On September 8, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) celebrated the 45th anniversary of its pioneering Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) program. Held at the Health Sciences Centre on the Burnaby Campus, the event brought together students, alumni, faculty, industry partners, and the families of the visionary leaders who supported the foundation of the program. The celebration honoured a legacy that has empowered learners and advanced mobility care for nearly half a century.
Established in 1980, BCIT’s P&O program remains the only one of its kind in Western Canada. It continues to uphold the institute’s mission to empower people, shape B.C., and inspire global progress. Over the past 45 years, the program, has graduated more than 500 professionals trained in biomechanics, anatomy, materials science and clinical application – alongside the empathy and compassion essential to patient-centred care.
Honouring the founders
The event paid tribute to the three visionary leaders whose pioneering efforts laid the foundation for the program’s success. John “Arnie” Pentland played a key role win advising and establishing the program; Bill McGuiness served as the inaugural Program Head and secured its place at BCIT; and Lorne Winder advanced the profession by mentoring countless students as an instructor.
Their contributions were permanently commemorated with the unveiling of a plaque bearing their names. Installed in the Health Sciences Centre, the plaque serves as a lasting tribute to their foresight and dedication – serving to inspire current students and future practitioners.
A look inside the labs
As part of the celebration, guests toured the program’s specialized lab spaces, where students continue to learn, innovate, and refine their skills. These facilities exemplify BCIT’s applied learning model, providing hands-on opportunities to design, fabricate, and evaluate prosthetic and orthotic devices. The tours highlighted how today’s learners are carrying forward the legacy of Pentland, McGuiness, and Winder—combining technical expertise with compassion and creativity to transform patient care.
Looking ahead
The event also emphasized the growing importance of prosthetics and orthotics in Canada’s healthcare landscape. With an aging population, rising rates of chronic conditions, and rapid technological advancements, the demand for skilled practitioners is increasing nationwide. BCIT graduates are uniquely equipped to meet this need, bringing both advanced technical training and a human-centred approach to their work.
For 45 years, the P&O program has shaped the careers of its graduates while improving the quality of life for countless patients. The unveiling of the commemorative plaque and the lab tours served as powerful reminders that a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and care continues to unite the program’s past, present, and future.
Learn more about BCIT’s Prosthetics and Orthotics program.