Obesity, HIV, hepatitis, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, the uninsured, and smoking are just the tip of the iceberg. We deal with many of these and other issues that affect our community in the office on a daily basis. Prior to surgery, we may recommend that patients stop smoking so they will heal more quickly. Another patient with diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and gangrene will receive counseling from us before we send him or her out for a vascular consult and amputate the gangrenous pedal area. Of course, this is a significant part of what podiatry is all about, but there is a bigger picture. That is public health. Interestingly enough, these actions are not what most of us consider public health. Rather, we view them as taking care of our patients.
An altruistic idealist is the type of individual who comes to mind when the words public health are mentioned. In the 10 years I have been involved with the American Public Health Association (APHA), I have found this group has one common goal: to make this a healthier world in which to live. There is no financial objective on their agenda. You really can’t protest against that.
Podiatry has always claimed that we keep America walking, which in turn keeps America healthier. APMA’s Clinical Practice Advisory Committee is funding Integrated Physician Systems to do a study that is collecting data to prove that by walking on a regular basis, you remain healthier. There is better control of your blood glucose if you’re diabetic. Those who suffer from hypertension will have better blood pressure readings. In both cases, it can be accomplished with a decrease in medication. As a participating investigator in that study, looking at my data, I can testify that it is true in as short a time as 2 months. Once all the data are collated from the practices around the country, I’m sure it will substantiate what APMA has been saying for years. This study will give us the evidence we need so that we can better assist our patients in their overall health. It will also allow us to become an even greater contributor to the good health of our patients.
The presidential election of 2008 has made health care its number one domestic issue. Those who make the decisions for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are both directly and indirectly involved with APHA, as are many other major players in health care. We must be involved at every level if we want to have a credible voice. No question about it, it takes time and effort to establish our worth.
In Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he uses the example of an emotional bank account. In developing relationships, one makes deposits and withdrawals in this emotional bank account. With each positive encounter, a deposit is made. A withdrawal is made with a negative encounter or if a favor is requested. The amount of the deposit or withdrawal is based on the weight of the event. We must function as a team, making deposits into the emotional bank accounts of those who will be deciding the path health care will take. This will allow the podiatric profession to make a larger withdrawal without going into the red when the decisions on the new direction of health care are made. Although we are providers, there will come a time when we or our families will need to access the health-care system. That is not the time to decide that you want to fix it. The time is now! APMA needs to be at the table when these issues are discussed. If the decision makers don’t know us, they will not listen to us when the opportunity becomes available. Please get involved. Look at membership in APHA as an investment in your professional future. The adage tells us there is strength in numbers. So, let’s band together and have our voice heard in a positive fashion so every physician can continue to provide high-quality care to all.
© 2008 American Podiatric Medical Association