APMA News - February 2012 - (Page 16)

APMA by the Decade: 1922–1931 Throughout 2012, APMA’s publications will celebrate the rich heritage of the podiatric medical profession and its professional organization. Each month in APMA News, we will focus on one decade of APMA’s history. A t the inception of its second decade, the National Association of Chiropodists (NAC, predecessor to APMA) was growing steadily. Despite weathering a world war (in which many of its members had served), the young association was making steady progress. The NAC placed an early focus on state advocacy, asking members to approach their state legislatures to request laws regulating the professional practice of chiropody. By 1923, 25 states had achieved such laws. The NAC was resolute in its efforts to secure recognition for chiropody as a profession rather than a trade. The association advised its members to pattern their behavior after ethical allopathic physicians in their communities. Already these early pioneers were seeking their rightful place in the medical profession. An ad from “The Journal of the National Association of Chiropodists,” early 1920s. Foot exam, circa 1920s. Science and education also were part of the NAC’s early agenda. In 1922, the association purchased Pedic Items (an early journal) and rechristened it the Journal of the National Association of Chiropodists. That year, the Council on Education also began its first college accreditation activities. Harry Clifton, the fifth president of the NAC, chaired the council during this era. Clifton set minimum standards for the curriculum and requirements for numbers of allopathic physicians and chiropodists on the faculty at each chiropody school. He launched a classification system for the schools in order to help the schools comply with the council’s educational requirements. Students at Class A and B schools had to complete four years of high school educa16 APMA News February 2012 tion and a two- to three-year course of chiropody education, including clinical work. Clifton continued to elevate the council’s standards, and no school ever earned his A. On October 29, 1929, the US stock market collapsed. Black Tuesday marked the beginning of the Great Depression, and, like most Americans, chiropodists were not unscathed. The Council on Education was forced to tighten educational requirements and scale back class sizes due to dwindling funds at the chiropody schools, and students of chiropody faced greater competition as students at failing allopathic medical schools turned to chiropody. At the close of its second decade, despite hardships, the NAC had made significant strides in elevating the profession, enhancing educational requirements, and organizing its members. In the next decade, the nation’s podiatrists again would be called to service to “keep America marching” during World War II, and the NAC would continue to seek improvements for its members. Watch for APMA by the Decades: 1932–1941 in the March issue of APMA News. Visit www.apma.org to learn more about how APMA’s first century is shaping a promising future for podiatric medicine. And don’t forget to register for the 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting (The National) in Washington, DC, where we’ll celebrate the 100th Anniversary with a gala event featuring comedian Frank Caliendo. Register today at www.apma.org/the national for early-bird rates! n http://www.apma.org http://www.apma.org/thenational http://www.apma.org/thenational

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - February 2012

APMA News - February 2012
President’s Message
Contents
APMA Social Media: 2011 Success and 2012 Stategy
The National in 2012: Celebrating 100 Years Advancing Podiatric Medicine
APMA By the Decade: 1922–1931
Profiles in Progress: Student Recruitment
2011 Podiatric Practice Survey: Sources for Patient Referrals
Confronting the Residency Shortage
Reimbursement
Federal Advocacy Forum
APMAPAC Chair Report
IT Consultant
Website Wisdom
Technofile
Young Voices
Small Business 101
APMA All Stars
Awards Nominations
In Short
Worthy of Note
Resolutions Submissions
Affiliates Corner
List of Affiliated Organizations
Insurance Advisor
New Members
Death Notices
Annual Scientifi c Meeting Registration Form
Annual Scientific Meeting Sponsors
APMAPAC Update
Development Update
Classified Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
10 Questions

APMA News - February 2012