March 16, 2014

APMA’s 94th House of Delegates meeting today welcomed several special guests:

Ardis Hoven, MD, president, AMA—Dr. Hoven spoke about AMA’s advocacy activities, in particular its efforts around sustainable growth rate (SGR) reform. “During this time of fundamental change for America’s health-care system, the best way to influence change is to get out in front of it,” she said. She encouraged APMA to continue its efforts around SGR, as well, saying it’s time to stop “throwing good money at bad policy; the time for real reform is now—let’s get this done!”

Bruce Perler, MD, vice president, Society for Vascular Surgery—Dr. Perler noted that “We affiliate and partner with a number of organizations, but none is more important than our affiliation and partnership with APMA.” He spoke about the partnership between APMA and SVS and lauded the work podiatrists do. As chief of Vascular Surgery at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Perler established a multidisciplinary wound care clinic where podiatry plays an integral role. He closed by saying, “Henry Ford said, ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, working together is success.’ As leaders of SVS, we are firmly committed to collaboration and partnership with your great organization.”

Robert Chelin, DPM, past president, Canadian Podiatric Medical Association—Dr. Chelin addressed the house, acknowledging that “We are indebted to APMA for your willingness to provide guidance and assistance.”

Norman Vinn, DO, president, American Osteopathic Association—Dr. Vinn thanked APMA for its collaboration and communication over the years and encouraged the delegates to forge ahead with the association’s long-term goals. “Thomas Edison said, ‘Opportunity is often missed because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.’ I urge you to continue to follow your challenges and to turn them into opportunities, and I welcome you to continue to collaborate with us on our shared goals."

Alison Wishart, chair, Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists—Wishart shared news about developments in health care in the United Kingdom and thanked APMA for its long-term friendship.

Joseph Caporusso, DPM, president, International Federation of Podiatrists—Immediate-past President Matthew Garoufalis, DPM, introduced Dr. Caporusso, thanking him for his efforts on behalf of the profession as a simultaneous member of the APMA Board of Trustees and president of FIP. Dr. Caporusso spoke about FIP’s newest opportunities in India, Spain, and Turkey, and shared news about the organization’s educational endeavors.