APMA News - July/August 2012 - (Page 24)

Congressional Record PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE Vol. 158 112th CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION No. 80 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012 House of Representatives CONGRATULATING THE AMERICAN PODIATRIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ON ITS 100th ANNIVERSARY Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the American Podiatric Medical Association on its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), located in Bethesda, is the nation's leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), and the preeminent trade association representing podiatric medicine and surgery. I am very proud that the APMA's national headquarters is in Maryland's Eighth Congressional district. DPMs, also known as podiatrists, are recognized as physicians and surgeons, qualified by their education, training and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of podiatric medical education at an accredited podiatric medical college, and at least three years of hospital residency training. In short, Mr. Speaker, podiatric medicine is to the foot and ankle what ophthalmology is to the eye, cardiology is to the heart, or otolaryngology is to the ear, nose, and throat. Podiatric medicine has witnessed a tremendous evolution over the past 100 years, and podiatrists are now the preeminent providers of foot and ankle care. On July 1, 1912, 225 charter members gathered at the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago to organize a national association dedicated to the needs of practicing chiropodists. Today, what began as the National Association of Chiropodists is the American Podiatric Medical Association, home to more than 12,000 member podiatrists. APMA has 53 component organizations across the United States and its territories, and all practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. It seems at times that many Americans may not think about podiatrists until they experience foot or ankle problems. But we should be thankful that we have the expertise of thousands of podiatric physicians throughout the country as focused and dedicated medical professionals, medical professionals who really do help keep America walking. Within the field of podiatric medicine and surgery, podiatrists can focus on specialty areas such as surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, or primary care. Podiatric physicians routinely perform comprehensive medical history and physical examinations; prescribe drugs and order and perform physical therapy; perform basic and complex reconstructive surgery; repair fractures and treat sports-related injuries; prescribe and fit orthotics, insoles, and custom-made shoes; and perform and interpret X-rays and other imaging studies. Mr. Speaker, an individual's feet often reveal indicators of that individual's overall health. The feet are affected by chronic diseases leading to decreased mobility and disability for individuals already in poor health. Arthritis, diabetes, and neurologic and circulatory disorders can all have an effect on our feet. Therefore, we must ensure that all individuals receive the expert foot care they need regardless of their disability status or expected longevity, and at all stages in their lives. In a 2010 survey by APMA, 50 percent of Americans indicated that they experience foot pain and discomfort. The same survey found that those who had foot pain were much more likely to experience problems in other areas of the body. Specifically, 65 percent of Americans who were overweight experienced regular foot pain, 32 percent with foot pain also had circulatory problems, and 20 percent of Americans with foot pain suffered from heart problems. The connection between chronic diseases and foot pain is not coincidental. Foot pain, regardless of its cause, can limit the mobility of individuals and contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle and the onset of numerous chronic conditions. Medically necessary care provided by podiatrists can reduce the risk of and prevent complications from diabetes as well as other diseases, while at the same time offer savings to our heavily burdened health care system. A recent study conducted by Thomson Reuters indicates that foot and ankle care furnished by podiatric physicians improves patient health and has a positive return on investment. According to the study, patients with diabetes presenting with foot ulcers who see podiatrists are less likely to suffer hospitalization or amputation than patients who had not received care from a podiatrist. Moreover, the study found that each dollar invested in care furnished by podiatric physicians offers the payer up to $51 in savings. In its first century, APMA has served the nation through two world wars and other conflicts; helped standardize and enhance educational standards; promoted the profession to patients and the public; and built lasting relationships with other medical specialties. The association regularly hosts medical and scientific meetings dedicated to highlighting and disseminating research findings and clinical advances in the prevention, detection, treatment, and the cure of foot, ankle and related conditions. And it continues to meet its clinical and scientific mission through its publication of academic journals and clinical statements on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of foot and ankle disorders; through providing continuing medical education in foot and ankle care; and through consumer education on foot and ankle health. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating the American Podiatric Medical Association on its 100th anniversary, and in recognizing its members' significant service and contributions to our country's health-care delivery system. 24 APMA News July/August 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - July/August 2012

APMA News - July/August 2012
President’s Message
Contents
Innovative, Intuitive, Inventive
Health Policy & Practice Committees Meet to Address Issues Facing Podiatrists
MPMA Instrumental in Uncovering Health-care Fraud
Does the Media Still Matter?
Introducing APMA’s ACO Workgroup
APMA By the Decade
The US House of Representatives Recognizes APMA’s 100th Anniversary
2011 Podiatric Practice Survey
Profiles in Progress
Reimbursement
Federal Advocacy Forum
List of Cosponsors to the Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians Under Medicaid Act
APMAPAC Chair Report
IT Consultant
Technofile
Get 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting Coverage
Annual Scientific Meeting Preliminary Program
Annual Scientific Meeting Sponsors
Annual Scientific Meeting Registration Form
APMA All Stars
In Short
CPME Invitation for Comments
Worthy of Note
Call for Committee Nominations
Affiliates Corner
List of Affiliated Organizations
Insurance Advisor
Bylaws Propositions Due
New Members
Death Notices
APMAPAC Update
Development Update
Classified Advertising
Dates to Remember
Advertising Index
10 Questions
Your APMA
100th Anniversary Commemorative Section

APMA News - July/August 2012