APMA News - November/December 2024 - 19

federal advocacy forum
knowledge, and expertise to this important cause.
These committee members are not only experts
in their clinical fields but also passionate advocates
for our profession. Every month, this dedicated
group convenes to review hundreds of legislative
proposals and policies, carefully analyzing each
piece of legislation to determine its potential impact
on podiatrists and the patients we serve.
The process is rigorous and thorough. The
committee evaluates whether APMA should support,
oppose, or suggest amendments to specific
bills, ensuring that our stance aligns with the best
interests of both our members and the public. This
comprehensive review often involves hours of
analysis, discussion, and collaboration. The time,
energy, and commitment these individuals invest
is a testament to their dedication to advancing
our profession. Without their hard work, podiatric
medicine would not have the strong, united voice
it does today in legislative circles.
The efforts of these volunteers are essential
to our collective success, but the importance
of engagement does not stop at the committee
level. Every podiatric physician has a role to play in
understanding and advocating for the issues that
impact our ability to provide care. It is crucial for
each of us to take the time to stay informed about
the legislation that influences the delivery of care
and the future of our profession. Whether it is a
bill that affects reimbursement, practice rights, or
patient access to services, we must all make the
effort to engage with these issues, learn how they
may affect our work, and contribute our voices to
advocacy efforts.
While the Legislative Committee is the backbone
of our advocacy efforts, its success depends
on participation of the entire APMA membership.
By educating ourselves and supporting advocacy
initiatives, we amplify the work done by the committee
and ensure that the voice of every podiatrist
is heard. These actions are how we collectively
protect our scope of practice and the quality of
care our patients receive. Our commitment to
advocacy today will determine the strength of our
profession tomorrow.
The individuals who serve on the Legislative
Committee represent a diverse cross-section of our
profession, bringing unique perspectives and expertise
to the table. I am proud to work alongside them,
and I want to recognize their contributions:
* Mark Block, DPM (FL)
* Roy DeFrancis, DPM (NY)
* Samuel Gorelik, DPM Young Physician (MA)
* Jondelle Jenkins, DPM (IL)
* Randy Kaplan, DPM APMAPAC Chair (MI)
* Karen Langone, DPM (NY)
* David Schweibish, DPM (FL)
* Jodie Sengstock, DPM (MI)
* Gary Stones, DPM (NY)
* Kiana Trent, DPM, Observer (MD)
* Nicholas Vang, Student (APMSA)
* Michael Davis, Special Expert (PA)
* Patrick DeHeer, DPM, Chair Emeritus (IN)
These individuals are instrumental to our legislative
efforts. They dedicate their time to ensure that
podiatrists have a voice in the legislative process
and that our concerns are heard by policymakers.
They are not only advocates but also educators,
helping APMA members understand the complexities
of health-care legislation and encouraging
them to get involved.
As the year draws to a close, we still have more
work ahead. Significant legislative challenges
remain, and the APMA Legislative Committee is
committed to addressing them with the same vigor
and determination it has demonstrated all year. But
to sustain this momentum, we need the support
of every podiatrist. I encourage you to take time
to educate yourself about the issues facing our
profession. Attend advocacy events, participate in
webinars, and read the legislative updates provided
by APMA. By staying informed, you empower
yourself to be an advocate for your patients and
your practice. Visit www.apma.org/eAdvocacy to
learn more and easily send pre-written letters to
your legislators.
When you see a member of the Legislative
Committee, please take a moment to thank them
and acknowledge their hard work. They volunteer
their time and expertise to advance our profession.
Your donations are critical to our success (visit
www.apma.org/donate). Legislative advocacy
requires resources, and we rely on the generous
support of our members to maintain a robust presence
in legislative discussions.
Our shared commitment to advocacy is what
will drive podiatric medicine forward. Together,
with the efforts of our dedicated committee and
the engagement of every podiatrist, we will continue
to safeguard the future of our profession and
the care we provide to our patients.
APMA.ORG
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APMA News - November/December 2024

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