03/22/2025    Paul Kesselman, DPM

NY Podiatrist Receives Distinguished Service Citation (David G. Armstrong, 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 have Barry as a
member and mentor.

At a meeting many years ago, a podiatric colleague
who did not know me, approached Barry and I, while
we were immersed in a conversation. He asked
Barry, while pointing to me, if I was his son?
Barry laughed and if I can remember correctly, he
said, well I certainly treat him like one. Of
course, this scene truly is a metaphor for what
Barry has done for me and countless others. He has
truly treated us as his own son or daughter.
I cannot imagine where my career would be without
Barry and his wife Hermine as well as my family.
Barry was certainly right as well.

None of us would be where we are today without the
support of our families, both professional and
personal. Our profession certainly would not be
where it is without Barry. Kudos and Thank You to
Dr. Block for all his efforts both past, present
and in the future. I am sure I can speak for all
of us that we look forward to seeing many more
publications and lectures coming from Dr. Block.

Paul Kesselman, DPM, Oceanside, NY

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03/22/2025    Multiple Respondents

NY Podiatrist Receives Distinguished Service Citation (David G. Armstrong, DPM)

I just listened to Dr. Block’s acceptance speech..
What a tribute to a life well lived and a gift to
our profession for 50 years of dedication and
legacy to our future generations. .

David S. Wolf, DPM, retired

Barry, we have known each other for 1/2 century
and have always enjoyed seeing you and Hermine at
podiatric meetings. You have provided our
profession with one of the most successful
communication/publication. We read every PM News
and look forward to all the information that is
provided.

It is rare and admirable that any individual would
provide our profession with the dedication and
commitment, professionalism and unselfishness that
you have. You set the bar extremely high and I
hope that our young DPMs will follow in your
footsteps. Congratulations again on this well-
deserved award.

Jack Morgan, DPM, Los Angeles, CA