12/29/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
PPMA Announces Newly Elected President
Alicia Canzanese, DPM, a podiatrist employed by Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM) and Dr. Lee S. Cohen and Associates, was elected President of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association (PPMA). She was sworn into office by PPMA Immediate Past President Jane Pontious, DPM at a ceremony recently held in King of Prussia, PA.
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(L-R) Drs. Jane Pontious and Alicia Canzanese |
Dr. Canzanese, a podiatrist specializing in lower-extremity sports medicine, has been an active board member of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association, focusing on meeting members' needs. She regularly reports on progress as Membership Chair. “Dr. Canzanese has played an active role on our board, allowing us to continue to modernize our organization to support our members," says Mike Barth, Executive Director.
12/08/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
NY Podiatrist Receives 9th Annual Ronald L. Soave Award
On December 4, 2025, Anthony Esposito, DPM was presented the ninth Annual Ronald L. Soave, DPM Integrity and Excellence in Podiatry Award at the New York State Podiatric Medicine (NYSPMA) Downstate Meeting. The inscription on the award reads as follows: “In recognition for your time and dedication to the podiatric profession and for your outstanding leadership in the NYSPMA.” Dr. Esposito is a past president of the Kings Division.
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(L-R) Drs. Ronald Soave, Corrine Renne Landau, and Anthony Esposito |
The award was presented by the Award Founder Corrine E. Renne Landau, DPM and Dr. Soave. The event was emceed by NYSPMA President Nicholas D'Angelo, DPM. In attendance were many other members of NYSPMA as well as APMA President Brooke Bisbee, DPM and APMA Executive Director Meghan McClelland.
11/17/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
OHFAMA Elects 2026 Executive Committee
During the recent Ohio Foot and Ankle Medical Association (OHFAMA) Annual Business Meeting, the following members were elected as the Executive Committee for 2026:
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(L-R) Drs. Adam Thomas, Aaron Deol, Joy Rowland, Amy Masowick, and Martin Lesnak |
President: Joy Rowland, DPM
First Vice President: Amy Masowick, DPM
Second Vice President: Aaron Deol, DPM
Secretary/Treasurer: Adam Thomas, DPM
Immediate Past President: Martin Lesnak, DPM
07/14/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
New Orthotic and Prosthetic Law a Legislative Victory for NJPMS
The New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society (NJPMS) has announced a significant legislative victory for the podiatric profession with the enactment of S1439, the Orthotic and Prosthetic Appliances and Services Bill. Recently signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy as P.L. 2025, c.89, this important legislation affirms and safeguards the authority of podiatric physicians to prescribe custom orthotics and prosthetic devices — ensuring patients maintain access to medically necessary, physician-directed care.
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NJPMS legislative advocates and Executive Director Tajma Kototic (3rd from L) |
This success highlights what many podiatric physicians know well: that the scope of our practice, and ultimately the quality of care we deliver, is determined not only by our clinical expertise but also by the legislative environment in which we work. S1439 clearly defines coverage requirements for orthotic and prosthetic services under insurance plans, helping to eliminate unnecessary barriers to appropriate treatment.
07/12/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
NY Division of NYSPMA Announces New Officers
On June 17, 2025, Laurence D. Landau, DPM was elected President of the New York (Manhattan) division of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA). Dr. Landau has served on several committees as well as representing the division at both the NYSPMA and APMA HODs. Also elected were:
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Dr. Laurence Landau |
Vice-president: Samantha Landau, DPM
Treasurer: Lauren Wasserman, DPM
Secretary: Jean Chen-Vitulli, DPM
Immediate Past President: Jonathan Levy, DPM
07/09/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
2025-2026 Announces CPMA Board of Directors
The California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) held its Annual House of Delegates (HOD) on June 18th in Anaheim, CA, during which the body elected and installed the Association’s 2025-2026 Board of Directors:
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(L-R) Drs. David Pougatsch, Thomas Rambacher, Stephen Wan, Ebonie Vincent-Sleet, Heather McGuire, Phong Le, Arman Kirakosian, Yaseer Parupia, Renee Woo, and Michael Cornelison. |
President: Arman Kirakosian, DPM
President-Elect: Heather McGuire, DPM
Secretary-Treasurer; Ebonie Vincent-Sleet, DPM
Immediate Past President: Phong Le, DPM
Parliamentarian: Stephen Wan, DPM
Directors: Renee Woo, DPM, David Pougatsch, DPM, Thomas Rambacher, DPM, Yaseer Parupia, DPM, and Douglas Taylor, DPM
Executive Director: Michael Cornelison, DPM
06/16/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
MFAS Podiatrists Testify for Creation of Amputation Prevention Task Force
Massachusetts Foot and Ankle Society members David B. Alper, DPM, Tyler Silverman, DPM, Hau Pham, DPM, and Sara Rose, DPM testified before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health in support of creating an amputation prevention task force. Joining with the American Diabetes Association NE chapter, of which Dr. Alper is a Board member, was State Government Affairs Director Steve Habbe and ADA lobbyist Ronna Wallace bringing this important issue to light and working with impacted stakeholders.
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MFAS podiatrists testify for creation of Amputation Prevention Task Force. |
The creation of a Government Amputation Task Force in MA would be the first in the nation. It is hoped that, upon passing, it can be used as a template for other states across the country, using the collaboration between podiatry and the ADA and the task force to infiorm the public of the dangers of vascular disease, urging the medical community to perform further testing and push the insurance carriers to cover testing, annual exams, and other preventative care.
06/12/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
NY Podiatrist Honored by NYSPMA Kings Division
Sandro Frasca, DPM, a past president of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA), was presented an award by the Kings Division (Brooklyn and Staten Island) of NYSPMA, his home division for his tenure on the Board.
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(L-R) Drs. Amico and Sandro Frasca |
The award states, “Thank you for your outstanding efforts, leadership, legislative updates an dedication to our profession and our KINGS family” Presenting the award was Sue Amico, DPM, past president of Kings Division. Karen Santi, wife of APMA Immediate Past President Larry Santi, DPM, was also in attendance. She and the Santi family were given a standing ovation for their service to the profession as well.
06/09/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
Nassau Division of NYSPMA Presents Alvin Kanegis Scholarships
On Thursday, June 5, 2025, Craig Herman, DPM, President of the Nassau County Division of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) presented two annual Alvin J. Kanegis, DPM Scholarships to the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) students: 2025 graduate Oren Sadeh, DPM and current student Sara Baasar. Both students exemplify the qualities and characteristics that Dr. Kanegis lived and practiced by.
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(L-R) Dr. Oren Sadeh, Sara Baasar, Dr. Craig Herman |
Additionally, an award of appreciation and dedication for outstanding service was presented by Andy Shapiro, DPM, a past president of NYSPMA to the Nassau County Division past president William McShane, DPM.
06/05/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS - PART 1
NYSPMA Presents Annual Awards at HOD
The following awards were given out at the New York State Podiatric Medical Association's Banquet:
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Dr. Arthur Gudeon surrounded by the NYSPMA Queens delegation. |
Podiatrist of the Century – Arthur Gudeon, DPM ("PodiaDad")
Podiatry Family Legacy Award – The Santi Family
Lifetime Achievement Award – Patricia Nicholas, DPM, Past President
Young Member Award – Yavor Geshev, DPM
Young Member Award – Jill Irwin, DPM
Resident Award – Jasmine Reid, DPM
Podiatric Assistant Award - Allison Hogan, CMP, NYSPMA Staff
06/05/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS - PART 1
NYSPMA Holds 127th Annual House of Delegates
The New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) held its 127th Annual House of Delegates (HOD) this past weekend in Glens Falls, NY. Nicholas D’Angelo, DPM was sworn in as its new president by Past President Andy Shapiro, DPM. Kurt Relation, DPM, Division President of the Northeast Division, was elected to the NYSPMA Board. Jackie Prevete, DPM and Daniel Smith, DPM were re-elected to the NYSPMA Board.
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(L-R) Drs. Andy Shapiro and Nick D'Angelo |
Special guests at this year’s HOD included Brooke Brisbee, DPM, APMA President, Ms. Meghan McClelland, APMA Executive Director and Mike Trepal, DPM, Dean/Vice President of New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University. Patricia Nicholas, DPM, a past president served as this year’s Parliamentarian. Additionally, thousands of dollars were raised for both the APMA and NYSPMA PACs.
04/28/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
MPMA Elects New Officers
The Maryland Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) recently held elections.
The following officers were elected:
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Dr. Priya Parthasarathy |
President- Priya Parthasarathy, DPM
President-elect- Erika Schwartz, DPM
Treasurer- Alex Lackner, DPM
Secretary-Brandon Blanken, DPM
Past President- Adam Lowy, DPM
03/12/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
SCPMA Holds “Podiatry Day at the Statehouse”
The South Carolina Podiatric Medical Association (SCPMA) held the first annual SCPMA “Podiatry Day at the Statehouse” in Columbia on March 5th. The purpose of this event was to promote and educate the legislators on podiatric medicine. Senator Danny Verdin and Representative Leon Howard introduced and welcomed the podiatrists who were in attendance before the full House and Senate.
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SCPMA Holds “Podiatry Day at the Statehouse” |
The DPMs listed below attended and helped make this event a success. Drs. Will Harris, Jamelah Lemon, Keyoka Smith, William Long, Terryn Giles, Chad Bracey, Anthony Mathis, Brandon Percival, Katlin O’Hara, Heather Driessen, Misty Lee, David Somers, Renee Hutto-Altman, Annette Joyce, Alan Block, Michelle Butterworth, Kevin Ray, and Trent Prioleau.
02/15/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
PPMA Announces New President
Jane Pontious, DPM, a podiatrist employed by Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in The City of Philadelphia, was elected as President of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association (PPMA) by a statewide group of podiatrists. Dr. Pontious was sworn into office this past November in King of Prussia, PA by Past President, Jan Golden, DPM.
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Dr. Jane Pontious |
Dr. Pontious received her degree from Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine (now TUSPM) and completed her residency at the Metropolitan Hospital Central Division in Philadelphia.
01/31/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
NCFAS Awards Eleanor Upton Volunteer Award to NC Podiatrist
The North Carolina Foot and Ankle Society (NCFAS) recently awarded the Eleanor Upton Volunteer award to Kevin McDonald, DPM for nineteen years of service to the Society. Eleanor Upton served as the executive director of the North Carolina Foot & Ankle Society for thirty years, 1982-2012.
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(L-R) Jean Kirk and Dr. Kevin McDonald |
“Eleanor Upton had a zest for living that few could match. Receiving an award with her name on it truly means a lot. North Carolina is a great place to be a podiatrist,” said Dr. McDonald. The award was presented by Jean Kirk, Society Administrator.
01/29/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
PPMA Announces Annual Award Winners Contributing to Podiatric Excellence
The Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association (PPMA) has announced the following awards to members and supporters who have contributed to the excellence of podiatry. The recipients were recently honored in King of Prussia, PA, where Executive Director Mike Barth presented the awards.
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(L-R) Drs. Alessandro Smeraldi, Lesly Robinson, Karen Campbell, Pete Smith, Ms. Jeannette Louise, and Dr. Jeffrey Zimmerman. |
The name of the Award and The Award Recipients are as follows:
Edward L. McQuaid Distinguished Service Award: Lesly Robinson, DPM
Leonard Portnoy, and Maryann Hartzell, DPM
Special Recognition (Healthcare Practitioner): Alessandro Smeraldi, MD
Special Recognition: Layperson Jeannette Louise
Pioneer of Podiatry: Karen Campbell, DPM
Award of Excellence: Pete Smith, DPM
Rising Star Award: Jeffery Zimmerman, DPM
01/23/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
NC Podiatrist Receives the Edwin B. Martin, Jr. Award
On January 18, 2025, Jane Andersen, DPM was presented with the Edwin B. Martin, Jr. Award acknowledging her as the Podiatrist of the Year. Dr. Andersen was recognized for her continued commitment to student mentorship and recruitment, her dedication to her profession, and her history of service to the North Carolina Foot & Ankle Society.
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(L-R) Drs. Dekarlos Dial, Jane Andersen, and James Judge |
The North Carolina Podiatrist of the Year Award has been awarded to deserving podiatric physicians since the early 1980’s. In 1987, following the untimely death of Dr. Martin, the award was changed to bear his name. Dr. Andersen practices in Chapel Hill with her husband, Alan Bocko, DPM. The award was presented by James Judge, DPM, and Dekarlos Dial, DPM, previous award recipients.
01/13/2025
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
CA Podiatrist is New Executive Director of CPMA
Michael Cornelison, DPM of Loa Gatos, CA has assumed the role of Executive Director of the California Podiatric Medical Association CPMA). Dr. Cornelison is a graduate of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. He previously served as president of the California Podiatric Medical Association.
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Dr. Michael Cornelison |
Dr. Cornelison is a partner of Balance Health and is a past president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
12/06/2024
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
NY Podiatrist Receives 8th Annual Ronald L. Soave Award
On December 3, 2024 Jeffrey Falcone, DPM was presented the eighth Annual Ronald L. Soave, DPM Integrity and Excellence in Podiatry Award at the New York State Podiatric Medicine (NYSPMA) Downstate Meeting. The inscription on the award reads as follows: “In recognition for your time and dedication to the podiatric profession and for your outstanding leadership in the NYSPMA.” Dr. Falcone is a past president of Kings Division, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of NYSPMA.
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(L-R) Drs. Ronald Soave, Jeffrey Falcone, and Corrine Renne Landau |
The award was presented by the Award Founder Corrine E. Renne Landau, DPM and Dr. Soave. The event was emceed by Michael Felley, DPM. In attendance were many other members of NYSPMA as well as Dr. Falcone's wife Darcy and his daughter Olivia.
11/25/2024
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
OHFAMA Elects 2025 Executive Committee
During the recent Ohio Foot and Ankle Medical Association (OHFAMA) Annual Business Meeting, the following members were elected as the Executive Committee for 2025:
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(L-R) Drs. Adam Thomas, Amy Masowick, Martin Lesnak, Joy Rowland, and Thom Arnold |
President: Martin Lesnak, DPM
First Vice President: Joy Rowland, DPM
Second Vice President: Amy Masowick, DPM
Secretary/Treasurer: Adam Thomas, DPM
Immediate Past President: Thom Arnold, DPM
08/09/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS)
From: Chris Robertozzi, DPM
Congratulations and best of luck to Dr. Jon Hultman as he retires as Executive Director from CPMA! Jon is not just a superstar for CPMA but also APMA. Back in the ‘90s, he was a significant contributor to the Health Systems Committee. He helped the APMA members understand about capitation. His book, Here’s How Doctor, taught us how to survive in the new healthcare market of HMOs and PPOs. Jon taught me a lot when we were on the Health Systems Committee together and for many years thereafter. Thank you for all you have done to move our great profession forward.
Dr. Michael Cornelison, good luck in your new role at CPMA. History tells us that you’ll do a great job as you have done with every other position you have held in our profession.
Chris Robertozzi, DPM, Newton, NJ
08/05/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS)
From: Lloyd Smith, DPM
Seeing 3 icons of our profession mentioned in one blog deserves a few comments. Having them all come from California is not a surprise. Having them all as friends has been my privilege. Jon Hultman has been a determined and committed leader in California. He solidified a state with much controversy and has kept the state focused on our collective key priorities. He was always a wise counsel to me through the years.
Jeff DeSantis was introduced to me at the APMA House of Delegates years ago as the best leader to come from California in years. I was privileged to give his nominating speech as he became an APMA Trustee and eventually our President. He has become a dear friend and colleague.
Lyman Wilson was always a quiet leader and great sounding board on many controversial issues of each House. I will never forget his warmth and wisdom. We should all salute these three gentlemen.
Lloyd Smith, DPM, Newton, MA
08/02/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS)
From: Gary Dorfman, DPM
In my opinion, Jon Hultman is the best thing that ever happened to California podiatry. He was the “glue” that put a fractured and floundering association back together again during tumultuous times for CCPM and the state association. His forward and progressive leadership is unmatched both societally, professionally, inter-professionally, and politically. Jon, I know that you will not just fade away into retirement; podiatry needs you. Thank you for the amazing work you have done for us.
And to Michael, best of luck to you as our new Executive Director. Excuse the pun but, you have “big shoes to fill.”
Gary Dorfman, DPM, Dana Point, CA
07/31/2024
APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS
A Changing of the Guard at CPMA
After dedicating over two decades of his life in service to the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) as Executive Director, Jon A. Hultman, DPM, MBA, CVA, will step down from that position at the end of December 2024. Dr. Hultman’s tenure as CPMA's Executive Director is the longest in the Association's 112-year history. He was honored for his decades of service to CPMA's members, their patients, the Association, and the practice of podiatric medicine as a healing art during the California Podiatric Medical Association's Annual House of Delegates this past June.
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(L-R) Drs. Michael Cornelison, Basil Besh, and Jon Hultman |
Though stepping away from the role of Executive Director and the organization's day-to-day operations, Dr. Hultman will remain actively engaged with CPMA as the Association pursues its primary objective – PARITY! He will also continue his practice management and consulting services. Beginning January 1, 2025, CPMA and ACFAS (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons) Past President Michael J. Cornelison, DPM will take over the Executive Director reigns at CPMA.
07/18/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (APMA STATE COMPONENT NEWS)
From: Lloyd Smith, DPM
Phong was one of the most impressive residents I had the privilege to work with. By his third year, he was among the best. I was disappointed he moved to California.
Congratulations Phong.
Lloyd Smith, DPM, Newton, MA
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