Christopher F Hovorka, PhD, MS, CPO, FAAOP
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Christopher F Hovorka, PhD, MS, CPO, FAAOP
Assistant Professor
Positions
- Assistant Professor
-
School of Health Professions
Baylor College of Medicine
Addresses
- Baylor College of Medicine (Office)
-
Orthotics and Prosthetics
MS: BCM 115
Houston, TX 77030
United States
Phone: (713) 798-8702
chris.hovorka@bcm.edu
Education
- PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology
- 05/2015 - Atlanta, Georgia United States
- Applied Physiology / Biomechanics
- MSc from University of Connecticut
- 05/1998 - Storrs, Connecticut United States
- Allied Health Science / Vascular Physiology
- BSc from University of Washington
- 06/1991 - Seattle, Washington United States
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Residency at Connecticut Children's Medical Center (formerly Newington Children's Hospital)
- 12/1993 - Hartford, Connecticut United States
- Prosthetics
- Residency at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
- 12/1992 - Springfield, Illinois United States
- Orthotics / Orthopedics
- BSc from University of New Mexico
- 12/1987 - Albuquerque, New Mexico United States
- Exercise Science
Certifications
- Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist
- #CPO01340 (03/06/2024 - 12/31/2029)
- American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics
- Certified Exercise Physiologist
- #2284 (12/31/2022 - 12/31/2027)
- American College of Sports Medicine
Honors & Awards
- Honorary Member
- 2024-2025
- Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society
- Fellowship
- American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
- Excellence in Educational Leadership
- Multiple awards between 2002 to 2023
- Who's Who Among America's Educators
- Best Paper Prize for Advancing Education
- International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 19th World Congress, Guadalajara, Mexico, April 2023
- International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Distinguished Teaching Award
- 2019
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology
- AMTI Best Scientific Achievement Award
- 2019
- 4th Annual Human Movement Variability Conference, Omaha, NE
- Award for Excellence in Teaching and Instruction
- Multiple awards between 2005 to 2016
- Georgia Institute of Technology
Professional Statement
I am generally interested in investigating adaptation and learning from the perspective of a client-patient (e.g., using orthoses and prostheses as a tool to enable desired movements such as walking) and from a clinical healthcare professional perspective (e.g., consuming knowledge and task practice to develop clinical competencies). Specifically, I am engaged in developing lower limb orthoses and footwear systems to optimize rollover during walking and developing animate simulations to reinforce student learning of key clinical competencies.Professional Development
- Transitioning to a client-centric approach in Orthotics and Prosthetics (Part 1 of 2)
- Seminar (Presenter, 2023)
- Sponsor: Your Positive Imprint
- This is the first part of a two-part Podcast describing the need to transition the Orthotics and Prosthetics profession from a device-centric to a client-centric and values-based holistic approach to care. Accessed at: https://yourpositiveimprint.com/episodes/transitioning-to-a-client-centric-approach-in-orthotics-prosthetics-chris-hovorka/
- Evidence-based medical practitioners. A client-centered approach (Part 2 of 2)
- Seminar (Presenter, 2023)
- Sponsor: Your Positive Imprint
- This is the second part of a two-part Podcast describing the need to transition the Orthotics and Prosthetics profession from a device-centric to a client-centric and values-based holistic approach to care. This approach additionally requires clinicians to think a bit more systematically by employing an evidence-based strategy in the care provision process. Accessed at: https://yourpositiveimprint.com/episodes/evidence-based-medical-practitioners-a-client-centric-approach-in-orthotics-prosthetics-chris-hovorka/
Selected Publications
- Kogler GF, Hovorka CF "Academia's role to drive change in the Orthotics and Prosthetics profession." Can Prosthet Orthot J. 2021;4(2)
- Hovorka CF, Kogler GF, Gregor RJ, Chang Y-H "Material properties and applicationof biomechanical principles provide significant motion control performance in experimental ankle foot orthosis-footwear combination." Clin Biomech. 2021;82
- Hovorka CF, Acker DA, Schofield K "Orthotic considerations for arthritis and overuse syndromes in the upper extremity." Atlas of Orthoses and Assistive Devices (in press). 2025;6th edition
- Hovorka CF, Raschke SU "Orthotics and Prosthetics workforce demands: Entry-level practice considerations.." J Prosthet Orthot. 2023;35(3 Suppl):11-15.
- Hovorka CF, Kogler GF, Gregor RF, Chang Y-H "Selective orthotic constraint of lower limb movement reveals new insights nto neuromuscular adaptation." Front Rehabil Sci - Advances in Tech Assisted Rehabil. 2024;
- Hovorka CF "Transitioning the Orthotics and Prosthetics profession to a client-centric and values-based care model that leverages digital workflows." Can Prosthet Orthot J. 2023;6(2):1-8.
Memberships
- American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
- Member (06/2002 - 12/2025)
- International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Member (06/2002 - 06/2026)
- Sigma Xi
- Member (10/2023 - 12/2026)
Funding
- Increasing soft tissue remodeling after Lateral Ankle Sprain by deploying exoskeleton integrated boots to support longer term rehabilitation protocols in return to duty - #CDMRP2023 (06/01/2025 - 05/31/2027) Grant funding from Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) - Peer Reviewed Orthopedic Research Program (OPRP) Clinical Translational Research Award
- Prior projects in movement adaptation to use of orthoses, prostheses, footwear and interdisciplinary training and education of Orthotist and Prosthetist and other allied healthcare providers (01/01/2000 - 12/31/2027) Prior funding from NIH, NSF, Dept. of Education, and other agencies
Languages
Spanish
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