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03/13/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD)
RE: APMA Policy Proposition 2-24: One Board in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
From: Lee C. Rogers, DPM
Officers of the ABPM have submitted a proposition (Resolution) to the House of Delegates calling for a single certifying board in podiatric medicine and surgery. The APMA Policy Review Committee met on Saturday and gave Proposition 2-24 a "Do Pass" recommendation. If you're an APMA member, you can add your name to the list of co-sponsors by contacting ABPM. We will take your signature to the House of Delegates in Washington, DC this weekend.
We have ONE profession. We have ONE residency program. It's time to have ONE recognized certifying board. This is parity. The MDs have only one recognized board for each residency specialty. One board will reduce confusion, eliminate infighting, lower examination costs/dues, and prevent board certification from being used as an anticompetitive tool which keeps many podiatrists from getting hospital or surgical privileges.
APMA Policy Proposition 2-24: Single Certifying Board in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
It is the policy of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to support the unification of the two currently recognized certifying boards under a single administrative entity resulting in a single unified board in podiatric medicine and surgery.
Lee C. Rogers, DPM, (TX), Immediate Past President, ABPM
Other messages in this thread:
03/24/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD)
From: Barry H. Block, DPM, JD
I would like to thank all those who took the time to call, write letters, or to view the video of the awards ceremony. It is deeply moving to receive such support from the podiatric community.
Editor's note: Additional letters appear here. This topic is now closed.
03/22/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1C
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
I could not think of a more deserving person to receive this award than Dr. Barry Block. After
listening to his speech at the APMA HOD after receiving this award, several things are very apparent. Barry made his own luck by getting involved very early in his career and this enabled him to learn many lessons, including paying back. His use of the phrase "paying it forward" absolutely is absolutely correct and it is counter to what I hear too frequently that "Podiatry Eats its Young". Barry is 180 degrees the opposite of that. l am convinced that those lessons learned early in a career made him understand the need to mentor others.
Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have received his friendship and advice and who were taken under his wing, will all tell you without exception, that our careers would not be what they are today without Barry. Certainly our profession has been fortunate enough to...
Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter can be read here.
03/22/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1B
From: Alan Sherman, DPM, Aaron Ben Pearl, DPM
I just wanted to add my congratulations to all of those that you have already received. It's great to see this very public and official recognition for what you have achieved and the formidable contribution that you have made. You know how I feel about you and how long I have admired your achievements.
You have created an enduring legacy for yourself and such valuable services for the profession. Communication services are the fuel for change and you have facilitated so much of the positive change that podiatry has had in the last 50 years. Long may you run...or at least walk!
Those of us who have had a chance to work on articles with Barry know that he is a stickler for details. To his credit, those revisions end up making a more professional article. Congratulations Barry and keep going!
Aaron Ben Pearl, DPM
03/22/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1A
From: Bruce G. Blank, DPM
I just finished watching the presentation of the APMA Distinguished Service Citation to Dr. Barry Block and his heartfelt acceptance speech. What a well-deserved accolade. Dr. Block has played an extremely important role in our profession for many years and in many ways, as we all know. I’ve particularly appreciated him always being forward thinking concerning our profession. I’ve appreciated his voice at the APMA House of Delegates, through Podiatry Management Magazine and his daily work of love for our profession-PM News; just to name a few of his accomplishments.
Barry has always walked the walk and hasn’t just talked but has promoted improvements to our professional status by being part of the core group of DPMs who work to make things happen. Congratulations, Dr. Block and thank you for your distinguished service to our beloved profession. Also, thank you to Dr. David Armstrong for submitting Dr. Block’s speech to PM News for us all to watch.
Bruce G. Blank, DPM, Past Delegate from Ohio to the APMA HOD
03/21/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1B
From: Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
I learned the Yiddish word Mensch in the Jewish hospital where I completed my PSR 24+. The word is used to signify an honorable and diligent person who works for the good of the group. You don't call yourself a Mensch, others call you one. This is certainly the case with Dr. Barry Block and it is quite fitting that he received the Citation for Distinguished Service last weekend. He has been constantly of service to the profession keeping us informed on a daily basis. The profession would be much better if there were more podiatrists like Barry.
Congratulations, Barry, on a well-deserved award.
Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
03/21/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1A
From: David G. Armstrong, DPM
I listened to Dr. Block's acceptance speech and, if that doesn't make a mission driven person want to go out and pay it forward, nothing will. Here's to you, Dr. Block, in helping to transform what was once a "profession" into a specialty.
David G. Armstrong, DPM
03/20/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 2B
From: Greg Caringi, DPM, Ron Werter, DPM
Well-deserved honor, Barry. I am in awe of your accomplishments. We are of the same generation and saw the growth of podiatry from an afterthought to a top-tier specialty. You were a large part of this and remain a keystone in our profession. Thank you.
Greg Caringi, DPM, North Wales, PA
I have known Dr. Block for more than 45 years. I count him as a friend. He has been a member of our New York division of the NYSPMA since I have known him, and he is a valued member. He has done more for our profession than most people realize. I totally congratulate him on this award and wish him all the best.
Ron Werter, DPM, New York, NY
03/20/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 2A
From: Michael Borden, CAE
I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Block for his exceptional and distinguished service.
Dr. Block has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to the podiatric profession. Not only in setting a high standard for podiatric coverage but also making an unparalleled impact within the broader medical community.
His achievements speak volumes about professionalism and passion for excellence.
Michael Borden, CAE, NYSPMA Executive Director 2013-2017
03/20/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1
RE: Communication is the Key to the Success of APMA
From: Alan Bass, DPM
This past weekend, I had the honor of representing the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society at the APMA House of Delegates. This yearly meeting among the states, APMA, and its stakeholders, is crucial to success of our profession.
In the last few years, there has been an undertone at the HOD that Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) has not been working as a good “partner” with APMA, the states, its affiliated organizations, residencies, and boards. There have been some, including myself, that have been critical of CPME, stating that they were too secretive and there needs to be more transparency and communication from the accrediting body for our profession.
I would like to say thank you to APMA President Brooke Bisbee, DPM, Meghan McClelland, CEO of APMA and other members of the APMA HOD that have facilitated open and honest dialogue between CPME and all the stakeholders. CPME has committed to be more open and transparent in communication and working with the all the organizations involved. They also committed to sharing conflicts of interest of the members of the CPME and its committees. I want to also thank CPME for this renewed commitment. While there is more work to be done, this was a good first step.
Alan Bass, DPM, Manalapan, NJ
06/26/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD)
RE: APMA Policy 2-24. One Board Certification in Podiatry
From: Philip Radovic, DPM
Reflecting on my four-decade-long journey in podiatry, I am reminded of the persistent misconception that we, as podiatrists, should strive for 'parity' with MDs, as if we are somehow inferior. This misguided notion often arises from comparisons with our orthopedic colleagues and their inherent positions of power, as recently evidenced in The AMA’s pathetic comparison of orthopedics with podiatry. This misinformation often overlooks the unique aspects and strengths of podiatry as its own distinct medical and surgical specialty. Here are several points in defense of specialized certifications within podiatry under a single board while also emphasizing the need for us to set our own standards:
1. Unique Scope and Training: Podiatry focuses exclusively on the foot and ankle, encompassing...
Editor's note: Dr. Radovic's extended-length letter can be read here.
03/27/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1B
From: Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
My knee jerk reaction to Dr. Agostinelli’s post is that I like it. In combination with Dr. Trantalis’ post, we just need to be MDs in the future and be the foot and ankle specialists with something like 2 years of podiatric medicine. This would include the same first year internship as the MDs and then 2 years of pure surgical training with fellowships past that.
This would solve the declining enrollment issues because the schools would just basically be pre-determined MD foot specialists and then enter into the residency pool for podiatry. Brilliant.
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
03/27/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1A
From: Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM
I always find it interesting that the arguments for board certification focus around “protecting the public”. I think the training we receive and the abundant malpractice attorneys do a pretty good job in this area.
I am board certified by both ABPS and ABPM and in more than 30 years in practice, I have not had a single patient ask about board certification. We also ask every new patient what brought them to our practice. The most common answers are patient/family or physician referral. NEVER has a single patient listed board certification as a reason to choose me! I do not think the reasons for making board certification difficult to obtain have anything to do with protecting the public.
Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM, South Bend, IN
03/26/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1B
From: Joe Agostinelli, DPM
I write this reply in support of my colleagues, Drs. Amol Saxena and Bret Ribotsky concerning their comments on the recent APMA HOD resolution concerning support for “one certifying board". Drs. Spinner and Zlotoff also have penned cogent and, in my opinion, correct observations on this subject.
My previous experiences of 23 years active duty USAF and 13 years private practice (always as part of a large orthopedic surgery group practice) have colored my take on this situation. Rather than trying to solve a problem with one certifying board, the profession needs to do something more radical - that is having all the podiatric medical colleges, especially those associated with MD and DO schools, discontinue the DPM degree and rather have...
Editor's note: Dr. Agostinelli's extended-length letter can be read here.
03/26/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1A
From: Jeffrey Trantalis, DPM
I would like to comment on podiatry as a MD subspecialty. In the 1980s, while practicing in the Seattle area, a new subspecialty in orthopedics was being developed for MDs: The orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons. There was a highly trained and world respected orthopedic surgeon named Sigvard Hansen, Jr., MD. He was chief at Harborview Medical Center. He saw, appreciated, and acknowledged the skills podiatrists possessed to the chagrin of his colleagues. The goals of this new subspecialty was to put podiatrists out of business.
The irony to all of this is they were taught their surgical skills to operate on the foot and ankle by podiatrists. Gary Dockery, DPM was one of these mentors who provided great knowledge and skills to this new group. What I am saying is that podiatrists belong in this endeavor to be called MDs, and thus simplify the professions.
Jeffrey Trantalis, DPM, Delray Beach, FL
03/25/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD)
From: Jon Purdy, DPM
I’m amazed that 100% of DPMs are not in approval on one consolidated board. I’m also amazed that the proposal for one board is trying to reinvent the wheel. Currently, there already is a board called the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry. This board is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under the ISO International Standards ANSI/ISO/IEC/17024:2003 for Accreditation for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons, as well as accredited by URAC (former Utilization Review Accreditation Commission).
This board gives certifications in multiple areas of podiatry based on training, experience, and testing. The biggest advantage is that one can become certified at any point in their career as long as they meet these requirements. This presents to the medical community and insurances as one board. It also eliminates current exclusions based on time constraints, which has never made any sense.
Keep in mind, there are thousands of excellent podiatrists in practice who are “certified”, when with today’s requirements would not qualify. I think this dispels the argument of public safety. Public safety is determined at a state and local level. An orthopedic surgeon could technically operate on any bone in the body under their license, but hospitals often will not allow certain procedures based on experience, not on “certification”.
Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA
03/22/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 2
RE: APMA Policy Proposition 2-24: One Board in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
From: Howard Zlotoff, DPM
I am following the discussions about board certification which seems to surface every ten years. Remember, the primary purpose of certification is to provide confidence to the public that the practitioners holding these documents are competent in their field of expertise. Public safety should be the overwhelming goal as our profession seeks to satisfy those podiatrists looking for parity among their peers. I do not see how one certification board can accomplish our responsibility to the public to ensure quality, safe, and responsible care in all the facets of podiatric medicine.
Surely we can appreciate the need to recognize those individuals who have been trained, educated, and tested to render skills above the basic podiatric medical therapies to the public. Pathways for these skill sets are available now, unlike many years ago.
Along with the general public, hospitals and surgical centers need objective criteria to adjudicate applicants requesting privileges. These are indeed privileges, not “rights” of practitioners in all branches of medicine, and we are no different. I commend our leaders as they devote much time and energy in this endeavor. Remember, public safety must be the driving force behind these discussions!
Howard Zlotoff, DPM, Mechanicsburg, PA
03/22/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1
RE: APMA Policy Proposition 2-24: One Board in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery (Amol Saxena, DPM, MPH)
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM, H. David Gottlieb, DPM
Amol’s response is a bull’s-eye of what is needed. I’ve been saying this for over 15 years and I know Barry Block has been saying for over 40 years that the only solution for our profession is to amalgamate into mainstream medicine as our own specialty. The schools should convert to giving an MD degree and we push for our own specialization in the American Board of Medical Specialties. This would facilitate physician extenders easily incorporated into our practices to handle the palliative and routine aspect of our profession, with oversight directly. All issues with credentialing, licensing, and fee disparity would be eliminated.
I join with Amol willing to volunteer and help this transition into the future.
Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
It has always [since the late '80s] been my opinion that the profession of podiatry should START with one certification board credential [Board Certified Podiatrist] and then have sub-specialties. This is analogous to the MD/DO pathways. This allows all competent practitioners the ability to be credentialed. Some will have one certification, some will opt for two, and others will opt for three. I see this as a win-win for all.
H. David Gottlieb, DPM, Columbia, MD
03/21/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD)
From: Amol Saxena, DPM, MPH
It sounds like next steps are to discuss things with ABFAS. I have previously written that a good immediate option is to have ABFAS issue the CAQ in the surgical discipline. This would be analogous to the MDs in how they view and issue CAQs: baseline board certification first and then sub-specialty (i.e., CAQ, which is in ABPM's bylaws).
In my lectures on "Podiatry, Prejudice & Possible Solutions" at various meetings and on PRESENT, I discuss options and show how American Indians think 7 generations ahead. My proposal above is for the short-term. Other options similar to dentistry, ophthalmology, and even cardiology exist but are never discussed in depth.
Since the AMA considers "the case closed" as to DPMs ever taking the USMLE and movement towards allowing physician and surgeon designation to be held only by MDs and DOs, our schools need to adapt and make podiatric medicine under the MD or DO umbrella. Foot and ankle surgery can then become a specialty like ENT or oral surgery with additional training. I’m happy to help bring stakeholders to the table and facilitate the discussion.
Amol Saxena, DPM, MPH, Palo Alto, CA
03/20/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1B
RE: APMA Policy Proposition 2-24: One Board in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
From: Jack Levenson, DPM
Lee Rogers, DPM mentioned at this weekend's APMA House of Delegates that he would stop the issuance of the ABPM CAQ in surgery. I would just like to point out that this would mean that no further surgery CAQs should be issued regardless of whether a candidate has already taken or registered for the exam. I believe this point should be made clear as continuing to issue these certifications would prevent ABFAS's ability to consider ANY negotiation for one unified board.
Jack Levenson, DPM, NYC, NY
03/20/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1A
RE: APMA Policy Proposition 2-24: One Board in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery
From: Richard M. Maleski, DPM, RPh
If there is only one Board for board certification in our profession, and it is going to include both surgery and medicine, then how can non-surgical podiatrists get Board Certified? There are DPMs who don't want to do surgery. There are DPMs who simply do not have an aptitude for surgery. There are DPMs who cannot do surgery due to physical impairment. How could they possibly pass the surgical portion of the new Board if they aren't in the OR, or don't stay current with surgical academic material, or just don't have adequate experience to retain their skill?
I know colleagues who fit into all 3 of those categories, and thankfully, there has been ABPM certification available to them, which has allowed them access to hospital non-surgical staff privileges and inclusion into insurance...
Editor's note: Dr. Maleski's extended-length letter can be read here.
03/19/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1B
From: Philip Radovic, DPM
While Dr. Spinner's insights, along with those of Drs. Tomczak, Oloff, Lombardi, and others, are undeniably respected due to their substantial contributions to podiatry, it's crucial to acknowledge that a profession's advancement can manifest in varied forms. There exist many individuals outside the well-known circle of seasoned podiatrists who have significantly propelled the field forward in perhaps unconventional or less visible ways. Their efforts, whether through innovation, academia, or other professional avenues, merit equal respect and consideration. Disregarding or minimizing these contributions because they diverge from one's perspectives echoes Mark Twain's humorous observation about limiting one's statements to the confines of facts.
As a founder and twenty-year director of a residency program and a podiatric sports medicine fellowship, as well as a member of medical/orthopedic executive committees at several major hospitals and surgery centers, where I have credentialed numerous podiatrists and MDs, and as a contributor to our journals over four decades, I value the importance of diverse contributions. The growth of our profession relies not only on the achievements of a select few but on the varied and unique inputs of many, each bringing distinct perspectives and innovations. Indeed, fresh ideas often hold remarkable potential. I’ll however be very clear that I have no political, or personal agendas. I would desire to have ABFAS diversify its certification into several inclusive components. In my opinion, they have proved themselves to be the podiatric certifying “Gold Standard”.
Philip Radovic, DPM, San Clemente, CA
03/19/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1A
From: Lee C. Rogers, DPM
We did it! Thank you to the almost 1,500 podiatrists and students that requested to co-sponsor the One Board APMA Policy Proposition 2-24. This was a first in APMA history! The proposition passed the House of Delegates (HOD) with 63% of the vote. This proposition sets the table to bring the two CPME-recognized boards together into a single certifying board in Podiatric Medicine AND Surgery, just like our residency programs.
The details will be worked out and presented to the next HOD in 2025. I look forward to working with the ABFAS to make the result an inclusive organization of all those already certified, one that avoids division in the profession, and gives all new candidates an equal and fair opportunity to achieve the status of board certification in podiatric medicine and surgery, while promoting the high testing standard of residency training and fulfilling our obligations to protect the public. I pledge to keep you informed as this develops. We couldn’t have done this without your action!
Lee C. Rogers, DPM, San Antonio, TX
03/18/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD)
In my opinion, Dr. Spinner is correct. Podiatrists are a heterogenous group of healthcare providers treating one localized area of anatomy. Our profession boasts many individuals with particular interest and expertise in a variety of focal pathologies. Dr. Spinner suggests a partiality to the dental specialty boards recognized by the ADA. I believe there are 12 such boards. As Dr. Spinner, I am in the "twilight" of my career (some might argue seasoned practitioners ala Harvey Penick, the great golf instructor).
It is, as an aside, interesting to note the age of many passionate individuals who are older (seasoned?) practitioners responding to the question of board certification in podiatry. Dr. Spinner, as I have observed the incredible growth of this profession during the lifetime of our...
Editor's note: Dr. Jacobs' extended-length letter can be read here.
03/15/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1B
From: Philip Radovic, DPM
While the call for unity within our profession is understandable, when it comes to a single board certification, it's important to consider the perspectives and needs of all stakeholders involved. When it comes to consolidating foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery, here are some points to consider:
1. Protecting the Public: Board certification serves as an important measure to ensure that we have met specific standards of competence and expertise in our specialty. It provides reassurance to patients that their podiatrist has undergone rigorous training and assessment, thus safeguarding their health and well-being.
2. Credentialing for Medical/Surgery Centers and Hospitals: Most hospitals and medical centers rely on board certification to evaluate the qualifications of...
Editor's note: Dr. Radovic's extended-length letter can be read here.
03/15/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA HOD) - PART 1A
From: Marc, Feder, DPM, Steven Spinner, DPM
As our APMA House of Delegates convenes, I wish to share my excitement about Proposition 2-24. 30 years ago, I campaigned for "One Board, One Profession. I had written Letters to the Editors of APMA News, Podiatry Management, and Podiatry Today. At my meetings with CPME (headed then by Jay Levrio), I spoke of this to then Board Member Jim Christina and ABPS President, Vinny Martorano. No consideration was given. Perhaps the time has come for this dream to come true.
Marc Feder, DPM, Lincolnwood, IL
Driving through Georgia one day, I got stopped for doing 10 miles over the speed limit (Okay…it may have been more) by a Georgia state trooper. When he asked for my license and registration, I discreetly opened my wallet so that he could see I had a Broward sheriff’s office badge and identification card. Although my credentials at the time were legitimate, his comment to me was “you boys from Florida all have those so put it away.”
It became a meaningless credential because the impression was that every car from Florida that was speeding could whip out a police credential and hope to get out of a ticket. We are not a uniform profession with uniform training. We are a diverse profession made up of many talented people practicing different aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. To confer board certification from one board on everybody in our profession would render that credential as meaningless as a...
Editor's note: Dr. Spinner's extended-length letter can be read here.
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