March 12, 2022

On Saturday, March 12, Laura J. Pickard, DPM, was installed as APMA president by APMA Past President Kathleen M. Stone, DPM. Dr. Pickard began her speech, remarking on where we are in the COVID-19 health-care crisis. “What an unprecedented time to be the president of this organization that continues to work tirelessly to champion our profession,” she said. She noted how far the association and profession have come regarding the five pillars of APMA’s strategic plan: Advocate, Educate, Research, Lead, and Manage, noting that pillar 6 will be defined by the input APMA receives from members like you going forward.  

Dr. Pickard noted the completion of a major member value proposition survey among members that provided significant data to help APMA shape its priorities moving forward. “I ask for your continued input before our strategic planning meeting with the BOT and APMA staff so that we can best defend, protect, and advance our profession in this rapidly changing health-care environment,” she said. 

Summarizing her agenda for her presidency, Dr. Pickard said, "I would say that I want to carry the torch for a more unified profession in order to move us forward." 

In closing, Dr. Pickard said, “I will lead like my father did as the director of bands at the University of Missouri for more than two decades. I will ask for the best effort of this organization like my father did with his marching band. I will ask everyone to do their part and then come together as one cohesive unit to play our profession’s song while marching together. As my dad said on many an occasion, there may be bands out there who play or march better than we do, but no band will put on a better show. So, I tell you, there may be other health-care organizations that play louder or march many more members than we do, but no one will outperform our show complete with our unifying song.” 

Watch the full installation ceremony below:

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