The Goldfarb Foundation, the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association’s educational component, celebrated its 20th year of hosting “The Montana Meeting.” The Montana Meeting offers continuing education credits in one of the top fishing destinations in the United States: Missoula, Montana. The optional fishing excursion at the meeting has been a draw for podiatrists. The meeting also serves as a group travel event for non-podiatrists who appreciate the well-organized excursions in beautiful Montana.

When Dr. Edwin Hart III had an innovative idea to create an event for The Goldfarb Foundation that had never been done before, he placed a random call seeking the expertise of a fishing guide. The recipient of this call was Russell Parks. Russell was tasked with creating an unforgettable experience on the water just outside The Goldfarb Foundation's educational meeting. The fly-fishing guide created a memorable experience for experienced outdoor enthusiasts and newcomers alike, which has become an annual event that many look forward to. 

We caught up with Russell Parks of Fly Fishing Outfitters of Missoula, Montana, to ask him why podiatrists should go on this trip scheduled this year to take place September 23rd through September 27th, as he has been the tenured guide of this trip, responsible for cultivating memories that our members have appreciated, along with Event Chair Edwin Hart III, DPM. He tells us “With hundreds of miles of water at our fingertips, we never run out of fishing options for the clients we provide fishing instruction to,” including The Goldfarb Foundation’s group. 

Russell is no stranger to the great outdoors. He has been fly fishing since the young age of 12 in Texas and has lived and worked in Montana for 26 years, passing along his tips to our participants appreciating the guided expertise he provides.  

Those considering booking this event should know they can attend alone or bring their family and friends. While education is at the center of this activity, many attendees are non-DPMs and not even doctors. Continuing education credits are available for those DPMs who wish to earn them at a reasonable price. Russell says, “This is a great opportunity for podiatrists to not only get their continuing education credits but get that recharge that we all need in our lives. Rest and Relaxation, combined with meeting requirements, seems like a fantastic setup that we are glad to provide.”

Guests will arrive via the newly remodeled Missoula Airport, and accommodations are at the DoubleTree Missoula-Edgewater, which is ten minutes from the fishing excursions. The event is chaired by Dr. Hart, who ensures guests have the experience of a lifetime while also running a well-organized event. Dr. Hart encourages anyone considering attending to "make their reservations and plan to renew themselves, while leaving surprised that you picked up a new sport! “Tracey Vlahovic, a regular lecturer for The Goldfarb Foundation, left this meeting doing just that after being recognized for catching the biggest fish in the group!

For those still on the fence about trying something new, Russell encourages you to come out and have fun, without worrying about expectations- “you do not need any fishing experience to attend the Montana Meeting.” He is dedicated to teaching rookies and experienced enthusiasts to learn something new and have fun. It is a great way to spend time in the beautiful outdoors, make memories, and strengthen your network - all while fulfilling educational requirements. 

To learn more about September’s event, “The Montana Meeting,” visit https://www.goldfarbfoundation.org/CME-Meetings/2026-Montana-Meeting. Information about Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters can be found at https://missoulaflyfishingoutfitters.com/.