Neal Kramer, DPM, was introduced to medicine early in life by his father, a cardiologist. His father was a patient of a podiatrist. Kramer began accompanying him to appointments, and saw that podiatry was a great profession, as he could help patients feel better, without the disappointments that his father faced when he lost a patient.

He became a podiatrist, and his patients provided feedback as to how the foot and ankle care he provided had enhanced their quality of life and allowed them to do things they previously couldn't, proving that he made the right choice!

Dr. Kramer joined PPMA. He increased his involvement by serving on committees and the board of directors, which provided opportunities to build relationships and serve the podiatric community, as well as address problems, including access to affordable professional liability coverage. 
He played a pivotal role as part of a group of professionals collaborating with PICA and Dr. Ross Taubman to establish PMAP, which enabled PPMA members to save thousands of dollars throughout their careers by accessing professional liability coverage. Through his involvement in this initiative, he expanded his knowledge of risk management, which proved beneficial as he operated his private practice. His leadership history includes roles as President of PPMA, PMAP (Podiatric Medical Assurance of Pa), and PMAA (Podiatric Medical Assurance of America.

In addition to his involvement with our association, Dr. Kramer has generously donated a significant portion of his free time, utilizing his skill set and talents to serve his community at large. He has volunteered at the local men's homeless mission for the last 10 years of his practice. In doing so, he discovered that foot care is the most requested medical service by this group. By addressing their foot issues, these men were better able to get their lives back on track. They were able to secure employment and rebuild their lives.

As he approached retirement years, he says he has always heard that "you will know when it is time to get out". For him, this served to be true after practicing for about 48 years. It doesn't mean that he does not miss seeing his patients!

"PPMA has played a huge role in my professional and personal life," states Neal Kramer, DPM, a PPMA Life Member.

PPMA is delighted to learn that Dr. Kramer is enjoying his retirement, spending more time with his wife and family, and dedicating himself to activities such as tennis and pickleball. We appreciate everything he has done for our association, his patients, and the local community. He has surely led a fulfilling career in podiatry that students and young podiatrists can look to for inspiration.

PPMA has several members for whom podiatry has become a family affair. This Father's Day, we are proud to pay tribute to these members. 

Member Gretchen Perschke, DPM, and her father Timothy Perschke, DPM share the passion for podiatry.

Lifetime member, Dr. Joseph Pasquino was attending graduate school in Cleveland, Ohio, when he was first introduced to the world of podiatry.

While investigating the intricacies of obtaining an Earth Shoe franchise, Dr. Pasquino visited the Clinical Director at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine). He wanted to understand the biomechanics and effects of the Earth Shoe’s negative heel. Encouraged to seek a career in podiatry, he continued his path. He relocated to Southern California to pursue his plans of owning an Earth Shoe franchise.

Several years later, while running on the beach on the West Coast, he engaged with a podiatrist lecturing on running shoes and sports injuries. He was intrigued. After shadowing this podiatrist and further investigating a podiatrist career, Dr. Pasquino was confident that he had found podiatry to be a “good fit.” He reconnected with the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM) Clinical Director, who enthusiastically encouraged him to enroll.

While at OCPM, he became involved in the Ohio Podiatric Medical Students’ Association. This experience began a path of involvement that led to building a network that supported Dr. Pasquino’s podiatric career, as Dr. Pasquino furthered his involvement in organizations serving in leadership roles. Ironically, he later served on the Board of Trustees at the school.

Dr. Pasquino completed his residency training at the James C. Gioffre Medical Center in Philadelphia, where he studied with and was mentored by some of PPMA’s future leaders. Under the mentorship of Dr. John Mattiacci, his interest in leadership was further piqued. This vital connection resurfaced later in his career as he was introduced to the First National Guild for Healthcare Providers of the Lower Extremity (OPEIU, Guild 45).

Upon completing his residency, he relocated to Pittsburgh, where he opened a practice. Dr. Pasquino started his practice from scratch, getting off the ground with a line of credit. He possessed robust confidence in his endeavor. Like many podiatrists who started their own practice, he learned the business piece on the job. It took four years for his practice to begin being profitable.

The key to his success was getting involved in his community and networking. He slowly and purposely built a thriving practice by getting deeply involved in the local community, hospitals, and service organizations. In giving his time, he raised awareness of the benefits of Podiatry within his community and grew his practice.

Dr. Pasquino recognized the need to both educate and inspire others.

Dr. Pasquino felt the need to invest in his people in-house by making continuing education a part of his practice culture, ensuring continuing education was an employee benefit that his workforce could take advantage of. As a result of these practices and at his urging, many of his employees enjoyed successful careers in nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, medicine, and veterinary medicine.

He introduced others to podiatry by lecturing at high schools and colleges, encouraging young students to shadow and observe him in practice and surgery.

For decades, he participated as an instructor, moderator, and adjunct faculty member for several Podiatric and medical residency programs and hospitals.

As his practice grew, he renewed his thirst for advocacy and “giving back”. Dr. Pasquino initially served locally (Pittsburgh, PA), holding offices and positions in the PPMA, hospital boards, and service organizations. This eventually led to more prominent roles at the state and national levels (Past President of PPMA, Board Member of the William L Goldfarb Foundation). This allowed him to expand his professional influence and network, forming alliances with like-minded Podiatrists and leaders nationwide.

He enjoyed participating in the early developmental stages of the Guild and the John Yurconic agency and being a longtime delegate, PAC, and PA coordinator of the APMA.

 About ten years before his retirement, he sold his practice to an extensive, multi-specialty medical practice. He remained employed there, functioning as Department Chief and Board member.

This past year, Dr. Pasquino retired but remained active in podiatry and his community.

Dr. Pasquino is an ambassador who recruits and mentors’ young Pennsylvanian podiatrists to serve the PPMA.

A volunteer in his local community, he volunteers his Podiatric services twice a month for a free clinic. He serves on several Boards in the Pittsburgh community, including the Civic Light Opera, Medical Bureau, American Diabetes Association, and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

Dr. Pasquino enjoys traveling, dining, and spending precious time with his family.

In reflecting on his career choice, he responds with great enthusiasm: “Podiatry offers the opportunity to build great relationships. It allowed me to grow and hone professional and social skills while providing valuable service to individuals and communities. It allowed me to improve my life while learning humility and self-worth.” He adds that what he best likes about podiatry is that “I liked helping others.”

Dr. Pasquino lives in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He is an active consultant in the PPMA and the Goldfarb Foundation, and continues to serves on the Board of OPEIU, Guild 45.

PPMA recognizes the contributions of life members to the organization and our profession.

PPMA recently recognized Karen Campbell, DPM, as a Pioneer in Podiatry, an award reserved for life members who give back to advance the profession. We caught up with Dr. Campbell as she shared her heart-warming story of her vast achievements.

Campbell entered PCPM (now TUSPM) in 1983, five years after receiving a Biology degree and working in the Bursar's Office at Wilkes University. She sought a rewarding career with work-life balance and chose the podiatric career path over a medical doctor. She would shortly learn how worthwhile this would be, but first, she had to get through school, to which she lived in a neighboring apartment with roommates and, on weekends, drove home to Northeastern Pennsylvania to be with her devoted husband. Less than 20% of her graduating podiatry school class was female.

Campbell entered into a workforce whose culture included one that women could have it all and yet were still struggling with negative behaviors from male peers that included sexual harassment being commonplace.

Dr. Campbell continued her podiatry career journey by taking a leap of faith when she accessed her home's equity to secure a business loan to open her practice. With her faith, her husband's support, and hard work, they made a go of it, so much so that a second location followed.

Her practice focused on her patients, and she chose to be nonsurgical DPM.

Giving back to patients and the community was almost second nature for Campbell, as she did home visits, nursing home care, and general office podiatry. She appreciated the opportunity to provide podiatry screenings, health fairs, speeches to senior groups, and nursing home services. Campbell welcomed students to shadow her so they could learn how rewarding a career could be for them.

Dr. Campbell has volunteered with PPMA and The Goldfarb Foundation since Bill Goldfarb's days as a Student AV Assistant. She's been providing service for nearly 40 years! Some of our members may recognize her as the smiling face greeting participants at our conferences or as the lady providing the CME scans.

A true giver in the field of podiatry and honoree of the Pioneer in Podiatry Award, Dr. Campbell has found the area of service that best suits her personality and skillset. She encourages those who want to get involved more to find a location that speaks to them, whether it be advocacy, student recruitment, or her passion for providing administrative support. "We gain so much when we give," says Campbell.

Dr. Campbell is now retired from the two practices she operated until the end of her career and sold. She is enjoying this time in her life with her husband of over 50 years, Don, and her daughter, Laura. Members attending the upcoming Region Three Meeting or the Annual Clinical Conference may wish her congratulations for her outstanding achievements in the podiatric profession. We appreciate sharing her contributions to what was a rewarding career of one of our life members.

Are you a life member who wants to share your story with PPMA and its members? Contact our office to learn more.

Dr. Jeffrey E. Miller DPM, DABPS recognized by MONTCO as the Best Podiatrist 2021-22-23-24

Congratulations! PPMA is proud of you!