“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
As a profession, we sometimes disagree on the best path forward. But we share a belief in the fundamental value of podiatric medicine. With the committed expertise and enthusiasm of every APMA member, we can translate that value into a bright future for every podiatrist.
As you read this, I’m returning from the APMA Annual Scientific Session (The National) in Las Vegas. As I caught up with colleagues, attended scientific sessions, and conducted the business of the association, I was struck by the diversity of ideas and energy of my colleagues. I would challenge any podiatrist to come away from an event like The National feeling pessimistic about our future.
During The National, APMA and the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) cohosted “FootFest.” AACPM is holding FootFest events at major conferences around the country and inviting prospective students to spend a day engaged with the profession. These events are a great way to expose students to the profession and increase the quality (not the quantity!) of our applicant pool.
Also at The National, APMA presented its annual Coding Seminar, including an important ICD-10 update. The transition to ICD-10 is just another way that APMA and its member podiatrists can shine in the future. I meet with many medical professional organizations, and I can tell you that we are well ahead of the curve in terms of educating and preparing for this seismic change. We have a huge number of ICD-10 resources available online at
www.apma.org/icd10.
With accomplished members, outstanding resources, and talented new students, podiatric medicine’s future truly looks bright. Be a part of creating that future by engaging with your association. Be an advocate for podiatry with your legislators, get involved with an APMA committee, or attend an Annual Scientific Meeting (you won’t want to miss 2014 in Hawaii!). Together, we can realize the future we envision for our profession.
MATTHEW G. GAROUFALIS, DPM
President
