Orthopaedic Regulatory and Clinical Affairs (ORCA) Program Graduates First Class

May 19, 2012 is especially noteworthy for students of the Orthopaedic Regulatory and Clinical Affairs (ORCA) Graduate Program. On this date, 30 students will become the first graduates of the ORCA Program.

“This marks great achievement and progress for the students and The OrthoWorx Center of Excellence in Orthopedic Regulatory and Clinical Affairs at Grace College. We congratulate both the students and the Grace College staff for their great accomplishments in the ORCA Program. We also recognize the leadership of Allyn Decker in establishing and advancing the program,” stated David Floyd, CEO, OrthoWorx.

The ORCA Program continues strong. The next cohort of students begins classes at the Orthopaedic Capital Center, Grace College, in May 2012. “Our second cohort consists of 25 individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Several students come from local and regional orthopedic firms. We are also pleased that professionals from outside the industry have also enrolled, hoping to start a new career in regulatory or clinical affairs,” stated Allyn Decker, Program Director, Grace College ORCA Program.

Grace College is raising the visibility of the program among orthopedic industry representatives. This includes exhibiting and speaking at the upcoming OMTEC 2012 Conference in Chicago, Ill. in June. www.omtecexpo.com “Showcasing the ORCA program at the OMTEC Conference will give Grace College and our graduate program great publicity and the opportunity to reach out to potential students outside our region. Technology has enabled us to broadcast class sessions live, via video streaming and students can participate via Skype™ video conferencing to ask questions, make presentations and be involved in small group discussions,” said Decker.

The ORCA Program is the nation’s only graduate program designed for and by orthopedic regulatory and clinical affairs professionals. Developed in early 2011 through a partnership between Grace College and OrthoWorx, it supports the OrthoWorx Talent & Workforce Development Initiative. This initiative focuses on building the workforce of tomorrow for continued success of our community and the orthopedic industry.

For more information about the ORCA Program, visit www.grace.edu/orca.