APMA News - May/June 2021 - 16

SPECIAL FOUNDATION SECTION
A Letter from the Foundation President
" If we don't push forward, we're falling behind. "
- Sam Waterston
In the past few decades, we've made tremendous progress in ensuring that our fi eld is both respected
and necessary. I'm so proud of the work we've done in this regard. However, the work is never
truly fi nished. When I look at our profession, I see opportunities for improvement that begin with us
and are carried on by future generations.
When I started to think about my upcoming tenure as foundation president, it was of utmost importance
to me that we allocate space, time, and other resources to increasing diversity and equity in
our profession.
It's one thing to make a statement about where we need to be headed. It's another,
more important, thing to serve ourselves, our colleagues, and our patients with actionable change.
I like to think of 2021 as a time to pay it forward-to make it possible for podiatric students to afford
and thrive at medical school while honoring those who paved our way. To kick things off, I'm
paying it forward by honoring two of my personal heroes. First, I am honoring my mother-in-law
Dorothy Meyer, who was loving and gracious to all who knew her. Second, I'm honoring my mother
Anne-Marie Pickard, who remains optimistic about the future her grandchildren will experience.
Like my mother, I'm optimistic about the future. I'm confi dent in the ability of our profession to advance. I'm also confi dent
in the direction our fi eld is headed thanks to the great minds coming out of the nine schools of podiatric medicine. I've spoken
to dozens of students in recent months, all from different backgrounds with lofty goals, and one thing is certain: The need for
fi nancial support is greater than ever. Our students are the future, and I believe it's our responsibility to support and mentor
those very students. In helping our students, we really celebrate the progress we've made while acknowledging the room we have
yet to grow.
I'm looking forward to seeing this profession continue to advance at the hands of the brilliant individuals currently pursuing
degrees in podiatric medicine. I hope you will join me in celebrating our successes while fostering theirs.
Laura J. Pickard, DPM
A Letter from the Executive Director
This year, the APMA Educational Foundation aims to support those who have demonstrated unrivaled
perseverance and tenacity-our podiatric students. We receive letters from students every week
detailing their demanding schedules, growing families, and fi nancial hardships.
Annually, the foundation awards more than 200 outstanding third- and fourth-year podiatric medical
students with scholarships. This group of students represents the future of our fi eld. Scholarships
awarded from the APMA Educational Foundation Student Scholarship Fund make a noticeable difference
to the deserving podiatric students we recognize year after year.
A gift to the foundation helps to alleviate one of the largest stressors for rising podiatric physicians.
Your support is crucial to the success of our fi eld. Please consider making a difference in a student's
life-and yours-by making a gift to the foundation today.
James R. Christina, DPM
16 APMA News May/June 2021

APMA News - May/June 2021

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