[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E936-E937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE AMERICAN PODIATRIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ON ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate the American Podiatric Medical Association on its 100th 
anniversary.
  Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), 
located in Bethesda, is the nation's leading and recognized 
professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), and 
the preeminent trade association representing podiatric medicine and 
surgery. I am very proud that the APMA's national headquarters is in 
Maryland's Eighth Congressional district.
  DPMs, also known as podiatrists, are recognized as physicians and 
surgeons, qualified by their education, training and experience to 
diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures 
of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four 
years of undergraduate education, four years of podiatric medical 
education at an accredited podiatric medical college, and at least 
three years of hospital residency training. In short, Mr. Speaker, 
podiatric medicine is to the foot and ankle what ophthalmology is to 
the eye, cardiology is to the heart, or otolaryngology is to the ear, 
nose, and throat.
  Podiatric medicine has witnessed a tremendous evolution over the past 
100 years, and podiatrists are now the preeminent providers of foot and 
ankle care. On July 1, 1912, 225 charter members gathered at the 
LaSalle Hotel in Chicago to organize a national association dedicated 
to the needs of practicing chiropodists. Today, what began as the 
National Association of Chiropodists is the American Podiatric Medical 
Association, home to more than 12,000 member podiatrists. APMA has 53 
component organizations across the United States and its territories, 
and all practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they 
practice podiatric medicine.
  It seems at times that many Americans may not think about podiatrists 
until they experience foot or ankle problems. But we should be thankful 
that we have the expertise of thousands of podiatric physicians 
throughout the country as focused and dedicated medical professionals, 
medical professionals who really do help keep America walking.
  Within the field of podiatric medicine and surgery, podiatrists can 
focus on specialty areas such as surgery, sports medicine, 
biomechanics, geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, or primary care. 
Podiatric physicians routinely perform comprehensive medical history 
and physical examinations; prescribe drugs and order and perform 
physical therapy; perform basic and complex reconstructive surgery; 
repair fractures and treat sports-related injuries; prescribe and fit 
orthotics, insoles, and custom-made shoes; and perform and interpret X-
rays and other imaging studies.
  Mr. Speaker, an individual's feet often reveal indicators of that 
individual's overall health. The feet are affected by chronic diseases 
leading to decreased mobility and disability for individuals already in 
poor health. Arthritis, diabetes, and neurologic and circulatory 
disorders can all have an effect on our feet. Therefore, we must ensure 
that all individuals receive the expert foot care they need regardless 
of their disability status or expected longevity, and at all stages in 
their lives.
  In a 2010 survey by APMA, 50 percent of Americans indicated that they 
experience foot pain and discomfort. The same survey found that those 
who had foot pain were much more likely to experience problems in other 
areas of the body. Specifically, 65 percent of Americans who were 
overweight experienced regular foot pain, 32 percent with foot pain 
also had circulatory problems, and 20 percent of Americans with foot 
pain suffered from heart problems. The connection between chronic 
diseases and foot pain is not coincidental. Foot pain, regardless of 
its cause, can limit the mobility of individuals and contribute to a 
more sedentary lifestyle and the onset of numerous chronic conditions.
  Medically necessary care provided by podiatrists can reduce the risk 
of and prevent complications from diabetes as well as other diseases, 
while at the same time offer savings to our heavily burdened health 
care system. A recent study conducted by Thomson Reuters indicates that 
foot and ankle care furnished by podiatric physicians improves patient 
health and has a positive return on investment. According to the study, 
patients with diabetes presenting with foot ulcers who see podiatrists 
are less likely to suffer hospitalization or amputation than patients 
who had not received care from a podiatrist. Moreover, the study found 
that each dollar invested in care furnished by podiatric physicians 
offers the payer up to $51 in savings.
  In its first century, APMA has served the nation through two world 
wars and other conflicts; helped standardize and enhance educational 
standards; promoted the profession to patients and the public; and 
built lasting relationships with other medical specialties. The 
association regularly hosts medical and scientific meetings dedicated 
to highlighting and disseminating research findings and clinical 
advances in the prevention, detection, treatment, and the cure of foot, 
ankle and related conditions. And it continues to meet its clinical and 
scientific mission through its publication of academic journals and 
clinical statements on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure 
of foot and ankle disorders; through providing continuing medical 
education in foot and ankle care; and through consumer education on 
foot and ankle health.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating 
the American Podiatric Medical Association on its 100th anniversary, 
and in recognizing its members' significant service and contributions 
to our country's health-care delivery system.

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