03/27/2023    

RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NON-CLINICAL) - PART 1A

RE: APMA Board Certification Summit (Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH)

From: Walter Perez, DPM 

 

The issue is access to the boards. The ABFAS does not allow a DPM to sit for exams unless he/she has met certain requirements. Any DPM should be allowed to pursue board certification and it is just the right thing to do for your fellow podiatrist. Yes, many won't pass or may not have the cases required and the limiting factor would be themselves, but for those who actually are able to achieve it, good for them; they earned it. More members would make the board stronger. 

 

I am not in favor of certifying individuals who are not competent and I do not believe that is the intention of those advocating for one board. And I will not "call it a day" because there are many who are more than competent and there is no reason for them not to have the opportunity to sit for the boards. How to show competence? Pass the exam and show me the cases. The problem is that it is hard to practice nowadays, and to have insurance companies or hospitals requiring board certification from boards that don't allow everyone access is just wrong.

 

Walter Perez, DPM, Brooklyn, NY