ACFAS/APMA Membership Vote

[zephryus14]

As a student, I am deeply saddened by the outcome of the ACFAS/APMA Membership Vote. I can't help but wonder about the ramifications that this bylaw will have towards the future of the profession. I wanted to start this thread to get an idea of what everyone else thinks. Have at it...

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[iceman69]

What was the decision?

 

[Feli]

As a student, I am deeply saddened by the outcome of the ACFAS/APMA Membership Vote. I can't help but wonder about the ramifications that this bylaw will have towards the future of the profession. I wanted to start this thread to get an idea of what everyone else thinks. Have at it...

It's interesting to follow the issue, but I'm not really sure most students can fully comprehend the situation.

As pod students, we're all (automatic) student members of the APMA and some of us who join the student chapters of ACFAS experience a bit of that organization. I definitely like what I've seen from both, but it's only a very limited exposure that I've received.

No student really has really paid full dues or received the full scope of benefits from either organization. Maybe they're both well worth it, maybe so-so, maybe not. I guess I trust the judgement and voting of those practitioners who pay dues, have more perspective, and can make a more informed decision on the issue...

 

[dpmPOD]

It's interesting to follow the issue, but I'm not really sure most students can fully comprehend the situation.

What issue/situation?

 

[diabeticfootdr]

What issue/situation?

According to APMA bylaws, all members of component/affiliate organizations under APMA have to also be member of APMA. ACFAS is a component organization. Their Board of Directors recently decided to change the bylaws to not require member to be members of APMA too. Then they called for a vote to change the bylaws back, but stated that this time it had to be a 2/3rd majority of the membership (near impossibility). It obviously failed. The vote was 53%/47%. Therefore, APMA will likely drop ACFAS as a component organization and choose a new "surgical" affiliate.

Bad news for both organizations, really. APMA works hard on a legislative front (where no legislator even knows what ACFAS stands for, nor that they are podiatrists, since ACFAS doesn't use the word very often). APMA fights for all podiatrists (~15,000), ACFAS only cares about those that are members (~6300) and do surgery.

 

[Orange Krush]

According to APMA bylaws, all members of component/affiliate organizations under APMA have to also be member of APMA. ACFAS is a component organization. Their Board of Directors recently decided to change the bylaws to not require member to be members of APMA too. Then they called for a vote to change the bylaws back, but stated that this time it had to be a 2/3rd majority of the membership (near impossibility). It obviously failed. The vote was 53%/47%. Therefore, APMA will likely drop ACFAS as a component organization and choose a new "surgical" affiliate.

Bad news for both organizations, really. APMA works hard on a legislative front (where no legislator even knows what ACFAS stands for, nor that they are podiatrists, since ACFAS doesn't use the word very often). APMA fights for all podiatrists (~15,000), ACFAS only cares about those that are members (~6300) and do surgery.

How will this decision affect those who are currently students? Also, if you are a member of ACFAS, will this decision have any bearing on whether you continue to remain a member?

 

[iceman69]

How is this decision going to affect the practice of podiatry in the near future? It seems stupid to rescind the presence and affiliation of the established surgical group since they are already recognized. Will it reduce the surgical privilleges of podiatrists in the future?

 

[Dr. Gangrene]

According to APMA bylaws, all members of component/affiliate organizations under APMA have to also be member of APMA. ACFAS is a component organization. Their Board of Directors recently decided to change the bylaws to not require member to be members of APMA too. Then they called for a vote to change the bylaws back, but stated that this time it had to be a 2/3rd majority of the membership (near impossibility). It obviously failed. The vote was 53%/47%. Therefore, APMA will likely drop ACFAS as a component organization and choose a new "surgical" affiliate.

Bad news for both organizations, really. APMA works hard on a legislative front (where no legislator even knows what ACFAS stands for, nor that they are podiatrists, since ACFAS doesn't use the word very often). APMA fights for all podiatrists (~15,000), ACFAS only cares about those that are members (~6300) and do surgery.

Well said.

 

[Dr. Gangrene]

How is this decision going to affect the practice of podiatry in the near future? It seems stupid to rescind the presence and affiliation of the established surgical group since they are already recognized. Will it reduce the surgical privilleges of podiatrists in the future?

The biggest problem is a lack of unity. We are a small profession, and unity is key for us to advance. APMA must abide by their bylaws. Thus, they must cut ACFAS as an affiliate and have another "surgical" organization. The underlying issue in all of this (as it always is) is money. People did not want to pay both APMA and ACFAS dues.

In my opinion, the sad part is the lack of unity. Hopefully something can be worked out, but from what I hear, APMA must abide by their bylaws and cut ACFAS. They really have 2 options. Cut ACFAS (and maintain their credibility) or ammend the bylaws (lose credibility????)

As far as surgical privledges, it doesn't matter. Board qualification/certification is what gets you into hospitals, and that is administered by ABPS.

 

[krabmas]

I just wanted to add a few words to what Dr. Rogers said.

APMA is the similar to the AMA - Each represents all professionals with the degree DPM or MD respectively.

About 20 years ago the AMA stop requiring dual membership of specialists that chose to be members of their specialty organization but did not want to continue paying AMA dues. The membership of the AMA is approximately 20% of MDs in the country (correct me if I am wrong). Some people say this is the reason that health care reform and insurance cuts are still huge issues to be delt with - because the AMA does not really represent all MDs or even a majority.


APMA on the other hand has approximately 80% membership. APMA does and pays for the lobbying thru PPAC (recently changed name to some other acronym I cannot remember). APMA also holds a yearly seminar for CME.

ACFAS and ACFOAM are the 2 organizations that hold educational seminars for CME as well as boards for certification - ABPS and ABPOPPM.

If APMA decides to instill a new surgical component college this could potentially be good for new residency graduates. If the new boards were taken directly after graduation we would get rid of the murky board qualification and certification.

All in all I agree that not much good for the overall profession can come from decreased member ship to APMA.

 

[zephryus14]

Krabmas, You're absolutely right about the AMA and the devastating effect their bylaws change had on the organization. One of Podiatry's greatest attributes is that we are (or were) a very unified profession with ~80% membership in our national organization. This has allowed the APMA and APMA PAC to lobby successfully on capital hill for podiatrist's rights as well as represent the vast majority of podiatric physicians. With ACFAS splitting off it only serves to de-unify podiatry in the name of saving a little money (which isn't much of an excuse with "financial hardship" waivers).

From talking with a few podiatrists and reading the PM news, it seems to me that the ACFAS BOD took a very roundabout way to make this change happen...

 

[diabeticfootdr]

This was emailed to APMA members today. The APMA has dropped ACFAS as an affiliated organization.

LCR

----------------------

APMA Responds to ACFAS Vote
Dear Colleagues,

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) has been a valued member of the APMA family since 1942. In the fall of 2007, the ACFAS Board of Directors chose to change its dual membership policy, placing ACFAS in noncompliance with the APMA bylaws. After the recent vote this month by the ACFAS membership, the ACFAS Board of Directors announced that this policy change will continue and the dual membership requirement for continuing members will not be enforced. APMA commends ACFAS for continuing to recommend APMA membership to its members.

However, it is with sincere regret that I inform the membership that ACFAS is not eligible to be recognized as an affiliate of the APMA. I wish ACFAS success in its chosen path. As the premier podiatric organization for the profession, APMA will continue to advocate on behalf of its members and the podiatric profession legislatively, legally and strategically in the news media to help safeguard and, when appropriate, broaden podiatric physicians' scope of practice. No other podiatric organization offers its members all of these resources.

Currently, the primary focus of APMA and your Board of Trustees is Vision 2015: the goal of podiatric physicians to be universally recognized and accepted as physicians within our education, training and experience. There are four strategic areas within the plan:

· Education
· Legislative/Regulatory
· Public Relations
· Inter-Professional Relations.

Each area of the strategic plan for Vision 2015 requires a unified approach with everyone in the profession working cooperatively and collaboratively to be successful. APMA will continue to seek advice from members of the profession on the important matters we face.

The profession must move forward because achieving parity is critical to the benefit of our patients and our profession. In the future, we will encounter challenges that may impede our progress. However, by keeping our collective eye on our goal of parity, we will ultimately succeed and give podiatric physicians and surgeons their rightful recognition in healthcare.
We appreciate your support and welcome your feedback on this topic. Please email us at [email protected].

Fraternally,

Ross E. Taubman, DPM
APMA President

 

[Feli]

...If APMA decides to instill a new surgical component college this could potentially be good for new residency graduates. If the new boards were taken directly after graduation we would get rid of the murky board qualification and certification...

I think APMA is just going to establish a new surgical organization. I don't think ABPS will change much/any... do you?

It will be interesting to see how things pan out, though. I'd imagine that most (all?) of the ABPS examiners and test writers are FACFAS.

 

[krabmas]

I think APMA is just going to establish a new surgical organization. I don't think ABPS will change much/any... do you?

It will be interesting to see how things pan out, though. I'd imagine that most (all?) of the ABPS examiners and test writers are FACFAS.

I do not know.

 

[Dr. Gangrene]

I think APMA is just going to establish a new surgical organization. I don't think ABPS will change much/any... do you?

It will be interesting to see how things pan out, though. I'd imagine that most (all?) of the ABPS examiners and test writers are FACFAS.

From what I have heard, APMA will probably create a new surgical arm. I don't know how/if this will affect ABPS. Below is from ABPS website, about how ACFAS is related (for those who don't know).

Recognition
The American Board of Podiatric Surgery is recognized by the Joint Committee on the Recognition of Specialty Boards of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education under the authority of the American Podiatric Medical Association as the specialty board to conduct a certification process in podiatric surgery.

Professional Society
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is the educational affiliate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Certification by ABPS is required to become a Fellow of the college. ABPS board qualified may become associate members.

 

[biocmp]

I think APMA is just going to establish a new surgical organization

What happens if they don't? Is this the beginning of something much bigger?

 

[krabmas]

What happens if they don't? Is this the beginning of something much bigger?

APMA will adopt a new surgical component organization. THe question is what will happen with ABPS. Will it stay the same? Will a new board be elected?...

 

[Dr. Gangrene]

From ABPS via APMA.

Board Status Clarified by ABPS

From the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS):

The American Board of Podiatric Surgery has received a number of inquiries asking if the change in relationship between the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatric Medical Association has any effect on certification or qualification status with the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. We trust the following information is helpful in understanding that membership in another organization is not a requirement for ABPS board certification or qualification.



1. Will I lose my board status (certification and/or qualification) with the American Board of Podiatric Surgery if I am no longer a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and/or the American Podiatric Medical Association?



No. Your Board Certified of Board Qualified status with the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) does not change! Your status with ABPS is not dependent upon your being affiliated with any organization, including the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatric Medical Association.



2. We have received inquiries from physicians stating that their hospital has been told that the practitioner must have ACFAS membership to retain hospital privileges.



While the determination of the criteria for granting hospital privileges is the purview of each individual institution, the ABPS is currently unaware of any healthcare facility requiring membership in ACFAS as a prerequisite for granting or maintaining privileges. Many healthcare facilities, as well as third-party payors, require board certification (or qualification) as a requirement for the granting of privileges of the admission to a third-party payor panel, but again, that status is not dependent on ACFAS or APMA membership.



Should you have other questions, please contact ABPS at (415) 553-7800.

 

[krabmas]

On the podiatry management/ barry block email someone gave the idea to just add surgery to ACFAOM. So it would be ACFAOMS or change the name to ACPMS - American College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.

Some one else then added that this could lend to vision 2015 with the one unifying continueing education college and maybe eventually one board.

 

[diabeticfootdr]

FROM PM News today:

RE: ACFAS Members Vote to Reject APMA Membership Requirement
From: John M. Giurini, DPM, Beth Jarrett, DPM

As podiatric physicians and surgeons at ACFAS, we all share the same goals and objectives: To help our members provide the best possible care to your patients and navigate the many issues affecting your daily practice. We also recognize that collaboration with similar professional organizations is important to the strength of our profession.

A recent all-member vote on ACFAS membership requirements confirms what our members have been saying for several years – members want choice of professional memberships. While ACFAS has responded to our members' concerns, we also encourage them to voluntarily maintain their membership with both organizations. And we look forward to working in harmony with APMA for the advancement of our profession.

Several questions and/or misconceptions on the vote endure. We urge interested ACFAS members to visit our website for final background information on this subject:

John M. Giurini, DPM, ACFAS President

The board of the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine (ACFAOM), currently APMA's only affiliated specialty organization, anticipates working closely with APMA and its other affiliated and related organizations to resolve this situation in the best interest of the profession as a whole. This will include investigating the possibility of expanding ACFAOM's mission to include surgery if it is the desire of APMA and the profession as a whole to move toward a single, unified College to better represent podiatry.

Beth Jarrett, DPM, President, American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine

Editor's note: APMA has informed us that it has not yet created a plan or process to consider a new surgical affiliated organization. The APMA Board is scheduled to begin its discussions on this matter during its May retreat.

 

[bdaddyjolley]

So if ACFAOM does create a surgical component to it and there becomes one unifying college, does that mean ACFAS would become irrelevent thus shooting themselves in the foot by their decision to not require APMA membership?

 

[krabmas]

So if ACFAOM does create a surgical component to it and there becomes one unifying college, does that mean ACFAS would become irrelevent thus shooting themselves in the foot by their decision to not require APMA membership?

The following was taken from PM news...

RE: ACFAS Members Vote to Reject APMA Membership Requirement
From: John Scheland, DPM, Rick Horsman, DPM

The APMA and the ACFAS are important to our profession. The APMA wears many hats and remains our best resource to guard against the varied assaults on our profession such as diminishing insurance reimbursements, increasing tort and associated costs, as well as scope issues such as what happened in Texas, to name a few. These tasks require enormous resources and are paramount to our very survival. We are a small profession and we have many forces aiming to take us down. When I see calls for the APMA to accept a new college as an affiliated organization by the same people whom already concede we are a small profession, I wonder if these calls have been thought out.

Accepting a new college as an affiliated organization will only serve to Balkanize our membership further As many have already said, we are a small profession. Balkanization is the best case scenario for those who wish to place us back into the 19th Century. The ACFAS, much as I may disagree with their decision, has some of the best and brightest podiatrists in their loyal membership. Starting a new college will polarize these very important members. By accepting a new college, the APMA will serve only to fracture our profession and waste critical resources better spent elsewhere. Both points are contrary to the APMAs mission. For those of you calling for a new College, let the APMA do what it does best - unify our profession. The APMA will work this out but don't call for the very thing the ACFAS already did. Two wrongs don't make a right.

John Scheland, DPM, Clarks Summit, PA,

 

[Feli]

...ACFAS would become irrelevent...

Not very likely^

John Scheland, DPM, Rick Horsman, DPM:

... The ACFAS, much as I may disagree with their decision, has some of the best and brightest podiatrists in their loyal membership. Starting a new college will polarize these very important members. By accepting a new college, the APMA will serve only to fracture our profession and waste critical resources better spent elsewhere...

ding ding ding^

 

[krabmas]

RE: ACFAS Members Vote to Reject APMA Membership Requirement
From: Lawrence Kobak, DPM, J.D

Years back, the ACFAS (at the time, ACFS) actively prevented the American Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery (AAFAS) (at the time, AAFS) from joining the APMA. One of the reasons ACFAS gave was that the AAFS members were not required to become APMA members! The rest of the story was that the AAFS changed its bylaws to conform with the APMA requirements, and thanks to the ACFAS, lost its APMA affiliation by a handful of votes. Now, the same organization subverts its own argument and "votes" to violate the APMA requirement of membership. Does one detect a bit of cynicism in this action?

Lawrence Kobak, DPM, J.D, NY, NY

 

[JEWmongous]

RE: ACFAS Members Vote to Reject APMA Membership Requirement
From: Lawrence Kobak, DPM, J.D

Years back, the ACFAS (at the time, ACFS) actively prevented the American Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery (AAFAS) (at the time, AAFS) from joining the APMA. One of the reasons ACFAS gave was that the AAFS members were not required to become APMA members! The rest of the story was that the AAFS changed its bylaws to conform with the APMA requirements, and thanks to the ACFAS, lost its APMA affiliation by a handful of votes. Now, the same organization subverts its own argument and "votes" to violate the APMA requirement of membership. Does one detect a bit of cynicism in this action?

Lawrence Kobak, DPM, J.D, NY, NY

This guy is my relative by marriage. Funny huh?

 

[sguiliana]

This guy is my relative by marriage. Funny huh?

 

[JEWmongous]

No, I'm serious. He has a DPM and JD. Still practices a little but now focuses on foot and ankle related malpractice cases. Very interesting!

 

[sguiliana]

No, I'm serious. He has a DPM and JD. Still practices a little but now focuses on foot and ankle related malpractice cases. Very interesting!

yeah that's pretty cool. so have you decided where you're going to podiatry school yet, or still in the thought process?

 

[whiskers]

Just what the profession needs, another organization within an organization within an organization within an organization with about 15 new "leadership" positions at each level.

Bet many are already fighting to be the leaders of this new organization.