APMA News - November/December 2012 - (Page 76)

APMA All Stars Anna Marie Chwastiak, DPM, Makes Boomers Her Business For Anna Marie Chwastiak, DPM, Anna Marie mentioned that she was “carpe diem” is simply second nature. struggling with whether to pursue a full“I’ve never wanted to say, ‘I time career in medicine or journalism, should’ve…,’ so I’ve always grabbed evCouric offered some sage advice. “She ery opportunity and opened doors said, ‘Don’t be stupid. Journalists are a when offered to me,” she said. dime a dozen! You have a passion for two Dr. Chwastiak, better known as Dr. things in life. Combine them.’ So, that’s Anna Marie, has successfully combined what I did,” Dr. Anna Marie said. her love of medicine and journalism for Before coming to RLTV in February several decades, doing so with an infec2012, Dr. Anna Marie produced and retious energy that is a perfect match with ported health segments for The Weather her health program, “Your Life RedeChannel and local affiliates in Philadelfined with Dr. Anna Marie.” phia, Baltimore, and Hawaii. While she Airing on cable television network was fond of her previous work in broadRLTV, “Your Life Redefined” is aimed at casting, Dr. Anna Marie has found that “boomers,” those age 50 and over. As her work with RLTV allows her more Anna Marie Chwastiak, DPM the show’s host, Dr. Anna Marie—a poflexibility to practice podiatry in Central diatrist and graduate of the then-Pennsylvania College of PoFlorida, where she spends most of her time. diatric Medicine (now Temple University School of Podiatric “For a lot of the [elderly] patients I see, this is their day Medicine)—connects with the fastest-growing population in out,” said Dr. Anna Marie, who enjoys connecting face-toAmerica by sharing stories and providing unique insight on a face with the audience she speaks to on “Your Life Redefined.” variety of health issues specific to aging America. “If we can make them feel that their life is worth living, that’s “The current boomer generation is not slowing down. an integral part of being a podiatric physician.” They re-invent my excitement about my role in medicine,” When asked about what she finds most exciting about poshe said. This role includes promoting foot health awareness, diatric medicine in the 21st century, Dr. Anna Marie quickly and she appeared in television spots on the RLTV network emphasized the importance of the profession’s advancement. during November’s Diabetes Awareness Month to speak about “This is an exciting time in the profession. From a technolAPMA’s diabetes campaign and the role of a podiatrist in the ogy [standpoint], we have many doctors at the forefront—like overall health-care team. stem cell regeneration for wound healing. That’s what has in“Diabetes is now an epidemic, and we as podiatrists play spired me. I have a really positive outlook for the profession.” a part in stopping it,” she said, adding that she has attempted While continuing to practice medicine, appear on RLTV, to educate her medical colleagues in the media about how and operate her own Baltimore-based production studio, Dr. essential podiatrists are to the diabetes care team. “In the Anna Marie Productions, Dr. Anna Marie also has found time overall medical field, there really is a lack of knowledge about to give back to the community. She has volunteered for the today’s podiatrists. We play an integral part in the health-care American Heart Association and American Red Cross, as well team,” she said. as Maryland’s Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding Program. She A native of Reading, PA, Dr. Anna Marie has been wellconsiders all these activities opportunities to not only make traveled since graduating from podiatric medical school. Duran impact for others, but also improve herself. ing her residency, she took part in a surgical exchange pro“One of the best things is getting letters from viewers gram in the Italian cities of Milan, Rome, and Bologna. She thanking me for inspiring them to talk to their doctor,” she also spent time at a medical center in Hawaii, where her casaid. “Every person I’ve interviewed has defined me through reer path began to take shape. stories that have stayed in my heart: a blind person who has Dr. Anna Marie credits her brief but memorable relationship been empowered by their guide dog, or someone participatwith broadcaster Katie Couric for pushing her to keep medicine ing in the Special Olympics. All of these people have shown in mind. “While in Hawaii, I had taken a job as a production me that you only get to live once. The communications field assistant for the ‘Today’ show,” she said. “[Couric and I] had a has allowed me to become a better doctor by better underlot of great sit-downs there, talking about our lives.” When Dr. standing the people around me.” n 76 APMA News November/December 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - November/December 2012

APMA News - November/December 2012
President’s Message
Contents
United States of Diabetes
Corporate Partners and Members: A History of Generosity
Tradition of Leadership: APMA Executive Directors Move Podiatric Medicine Forward
100 Years of Chiropody History in the UK: A Personal View
Annual Scientifi c Meeting Registration Form
2012 Podiatric Practice Survey: Age and Gender by Practice Arrangement Type
APMA By the Decade: 2002–2012
Reimbursement
Federal Advocacy Forum
Cosponsors to the Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act
APMAPAC Contributions in the 2011–12 Election Year
APMAPAC Chair Report
IT Consultant
Website Wisdom
Technofi
Small Business 101
CPME Update
APMA All Stars
Resolutions Deadlines
In Short
Worthy of Note
Affi liates Corner
Insurance Advisor
New Members
Death Notices
APMAPAC Update
Classified Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
10 Questions
Your APMA

APMA News - November/December 2012