APMA News - March/April 2019 - 19

President Edwards' Inaugural Speech

come obstacles, and then not being content with their individual progress alone, ensure that the path is marked, guideposts are established, and insights are passed along for those
who will follow."
We continue as a profession to break down barriers, overcome obstacles, and build relationships. From a relationship
standpoint, we are grateful to have obtained official observer
status at the AMA House of Delegates and enjoy a similarly
strong ongoing relationship with the AOA and its HOD. We
appreciated hearing from them at the opening of our HOD
yesterday. We have fostered strong professional relationships
with the American Diabetes Association, the Society for Vascular Surgery, the Society of Interventional Radiology, and the
American Academy of Family Physicians.
As part of an ongoing task force, we met at APMA headquarters last month with the leadership from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Association of

doing and leadership roles they are assuming give me great
confidence in the future.
We also need trailblazers who can mark the path, and that
is part of what you do in this House of Delegates. You show the
way and pass on vital pioneering secrets.
We should be thankful for those pioneers who have helped
pave the way for the prosperity and opportunity of today.
Then we should strive to leave the ultimate legacy to our families and communities and profession: a well-marked trail.
Just one block down the street, on the corner of Pennsylvania and 15th, is a monument in the sidewalk known as "The
Extra Mile." Built in 2005 by the Points of Light Foundation,
which was founded by President George H.W. Bush, the Points
of Light Pathway honors individuals who set aside self-interest
and went "The Extra Mile." It tells the story of great Americans
who, at personal sacrifice, proved that one person can make a
difference. It marks that trail of self-sacrifice with medallions

We cannot let up in continuing to strengthen
our relationships in all areas involving our profession.
Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the American Orthopaedic Foot
and Ankle Society. The intent of our task force is to address
common issues and strategize together.
We cannot let up in continuing to strengthen our relationships in all areas involving our profession.
I love these words from the address President John F. Kennedy never got to deliver in Dallas on November 22, 1963,
the day of his assassination: "If we are strong, our strength
will speak for itself. If we are weak, words will be no help."
We must continue to lead in strength. To that end, know I
am committed.
"The rugged individualism of America often suggests that
pioneers have to forge ahead on their own-isolated and alone.
But true pioneers take the time to leave some insight and wisdom for those who will come later and who will choose an
equally difficult path."
I like the African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together."
We often say that we are too small a profession to be divided in any way. Our strength and hope are in continuing to
stand together.
"There is little doubt that the greatest legacy a person can
leave is found in the principles and lessons they pass along to
the next generation. Nothing is more rewarding or satisfying
than helping others by making their pioneering journey a little easier."
Our world and our profession need new pioneers. Our
young physicians coming into practice leave me no doubt they
will continue to forge a path for podiatry. The work they are

set in the walkway, paying tribute to individuals such as:
Frederick Douglass, a key architect of the movement to
end slavery;
Susan B. Anthony, an instrumental suffragist who fought
to allow women the right to vote;
Cesar Chavez, who advocated for a better life for migrant farm workers;
Paul Harris, who pioneered the service club movement
and the concept of service above self, and was the founder of Rotary International; and
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement
leader.

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Just a short distance away [from The Extra Mile], on the
edge of the Tidal Basin, is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. There, etched in stone, is one of his great quotes: "The
ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments
of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of
challenge and controversy."
I've tried to live true to that sentiment in my service to
APMA. To lead in times of challenge. To leave an easier path for
those who come behind. To embody the pioneering spirit of
both my ancestors and my profession.
I hope you will join me this year in giving thanks for the
trailblazers of the past, embracing the challenges of the present, and designing a bold plan for the future.
Thank you!
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APMA News March/April 2019

APMA News - March/April 2019

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