March 19, 2017

The 97th APMA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting convened yesterday in Washington, DC. Several special guests were on hand to address the assembled delegates:

• Mark A. Baker, DO, president of the American Osteopathic Association, commented on the uncertain state of health care. “As health-care providers, we’re called upon to stay abreast of them but to react, respond, and evolve as specialists for the benefit of our patients’ care,” he said. “Together we can collaborate to enhance access to care.”

• Michel S. Makaroun, MD, vice president of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), addressed the house, emphasizing the revised SVS mission statement and vision to focus on education and advocacy. He underscored the importance of the relationship between APMA and SVS for patient care. "We hope to continue growing this important collaboration between APMA and SVS."

• Bradley G. Sonema, DPM, president of the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA), discussed the similarities between APMA and CPMA. "We are facing the same challenges in Canada [that] you are in the United States. We are constantly addressing the government for equality,” he said. CPMA is creating a strategic plan to achieve uniformity and create a unified voice and vision, to minimize confusion due to the various types of foot care specialists in Canada.

• Debra Delves, chair-elect of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of the United Kingdom, addressed the house via video. “We want to reduce foot ulcers and amputations in the United Kingtom. This runs parallel to what APMA is doing with the HELLPP Act," she said. "Our training differs, but we share the same goal: to provide care for the benefit of our patients. We’re focusing on podiatry’s role in public health, and the society looks forward to continued relationship with APMA."

The HOD looks forward to more guest speakers on Sunday.

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