Giving Thanks

“Leaders are good at giving encouragement, and they are never satisfied.”

I told you in my presidential address in March that leaders are never satisfied—we always see ways to do better. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t grateful for what we have achieved! As 2012 arrives, I am taking stock of all that we have and all that we have accomplished, and I am profoundly thankful.

APMA made significant strides in 2011 in our efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2015. We could not have accomplished any of those victories without the support of our tremendous membership. So, I am first and foremost thankful for each of you and your tireless commitment to your profession.

I am also thankful for the dedication and support of our corporate members and partners. These wonderful organizations give so much to podiatric medicine.

Among our many achievements in 2011 was the publication of the much-anticipated Thomson Reuters study data in the March/April issue demonstrating just how powerful a role podiatrists play in preventing hospitalizations and amputations. We are spreading this information nationwide.

We also realized the fruits of our labors in building powerful relationships with other health-care professionals when the Society for Vascular Surgeons (SVS) opened a physician membership category to podiatric physicians. I encourage you to submit your application for membership in SVS by visiting www.vascularweb.org/about/join/Pages/associate.aspx.

Just recently, CMS unveiled a proposed rule that would amend the hospital Conditions of Participation to allow podiatric physicians to serve as president of the medical staff in hospitals in many states. APMA and its members have advocated for this change for years, and, if the proposal goes through, podiatrists who are recognized as leaders by their peers in podiatric, allopathic, and osteopathic medicine will have the opportunity to serve.

In another exciting win with CMS, APMA and CPME received full Graduate Medical Education funding for the 3-year Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency. That development paves the way for an increased number of residency positions available to graduates of podiatric medical colleges. This major advance also secures fair reimbursement for our residents and recognition within the health-care community of podiatric medicine’s rigorous education, training, and experience.

APMA also ensured that podiatrists are eligible for Medicare incentive payments like the e-prescribing and electronic health record incentives. And we have maintained eligibility for podiatrists to participate in accountable care organizations. Our significant advocacy and PAC efforts have even been recognized in Politico and CQ Weekly.

We have all this and much more to be thankful for! We cannot become complacent; we have much left to accomplish. But as you celebrate the New Year, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on how far we have come.

I wish you all a wonderful New Year filled with peace and joy, and I look forward to embarking on another year together.