APMA News - September 2011 - (Page 51)

APMA All Stars Brad Wenstrup, DPM: Podiatrist for Congress Armed with 13 years of military experience, 25plus years in the podiatric medical field, and quite the sense of humor, Brad Wenstrup, DPM, is ready for a new challenge. Dr. Wenstrup has announced he will run against Rep. Jean Schmidt in the Republican primary for Ohio’s Second Congressional District. After running a small business, working in health care for more than a quarter Brad Wenstrup, DPM of a century, and serving in the military since 1998, Dr. Wenstrup believes his background would be one of the most extensive in Washington. “The people in Congress are deciding what happens in the military and in the health-care field, and they are making decisions that affect small businesses, yet most of them don’t have experience in those areas,” he said. “I’m not getting any younger, but right now I have the energy and experiences to go for it.” Dr. Wenstrup already has plenty of experience serving our country. He was deployed to Iraq for 12 months and was the thankless task that many podiatrists don’t encounter in their medical careers. Despite the hardships of a lengthy deployment, Dr. Wenstrup remains positive and tries to maintain his sense of humor. When speaking with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) after returning from Iraq, Dr. Wenstrup was asked about Dr. Wenstrup in Iraq, while serving with the Army Reserve. whether or not he had any post-traumatic stress. “I didn’t have any post-traumatic stress until I got home and watched C-SPAN,” he joked. Dr. Wenstrup was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge for his actions, service, and leadership during his tour in Iraq. Dr. Wenstrup attributes his military success to podiatric medicine. “Podiatry got me where I am today,” he said. “I credit it for the opportunity of going into the military as an officer and rising in the ranks. Podiatry has been a great profession for me. I had great training from the get-go and credit those who taught me.” These days, Dr. Wenstrup serves as one of two podiatrists at Wellington Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine in his home town, Cincinnati. In addition to focusing on his career in podiatric medicine and his run for Congress, Dr. Wenstrup finds time to give back to his community. At 29, he became a Big Brother to a nine-year-old in Ohio, and he is still in touch with him today. “I’m 53, and yet I’m still playing softball with him, and his wife and kids come to the games,” Dr. Wenstrup said. “We still hang out together. It’s nice to see how great he is doing now.” In addition to volunteering with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization, serving on the board for Boys Hope/Girls Hope, and being a member of the Cincinnati Rotary, Dr. Wenstrup is also founder and president of Thank America First Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to honor and thank Americans throughout our history who have made the world a better place. Are you considering following in Dr. Wenstrup’s footsteps and becoming Army Strong? For more information about becoming an active or reserve podiatrist, visit www. goarmy.com. Dr. Wenstrup is an avid supporter of APMAPAC and the Ohio Podiatric Medical Association Legal Fund. APMAPAC is supporting Dr. Wenstrup in his bid for office. For more information about his campaign, visit www.usabrad.com. n APMA News September 2011 When speaking with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) after returning from Iraq, Dr. Wenstrup was asked about whether or not he had any posttraumatic stress. “I didn’t have any post-traumatic stress until I got home and watched C-SPAN,” he joked. chief of surgery with the 344th Combat Support Hospital in 2005–2006, an experience he recently discussed at the APMA Region IV Podiatry Conference. He also served as the assistant deputy commander of clinical services. Dr. Wenstrup has been told that there are only five podiatrists in the Army Reserve. Army Reserve MDs, DOs, and other health-care professionals are assigned 90-day deployments; however, podiatrists are not. As a result, Dr. Wenstrup served 15 months on active duty including his year in Iraq. His service was not easy. He recalls having to inform fellow troops when a soldier or marine didn’t survive. It’s a 51 http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/amedd-categories/medical-service-corps-jobs/podiatrist.html#reserve http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/amedd-categories/medical-service-corps-jobs/podiatrist.html#reserve http://www.usabrad.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - September 2011

APMA News - September 2011
President’s Message
Contents
Highlights from the 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting
Residency as a First Step to Parity
Residency Consortium Enhances Podiatric Medical Training
The Value of Building Relationships with Legislators
Reimbursement
Federal Advocacy Forum
IT Consultant
Can They Really Do That?
Members Who Know Media
Technofile
Young Voices
Small Business 101
CPME Update
APMAPAC Chair Report
APMA All Stars
In Short
Worthy of Note
Affiliates Corner
List of Affiliated Organizations
Insurance Advisor
New Members
Death Notices
APMAPAC Update
Bylaws Propositions Due
Development Update
Annual Scientific Meeting Sponsors
Classified Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
10 Questions

APMA News - September 2011