Competency Course - 20052008 - Online Education 2009 - 1000 Mandatory Internship Hours Before Sitting For ABC/BOC National ExamTBD - Post Secondary School Sponsorship Requirement 2020 - All Pedorthic Schools Close Their Programs Due To Covid Pandemic2023 - ABC Announces No Post Secondry School Sponsorship Requirement Required2023 - Three Pedorthic Schools Re-open in the USA2024 - Two Pedorthic Schools Re-open In The USA; Including RMPI