11/04/2024
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
CA Podiatrists Kick Off Diabetes Awareness Month with Holiday Sock Drive
Socks are the #1 clothing item requested by homeless shelters for those experiencing homelessness, yet they are the least donated. Being homeless often means walking miles daily wearing shoes that don't fit properly in worn-out, stiff, dirty socks. "Socks are essential, especially in the cold, wet winter months. Socks are also inexpensive, making them affordable for most people to purchase and donate," says CPMA President Phong Le, DPM, a board-certified podiatric foot and ankle specialist and surgeon.
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Dr. Phong Le |
"The aim of CPMA's Holiday Sock Drive is to put NEW socks on the feet of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness and/or are in need. New, clean, fresh socks can help protect feet from getting cold and wet and from developing blisters, fungal growth, or bacterial infections, leading to far worse medical consequences. This is especially true for those with diabetes."
04/06/2022
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
Team FPMA Rolls Out a Return!
After a three-year COVID hiatus, Team FPMA, the Florida Podiatric Medical Association’s (FPMA) cycling team, participated in the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Tour de Cure on Sunday March 27, 2022. Team members chose to bike 25, 62, or 101 miles on the sunny streets of Lake Nona, FL. In order to participate, team members raised a collective $20,688 this year and have raised a total of $126,438 since 2017.
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(L-R) Drs. Stacy Witfill, Samir Vakil, Robert Iannacone, Nick Przystawski; Stacy Iannacone, Drs. Andrew Levy, Gen Osterweil, John Hurchick, Alan MacGill, Dennis Frisch, and Cary Zinkin. |
This year’s team included Drs. Stacy Witfill, Samir Vakil, Robert Iannacone, Nick Przystawski; Stacy Iannacone, Drs.. Andrew Levy, Gen Osterweil, John Hurchick, Alan MacGill, Dennis Frisch, and Cary Zinkin. This year, The FPMA also sponsored the event. Dr. Larissa Schmidt greeted event goers at the FPMA sponsorship booth with a podiatry related video, diabetic feet literature, and travel shoe bags promoting annual diabetic podiatry foot evaluations. The event was a huge success for Team FPMA and the ADA.
02/16/2015
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
MI Podiatrist Discusses Frostbite
Frostbite is a serious tissue destroying disorder. It is also something that can be avoided. The Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) has some advice to share during these winter months.
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Dr. Jodie Sengstock |
“When you’re out in the cold, your body works hard to stay warm by altering blood flow toward your heart and lungs,” said Dr. Jodie Sengstock, MPMA Director of Professional Relations. “This leaves your extremities — arms, legs, and feet — vulnerable to cold injury, especially toes and fingers.” Depending on the severity of the exposure, frostbite can affect the skin or underlying tissue. In most cases, the area becomes numb and feels frozen. Skin will appear waxy, white, or grayish. Any exposure should be evaluated and treated by a physician.
Source: Chris Morrisroe, Daily Tribune [2/12/15]
08/19/2014
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
MPMA to Donate New Shoes to Kids
The Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) will donate more than 200 pairs of new shoes to the children’s programs of Wellspring Lutheran Services in Farmington Hills. On August 22, MPMA will deliver the shoes to the campus for distribution. Dr. Crystal Holmes and Dr. Jodie Sengstock of the MPMA will fit several students with new shoes at the time of delivery.
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Drs. Jodie Sengstock and Crystal Holmes |
Wellspring supports children in the foster care system, as well as those youth who have had abusive backgrounds or may need more support in making the transition to adulthood. The organization has support campuses across the state.
Source: Hometown Life [8/17/14]
05/10/2014
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
Skin Cancer of Feet Often Overlooked: NY Podiatrist
Oftentimes, skin on the feet, especially on the bottom, is overlooked during routine medical exams. According to Dr. Robert Russo, NYSPMA’s President and a practicing podiatrist, skin cancers of the feet have several features in common. “Many times there’s a history of recurrent cracking, itching, bleeding or ulceration,” he cautions. “Because they can also be painless, these cancers may go undiagnosed until another issue presents itself near the affected site,” added Russo. Checking for warning signs is something anyone can do, paying particular attention to changes such as non-healing sores, bumps that crack and bleed, nodules with rolled edges or scaly areas. Examining the bottom of the foot is critical.
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Dr. Robert Russo |
Skin cancers on the lower extremity may have a different appearance than those arising on the rest of the body. So to test, the podiatrist will perform a skin biopsy. This is a simple procedure in which a small sample of the skin is obtained and sent to a lab where a skin pathologist examines the tissue in greater detail. If it turns out the lesion is skin cancer, the podiatrist will recommend the best course of treatment.
11/13/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
Managing Diabetes Starts From the Bottom Up: NYSPMA President
If you are one of the 26 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, there are multiple issues that need to be monitored and managed. Throughout November, National Diabetes Awareness Month, the members of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) are encouraging everyone who has received the diabetes diagnosis to watch for warning signs signaling serious complications. The podiatrists’ message is that managing diabetes starts from the bottom up, with regular foot checks and monitoring.
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Dr. Robert Russo |
According to Dr. Robert Russo, President of NYSPMA, which represents more than 1,200 doctors of podiatric medicine, podiatrists are at the forefront of amputation prevention. “Saving limbs and lives is the goal of every podiatrist who treats people with diabetes. Our podiatrist members are uniquely educated and qualified to treat the foot and ankle,” said Dr. Russo.
Source: Madison County Courier [11/11/13]
10/31/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
ACFAOM Hosts Biomechanics Workshop for NYCPM Student Chapter
NYCPM’s Student Chapter of ACFAOM Orthopedics Club started off the year with a biomechanics workshop featuring Dr. Marc A. Benard, Executive Director of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). This event was held at the Manhattan VA.
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(L-R) Drs. Marc Benard and Steven Goldman, and NYCPM ACFAOM student chapter president Shruti Patel |
Dr. Benard honed in on the importance of knowing origins and insertions of muscles and identifying what joints are crossed by these muscles to be able to use the fundamentals of biomechanics to manipulate the anatomy, surgically or non-surgically, to achieve correction. Dr. Steven L. Goldman, Vice President of ABPM gave a lecture on the process of how to become board qualified and certified by ABPM.
10/28/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
OH Podiatrist Receives AAPPM Chairman's Award
The AAPPM Chairman’s Award was presented to Richard J. Berkowitz, DPM at the Super Saver Seminar to recognize and thank him for his many years of dedication to our profession and for leading the Super Seminar in Cleveland each October for the last thirty years.
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(L-R) Drs. Hal Ornstein, Richard Berkowitz, and Andrew Schneider (AAPPM Board Member) |
"Dr. Berkowitz has been a great mentor and guiding light for many students and residents including me,” said Hal Ornstein, DPM, AAPPM Chairman.
10/26/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS - PART 2
IPMA Announces New Board of Directors
The new slate of directors and officers for 2013-2014 were voted on and approved at the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association’s Annual Business Meeting, held on Friday, October 11, 2013 in Lincolnshire, IL. The terms are for one-year unless otherwise noted.
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Former Immediate Past President, Dr. Ada Paolucci (R), swears in (L to R) Drs. Douglas Pacaccio, Brent Parry, Helena Reid, and Carlos Smith. Also pictured: IPMA Executive Director, Dr. Michael Hriljac and new IPMA President, Dr. Francis Rottier. |
President, Francis Rottier, DPM
President Elect, Brent Parry, DPM
Vice President, Carlos Smith, DPM
Treasurer, Helena Reid, DPM
Secretary, Douglas Pacaccio, DPM (from director at large)
Immediate Past President, David Yeager, DPM.
APMA Delegates (three-year term): Ada Paolucci, DPM; Marlene Reid, DPM; Francis Rottier, DPM; and Bruce Smit, DPM. Directors at Large: Jeffery Alexander, DPM; Sarah Dickey, DPM (first-time board member); Jeffrey Baker, DPM; Khalid Husain, DPM; Amanda Brazis, DPM; Kathleen Daly, DPM; and Eric Riley, DPM.
10/26/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS - PART 1
NYSPMA Selects Next Executive Director and Management Company
The Board of Trustees (BOT) of The New York State Podiatric Medical Association has announced that Michael R. Borden has been hired as the Association's new executive director. Borden has extensive experience in association management. He will be assuming the duties of Associate Executive Director as of November 1, 2013.
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Michael R. Borden |
Borden will assume the position of Executive director on May 1, 2014 at the conclusion of Len Thaler's (the present executive director) current contract. The BOT has also engaged the services of Jaffe Management, an association management company, to assist in the transition over the next few months and to continue to assist the association going forward.
10/14/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
Function and Heredity Contribute to Bunions: NY Podiatrist
According to Dr. Robert A. Russo, President of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA), bunions form when the normal balance of forces exerted on the joints and tendons of the foot become disrupted. "Bunions occur after years of abnormal motion and pressure over the MTP joint," said Dr. Russo.
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Dr. Robert Russo |
"Bunions tend to run in families and can be caused by the way we walk and our inherited foot type." Dr. Russo advises anyone with foot pain or an unusual bump on the big or baby toe joint to seek podiatric treatment.
08/14/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrist Joins NY Senator Schumer at Leadership PAC Event
NYSPMA Vice-President Andrew Shapiro, DPM joined Senator Charles Schumer at a recent Yankees baseball game, benefiting Senator Schumer's Leadership PAC. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) recently introduced S 1318, the Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians (HELLPP) Act in the U.S. Senate. This bill is identical to HR 1761, a companion bill in the House.
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(L-R) Sen. Charles Schumer and Dr. Andrew Shapiro |
Unlike previous legislation that has focused solely on recognizing DPMs as physicians under Medicaid, the bipartisan HELLPP Act includes multiple comprehensive reforms and goes further to ensure podiatric physicians will continue to save lives, limbs, and healthcare dollars. This would be a significant improvement to patient access to quality foot and ankle care and tremendous savings for the Medicaid and Medicare programs.
08/08/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
AAPPM Presents Practice Management Seminar for Third-Year Students
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Third-Year Students Attend AAPPM Practice Management Seminar |
Recently, AAPPM speakers provided a full-day of practice management at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine for incoming third-year students right after they took their podiatry boards. This is the second school to embrace practice management. The lectures were presented by the some of the best practice management experts in podiatry.
06/15/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
CPMA Honors State Representative
The Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association honored state Rep. Rosa Rebimbas (R-70) Wednesday for her leadership and support during the 2013 legislative session. Rebimbas was recognized during a presentation as part of the association’s regular business meeting in Meriden. The association appreciated her leadership and support on important bills to improve patient access to podiatric services, especially HB 6445, which allows physicians and podiatrists to jointly practice as a professional corporation.
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Rep. Rosa Rebimbas |
The Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association is the state’s professional society of podiatrists and was behind two pieces of legislation passed this year — HB 6445 and HB 5443, An Act Requiring Podiatrists to be Board Qualified. HB 5443 did not, in and of itself, get passed, however, language of the bill was incorporated into HB 6389 with a “strike-all” amendment, and HB 6389 which passed both chambers. Under the new law, a board qualified podiatrist may apply for and receive the permit to perform advanced ankle and rearfoot constructive surgeries. Prior law required a podiatrist to be board certified before applying.
Source: Citizens News [6/13/13]
06/13/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
IPMA Podiatrists Keep Avon Breast Cancer Walkers "in Step"
“That feels much better,” was a common statement made by a grateful participant after being treated by an Illinois Podiatric Medical Association (IPMA) member at this year’s Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, held June 1 through June 2, in Chicago’s Horner Park. Participants walking in the 39 mile, two-day event raised more than $5.2 million to advance access to care and find a cure for breast cancer.
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IPMA Podiatric Volunteers at Avon Breast Cancer Walk |
Podiatric volunteers included - Drs. Amanda Brazis, Alice Cisneros, Mitchell Cook, Kathleen Daly (Podiatry Captain/Organizer), Neil Horsley, Jondelle Jenkins, John Schwab, Carlos Smith, Mansoor Virani, Michael Williams, and David Yeager. Medical students from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine also treated walkers, while representatives from the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants-Illinois Chapter assisted with triage.
05/09/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
Skin Cancers of the Feet are Often Painless: NY Podiatrist
The Centers for Disease Control have declared May as “Skin Cancer Awareness Month” and the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA), which represents more than 1,200 foot specialists across the Empire State, is urging New Yorkers to pay special attention to the skin on both the top and bottom of their feet. While harmful sunrays may be the primary cause of skin cancers on parts of the body that receive sun exposure, skin cancers of the feet are more often related to viruses. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are foot specialists, trained to recognize and treat conditions that present on the skin of the foot.
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Dr. Gary Stones |
Skin on the feet, especially on the bottom, is often overlooked during routine medical exams. According to Dr. Gary Stones, NYSPMA’s President and a practicing podiatrist, skin cancers of the feet have several features in common. “Most are painless, but often there’s a history of recurrent cracking, itching, bleeding or ulceration,” he cautions. “These cancers often go undiagnosed until another issue presents itself near the affected site,” added Stones.
05/02/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
IPMA Decries Cuts in Medicaid Funding
A state organization has begun a state-wide blitz to rally support for the nursing home community. The purpose of the state-wide tour is to fight for funding for essential medical services such as dental, vision, and podiatry care. Officials are expected to encourage lawmakers to support a bill that would roll back cuts to care for vulnerable seniors.
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Dr. Michael Hriljac |
Professionals in the field of podiatry have decried the cuts in funding for care to Medicaid patients. "Lack of podiatry care threatens the overall health of elderly people in may ways and greatly diminishes their quality of life," states Dr. Michael Hriljac, executive director of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association.
Source; Rick Hayes, The Register-News [4/30/13]
04/11/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
NJPMS Hosts Reception for Congressman
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(L-R) Janice Feldman, Congressman Frank Pallone, Dr. Marshall Feldman, and Herman Hammerschmidt |
On Monday April 8, 2013, the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society hosted a reception for Congressman Frank Pallone, D-6 Congressional District at the Society’s headquarters. Congressman Pallone is the ranking member on the House Subcommittee on Health.
04/04/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
Determining Cause of Foot Pain Often Requires a Podiatrist: NYSPMA
The New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA), which represents more than 1,200 foot specialists across the Empire State, is educating consumers during April, Foot Health Awareness Month, that foot pain is NOT normal. And just as you would treat a nagging toothache by going to the dentist or visiting a dermatologist for a persistent skin condition, foot pain should be addressed by a doctor of podiatric medicine.
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Dr. Gary Stones |
“Determining the cause of pain is not always easy, but treatment is vital,” said Gary Stones, DPM, President of the NYSPMA. “Treating and preventing common heel ailments will ultimately keep you healthier and pain-free,” he added.
02/28/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
Strengthening Exercises Can Prevent Foot Injuries: NYSPMA President
With rising obesity statistics also comes an increase in diabetes, heart disease, and other related illnesses. Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight are two preventative measures that require healthy feet. But the numbers show that Americans view their feet as the least important body part, and yet the number one to experience pain! In spite of its prevalence, foot pain is not normal, and should be treated by a specialist.
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Dr. Gary Stones |
According to Dr. Gary Stones, president of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association, there are simple strengthening exercises that can help prevent common foot injuries. “Feet bear the brunt of impact in any workout,” Stones said. “By warming up properly and cooling down with some massage techniques, you can avoid some of the most common foot pain associated with exercise.”
Source: Dan Smith, DPM, Auburn Citizen [2/26/13]
01/25/2013
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
MI Podiatrist Discusses Frostbite
Frostbite is a serious tissue destroying disorder. It is also something that can be avoided. The Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) has some advice to share during these winter months.
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Dr. Jody Sengstock |
“When you're out in the cold, your body works hard to stay warm by altering blood flow toward your heart and lungs,” said Dr. Jodie Sengstock, MPMA Immediate Past President. “This leaves your extremities – arms, legs and feet – vulnerable to cold injury, especially toes and fingers.” Depending on the severity of the exposure, frostbite can affect the skin or underlying tissue. In most cases, the area becomes numb and feels frozen. Skin will appear waxy, white, or grayish. Any exposure should be evaluated and treated by a physician.
Source: Chris Morrisroe, West Bloomfield Patch [1/24/13]
10/31/2012
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
IL Student Continues Tradition of IPMA Shoe Drive
Someone had to do it. After Drake Hoover graduated from Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School this spring, no one was left to organize Shoes for the Needy, a project started by the Indiana Podiatric Medical Association to provide shoes to those who cannot afford to buy them new. So Drake’s friend, Jared Joyce, stepped up to the challenge.
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Jared Joyce (Photo Taya Flores) |
Before moving on to college, Drake had spearheaded the project for three years; the daughters of a local podiatrist did so before him. Drake had strong ties to the cause as his father, Dr. James Hoover, is another local podiatrist. During the month of October, local residents donated new or gently used shoes to participating podiatrists’ offices and local businesses.
Source: Taya Flores, Journal & Courier [10/18/12]
09/28/2012
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
MPMA Donates Shoes to Kids in Need
The Michigan Podiatric Medical Association, along with a matching donation from the Southeast Division of the MPMA, purchased 250 pairs of athletic shoes to donate to children for the new school year. The shoe donation was enhanced by a generous contribution from the podiatrists at NorthPointe Foot & Ankle in Berkley who gave new socks for each pair of shoes.
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Dr. Jodie Sengstock finds the right pair of shoes for a child in need. |
MPMA partnered with four non-profit agencies to distribute the shoes: Lighthouse of Oakland County in Pontiac; Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) in Detroit; Turning Point in Mt. Clemens; and Lutheran Child & Family Services in Farmington Hills. The agencies support programs for families in need. Dr. Jodie Sengstock of Feet First Podiatry in West Bloomfield, and Dr. Jeffrey Frederick of NorthPointe Foot and Ankle in Berkley - both MPMA members - fit over 50 children in the PATH program of Lighthouse of Oakland County.
Source: Observer & Eccentric [9/27/12]
08/24/2012
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
AAPSM Elects New Officers
At the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine Annual Meeting held last week in Washington, DC, the AAPSM elected Robert M. Conenello, DPM, a sports medicine podiatrist in private practice in Orangeburg, NY as its new president. Dr. Conenello also serves as Global Clinical Advisor of the Fit Feet Program of Special Olympics International.
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(L-R) Dr. Rob Conenello Receives Gavel from Dr. Jamie Yakel |
Elected along with Dr. Conenello were: President-Elect- Paul R. Langer, DPM, Minneapolis, MN; Vice-President - David Jenkins, DPM, Glendale, AZ; Secretary/Treasurer– Dianne Mitchell, DPM, Sacramento, CA and newly elected Director Brian Fullem, DPM, Tampa, FL. Jamie Yakel, DPM, Brighton, CO serves as Immediate Past President. Rita J. Yates serves as AAPSM Executive Director.
07/25/2012
APMA STATE COMPONENTS IN THE NEWS
IPMA Podiatrists Network with Endovascular Surgeons
Several volunteer podiatrists representing The Illinois Podiatric Medical Association (IPMA) exhibited this week at the Chicago Endovascular Conference the week of July 18-21. IPMA members staffed the association’s booth in the conference exhibit hall.
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Drs. Barry Brandes and Jondelle Jenkins |
Association volunteers included Drs. Barry Brandes, Jondelle Jenkins, Douglas Solway, Alice Cisneros, DPM, Hyim Baronofsky DPM, and Thomas Dwyer. IPMA members answered questions and networked, particularly with endovascular professionals. “It’s also part of IPMA’s effort to form collaborative venues with endovascular surgeons,” said IPMA executive director Michael Hriljac, DPM.
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