PPMA September President's Message

As summer ends and the familiar rhythms of fall return, September offers an opportunity to renew our focus on our practices, our profession, and the importance of staying actively engaged with The Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association (PPMA).

Registration is now open for The Goldfarb Foundation's Annual Clinical Conference, taking place this November at its new location: The Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue. Since this is a license-renewal year, attendees can also participate in sessions designed to meet essential licensing requirements, including opioid education and mandated reporter training. I encourage you to take advantage of this convenient opportunity to fulfill these requirements while attending the conference.

Now is the time to plan. PPMA members in good standing who register by October 2nd can combine the member discount with early-bird pricing and save nearly $400.

Advocacy remains central to PPMA's mission, and we are actively advancing several legislative priorities that could significantly impact Pennsylvania's podiatrists and their patients. 

·        House Bill 2745, introduced by Representative Valerie Gaydos, would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact. The bill was referred to the House Professional Licensure Committee on August 24th. If enacted, the compact would create a more efficient pathway for qualified podiatrists to obtain licensure in participating states, while maintaining appropriate professional standards and state oversight. PPMA is working with lawmakers and key stakeholders to build support for HB 2745 and encourage the House Professional Licensure Committee to consider it. Board members will communicate directly with elected officials to ensure PPMA's perspective and the collective voice of Pennsylvania's podiatrists are heard. Through these efforts, we aspire to position Pennsylvania as a national leader and among the first states to adopt the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact.

·        Additionally, PPMA is advocating for an amendment to Act 74, the Fair Contracting for Health Care Practitioners Act. Act 74 prohibits enforcing most noncompete agreements involving certain physicians and other health care practitioners. PPMA is seeking equitable treatment for podiatrists by requesting their inclusion among the health care professionals protected under the law.

·        House Bill 1391, also sponsored by Representative Gaydos, represents another important legislative priority. This bill would require insurance to cover medically necessary custom-fabricated and custom-fitted orthotic and prosthetic devices for patients, with reimbursements that match Medicare rates, bringing fairness and equal access to all patients. The bill was referred to the House Insurance Committee. PPMA is educating lawmakers about the essential role podiatrists play in prescribing and providing these devices, as well as the importance of ensuring that patients have access to medically necessary, individualized care. We will continue to collaborate with Representative Gaydos, members of the House Insurance Committee, and other stakeholders to garner support for HB1391 and encourage its advancement.

We will monitor legislative priorities and keep you informed about opportunities to engage elected officials and add your voice to these efforts.

PPMA membership offers value beyond access to professional liability coverage and advocacy efforts. Our members have come to trust PPMA for resources throughout their careers, including discounted educational savings, practice management tools, and access to quality health insurance benefits for members and their immediate family members. PPMA membership benefits extend beyond work hours, offering discounts on travel and retail items. Personal discounts available include savings on recurring costs such as home and auto insurance that can add up.

We are also proud to invest in the future of podiatry by offering complimentary PPMA membership to podiatric students and podiatrists enrolled in Pennsylvania residency programs. I encourage every member to share this opportunity with a student, resident, program director, or colleague who works with the next generation of podiatrists. Engaging these emerging professionals early helps foster a lasting appreciation for professional involvement, education, advocacy, and the strength of speaking with one united voice.

On a personal note, this will be my final President's Message. PPMA's incoming president, Kimberlee Hobizal, DPM, will deliver the next message. Serving as your president has been both an honor and a privilege. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside members whose dedication continues to strengthen our association and advance podiatric medicine.

Thank you for your membership, engagement, and support throughout my tenure. I am confident that PPMA will continue to thrive under Dr. Hobizal's leadership, and I look forward to all that our association will accomplish in the years ahead.