Pediatric Orthopedic Practitioner Society- POPS

05/06/2026

Please join us in celebrating Rachel DiFazio, PhD, RN, on her podium presentation at the annual meeting of Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA). Rachel is the first Advanced Practice Provider to present from the podium at POSNA — an incredible milestone that reflects the growing impact of APP leadership, research, and innovation in pediatric orthopedic care.
We are proud to celebrate this achievement and deeply grateful for the continued partnership between Pediatric Orthopaedic Practitioners Society (POPS) and POSNA in advancing education, collaboration, and opportunities for APPs within our specialty.
Congratulations, Rachel, on this well-deserved recognition and for paving the way for future APP leaders! 👏💙

05/05/2026

04/21/2026

Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Thank you to the incredible partners who helped support our 2026 Pediatric Orthopedic Practitioner Society Annual Conference in Orlando. In a few short weeks, we are thrilled to have opportunity to learn and collaborate with our colleagues as well as the businesses that support the care of our patients.
✨ Diamond Partners
Kyowa Kirin • Orthopediatrics Specialty Bracing • Essity
🥈 Silver Partner
Enovis
🥉 Bronze Partners
Nemours Children’s Health • Hely & Weber
Your commitment to advancing pediatric orthopedic care empowers our community and elevates the work we do for children everywhere. We appreciate you.

04/15/2026

✨ After a full day of learning at POPS 2026 Annual Conference, get ready to unwind!
Join us at Cuba Libre Orlando for dinner, drinks, and great company sponsored by OrthoPediatrics Specialty Bracing!
Let’s connect, network, and celebrate an amazing conference day together.
📍 Cuba Libre Orlando
⏰ 6:30–9:30 PM
🗓️ Tuesday, May 5, 2026
See you there!

04/11/2026

✨ After a full day of learning at POPS 2026 Annual Conference, get ready to unwind!
Join us at Cuba Libre Orlando for dinner, drinks, and great company sponsored by OrthoPediatrics Specialty Bracing!
Let’s connect, network, and celebrate an amazing conference day together.
📍 Cuba Libre Orlando
⏰ 6:30–9:30 PM
🗓️ Tuesday, May 5, 2026
See you there!

04/01/2026

03/04/2026

We are proud to recognize Sheila Marceron, DNP, current President of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Practitioners Society (POPS). A dedicated and experienced leader, Sheila has previously served on the POPS Board as our Webmaster and continues to elevate our organization through her vision and commitment to advancing pediatric orthopaedic care.
In addition to her work with POPS, she serves as a Member-at-Large for the Association of Children’s Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics, further demonstrating her dedication to children with orthopaedic needs.
Clinically, Sheila practices at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Her work includes specialty clinics focused on clubfoot, limb deficiency, and complex care and health optimization programs.
Under her leadership this year, POPS is expanding its programs and offerings—enhancing educational content, increasing networking opportunities, and continuing to advance the role of APPs in pediatric orthopaedics.
Her leadership is incredibly valuable, and her experience in pediatric orthopaedics is truly unmatched. 💙

02/12/2026

✨ Officer Spotlight: Colleen Ditro, DNP, CPNP ✨

Meet our President‑Elect, Colleen Ditro—an incredible leader who has been dedicated to POPS for more than 15 years, including a previous term as president.

Colleen is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, certified pediatric nurse practitioner, and the lead APRN for the orthopedics, pain, and wound care teams at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.

Her passion for pediatric care extends far beyond the hospital walls. She serves on the Medical Advisory Board for Little People of America, is the camp nurse for Camp Seneb, and teaches future nurses as adjunct faculty at West Chester University.

With a pediatric nursing career spanning back to 1987, Colleen has also served on the boards of NAPNAP and POPS. She joined Nemours in 2004 and was honored as Nemours’ Nurse of the Year in 2013.

We’re grateful for her leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to children and families. 💙

02/11/2026

🌟 POPS Micro Grant Program – Now Accepting Applications! 🌟

The POPS Micro Grant Program was created to support and strengthen pediatric musculoskeletal care through Advance Practice Provider–led education, research, quality improvement, safety, value initiatives, and advocacy efforts.

Launched in 2024, this program encourages POPS members to take the lead in pediatric orthopedic research and quality projects that directly enhance patient care.

💰 Grant Details
• Two $1,000 grants awarded annually
• One-time funding per project
• Grant period: 1 year from recipient notification
• Extensions considered on a case-by-case basis (written request required)

👩‍⚕️ Eligibility
• Open to all POPS members in good standing
• Each project must have one designated principal investigator/project leader
• An Advanced Practice Provider must serve as the primary developer and executor
• Funds may not be used for travel, conference attendance, or committee activities

Have questions? Reach out for more information and get involved in advancing pediatric orthopedic care! 💙

02/10/2026

✨ Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Lori Karol ✨

Dr. Lori Karol was a true trailblazer — a leader, mentor, role model, colleague, and friend to us all. As a passionate advocate for advanced practice providers, she was instrumental in the foundation of POPS in 2005.

To honor her remarkable legacy, POPS proudly offers the Lori Karol Continuing Education Scholarship, awarded annually at the POPS Conference.

🎓 Scholarship Details:
• $1,000 scholarship toward the POPS Annual Conference
• Formal recognition at the conference
• Opportunity for educational growth & professional development

✅ Eligibility Requirements:
• Registered POPS member for at least 1 year
• Current on annual dues
• Have not received the POPS scholarship in the past 3 years
• Not a current POPS Executive Board member

Recipients will continue Dr. Karol’s legacy of leadership by becoming involved in POPS through committee participation or a speaker presentation at the following year’s annual conference.

📅 Application Deadline: March 13, 2026
📧 Submit completed applications to: Sheila Marceron, DNP
[email protected]

Join us in honoring Dr. Karol’s legacy and investing in the future of our profession. 💙

ScholarshipOpportunity