Possible ABPS name change in the future

[PADPM]

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The American Board of Podiatric Surgery recently sent out an email to it's members stating that 23 of it's former presidents have proposed a name change.

Due to the ambiguity of the word "podiatric", there is a possible proposal in the future to change the name of the ABPS to the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. They believe this will more accurately make the public (and hospitals, etc.) aware of what we do on a daily basis, and allow us to compete.

It's a very interesting concept that I believe can only be advantageous to the profession.

 

[diabeticfootdr]

The American Board of Podiatric Surgery recently sent out an email to it's members stating that 23 of it's former presidents have proposed a name change.

Due to the ambiguity of the word "podiatric", there is a possible proposal in the future to change the name of the ABPS to the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. They believe this will more accurately make the public (and hospitals, etc.) aware of what we do on a daily basis, and allow us to compete.

It's a very interesting concept that I believe can only be advantageous to the profession.

The ABPS is becoming like ACFAS ... afraid of the "P" word? Why is podiatric and podiatrist ambiguous? It is part of our degree, D.P.M. You will never be able to escape it and it only suggests one is embarrassed by it.

We are podiatrists. If one doesn't like what that word stands for, lead by example and help change the public perception.

 

[dtrack22]

I'm curious to see what other students, residents, and attendings have to say about this. A handful of posters (mostly pre-pod and pod students) seem pretty adamant in this thread that podiatry school and the profession as a whole cling on to the "podiatry" title. It would seem "American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons" would be just as misleading as a podiatry student saying he goes to medical school. Not because a podiatrist isn't a F&A surgeon (because he/she is), but because like diabetfootdoctor said you are dodging the "p" word like you are ashamed of it. Could a F&A fellowship trained ortho be a member of the ABFAS? They would have no need to but it does accurately describe their specialty.

I wish I was further along in my training so I could have a more educated opinion, but it seems the unification of our training into 3 year programs should take care of any problems with hospitals and other health care providers not understanding what a podiatrist can do surgically. Of course footpodguy isn't helping matters...

 

[PADPM]

I personally do not agree with the comments made. Just because the ABPS is proposing a name change, doesn't necessarily imply they are embarrassed or ashamed of the term podiatry or podiatric.

I personally know many of the former presidents, and those doctors couldn't be prouder to tell people they are PODIATRISTS. They don't say they are podiatric physicians, foot & ankle specialists, foot & ankle surgeons, etc.

Yes, I'm confident there are also a significant number of DPM's that have the "real doctor" syndrome and avoid saying the "P" word whenever possible. In MY particular case, it's not why I would support the name change.

I can not tell you why others are motivated. I'm not a psychologist and will not speak for other people. It's obvious that there will be those on both sides of the table.

However, as proud as I am of being a PODIATRIST, I'm confronted on a weekly basis by some form of obstacle because someone didn't fully understand that I was actually competent in treating conditions of the foot & ankle. There is unfortunately still a high percentage of our society that associates podiatry with a very small scope of practice.

The standard answer is to simply educate the public and not to make a name change. That's idealistic and what I would love to see happen. The APMA has taken on a public relations campaign, but UNTIL that campaign is successful, our profession is still behind the eight ball and losing patients daily to the orthopedic community in many areas.

I do not believe it's misleading to the public. I believe it's simply a "quick start" until the APMA is more successful letting the public REALLY know what the words podiatric or podiatry mean and encompass.

Once again, I agree, there are definitely those burying their heads in the sand not able to face reality that we ARE DPM's and not MD's/DO's and want to tell everyone we are "foot & ankle surgeons". And there are other's like myself that are proud to tell everyone we are DPM's, but simply want recognition for our scope of practice.

I'm not sure how this proposed name change has any comparison to the ACFAS. Even the APMA went more "mainstream" many years ago when it changed it's name from the APA to the APMA.

My only real concern at this point is the "trickle down effect". If this change does eventually pass, will the ABPS give all diplomates new certificates. Will they have to tell all hospitals that they've spent years telling that they are "THE" board that the name has now changed.

Even though the name may change to the American Board of Foot & ANKLE Surgery, what will happen to those who are Board Certified in "Foot" Surgery. Will that be considered "misleading"???

Regardless, at this point it's only a proposal. I do believe to some it's a welcome relief because they want to be "real doctors". However, I sincerely believe to the majority like myself, we simply have come to the hard reality that at the PRESENT time the public simply does not understand our true scope of practice.

Until the APMA accomplishes it's goal of educating the public, I see this as a means to an end. We will not lose our identity, because even for those that are embarrassed, the reality is that the letters DPM will stll follow their names. That's not going to change.

 

[Brodiatrist]

Due to the ambiguity of the word "podiatric", there is a possible proposal in the future to change the name of the ABPS to the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

This is our fault, and APMA needs our help, too. Not just to educate the public, but our non-surgical colleagues.

However, asking the podiatric community to spend time and effort explaining the role of our profession while simultaneously removing the word "podiatric" from our professional certifications seems counter-intuitive.

Frankly, the only thing worth removing are the opinions of the 23 board members.

 

[Podfather]

I agree with PADPM. Some of the posters who are against this are not certified by the ABPS and therefore really have no say it the issue. Only those certified by the ABPS will have the opportunity to comment and vote. Perhaps their focus should be on ABPOPPM issues.

The Foot and Ankle name has little to do with somehow being embarassed as a podiatrist. I like PADPM am proud of my degree and do not hide behind misleading descriptions of myself. The problem with the term "podiatric surgery" is that regardless of the efforts of the APMA, the majority of lay people do not know what that means. It conjures up ingrown toenail and wart surgery and does fully describe what we do. There is a reason maxillofacial surgeons are not dental surgeons.

This also fits in with our parity discussions. When the maxillofacial people starting receiving MD degrees (not all do/did) they decided on changing their name for public clarity. Another point is that IMO opinion the orthopedists may someday begin to certify in subspecialty care and I could see them grabbing this descriptive name. This may be particularly true if we do obtain parity and even a MD degree since it will be a way of identifying non orthopedist MD foot and ankle surgeons from the rest.

I vote yes as a proud podiatrist.

 

[misskittyPA]

The ABPS is becoming like ACFAS ... afraid of the "P" word? Why is podiatric and podiatrist ambiguous? It is part of our degree, D.P.M. You will never be able to escape it and it only suggests one is embarrassed by it.

We are podiatrists. If one doesn't like what that word stands for, lead by example and help change the public perception.

I understand where you are coming from yet you seem to not be willing to acknowledge the other side.

Podiatrist is ambiguous because so many Pods have a patient come to them for an ingrown toenail and talk about how they just had their ankle fixed by the Ortho down the street. When the APMA only has press releases pertaining to what kind of socks and shoes to buy it makes it hard for the total training of a podiatrist to be seen.

Frankly, I don't think ACFAS or potentially the ABPS are afraid of the "P" word as you indicate but whether take pride that they are more than an ulcer debrider and corn remover.

If you are a 3 year trained pod, what's wrong with calling yourself a Podiatrist, or Foot and Ankle Surgeon. It's kind of like complaining that an Orthopod calls himself a Foot and Ankle surgeon when in reality he is an Orthopedic trained doctor and should call himself that. Who cares? If it helps the public realize what we do since the APMA is dropping the ball then great.

You will always have the few that have a MD inferior complex, etc. but we shouldn't let those few hold the rest of us back. I hope the ABPS approves this resolution!

 

[Brodiatrist]

The problem with the term "podiatric surgery" is that regardless of the efforts of the APMA, the majority of lay people do not know what that means.

The problem isn't that people don't know what "podiatric surgery" means, it's that everyone (even your community colleagues) don't know what podiatrists can do.

Taking the term "podiatry" out of your certification and adding "foot and ankle" does no more for public awareness of podiatry than removing "podiatric" out of the title "podiatric physician" would do.

Furthermore, why not "American Board of Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery"...not only will the public and your colleagues know who you are, but also what you do.

This also fits in with our parity discussions. When the maxillofacial people starting receiving MD degrees (not all do/did) they decided on changing their name for public clarity.

When podiatrists start receiving MD degrees, I'll buy this argument.

Podiatry is a separate entity with a separate degree and scope. Taking our titles out of our certifications is not the answer to public/professional clarity or parity.

 

[hyperpodia]

Furthermore, why not "American Board of Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery"...not only will the public and your colleagues know who you are, but also what you do.

When podiatrists start receiving MD degrees, I'll buy this argument.

Podiatry is a separate entity with a separate degree and scope. Taking our titles out of our certifications is not the answer to public/professional clarity or parity.

I agree with you Brodiatrist, and using the same logic we should change our schools to "X School of Foot and Ankle Surgery"

 

[Podfather]

I agree with you Brodiatrist, and using the same logic we should change our schools to "X School of Foot and Ankle Surgery"

Our schools teach more than foot and ankle surgery. Podiatric foot and ankle surgery is necessary why? Foot and ankle surgery is not podiatric nor orthopedic. I am tiring of the a podiatrist is a podiatrist mantra. A wound specialist can be of any degree and a foot and ankle surgeon may be a DPM, MD, DO. Since the MDs and DOs do not certify in foot and ankle surgery and we do I am all for taking the name. There is no podiatric foot and ankle surgery only foot and ankle surgery that may be performed by a podiatrist. Do we have podiatric certified wound specialists or is CWS enough for this group of DPMs. Huge double standard.

 

[g squared 23]

There are definitely some who see the "P" word as taboo and would like to change the entire name of the profession to "Foot and ankle surgeons" to be similar to orthopedic surgeons, so they can rid themselves of all the C&C work/reputation that most people associate w/ a podiatrist.

The one positive that I could foresee coming from this is making it easier for podiatrists to get foot and ankle surgical privileges at hospitals. When you apply and it clearly states that you are certified by a board of "foot AND ANKLE surgery" and then you have the cases to show them, it would theoretically seem more difficult to deny your application. A lot of problems came from podiatrists applying for privileges for surgery and the administration at the hospital not knowing what the hell a "podiatrist is or does (although this seems more of an issue of the past at least in the medical community).

However, as far as it having any impact on the PUBLIC view of podiatry and their capabilities, it will have NONE or very little. Why? How many times do patients require you to tell them what surgical board you are certified by before they agree to let you operate on them? Exactly. Patients take your word and most don't know any better (nor do they care). Anyone claiming that a name change to a certifying board will in any way "enhance the public's knowledge/opinion of the profession" really hasn't thought things through or has ulterior motives.

 

[that1guyfromFL]

When podiatrists start receiving MD degrees, I'll buy this argument.

Not all OMFS have an MD degree, many have only their DDS or DMD and extensive residency training.

The name adoption was intended to provide clarity as to their training vs a general dentist or orthodontist, for example.

You hear someone called a dentist you think filling cavities, you hear orthodontist you think braces, you hear OMFS you think major facial surgery of some kind.

We all instinctivly know what these doctors do because we have been educated about their area of specialty and the corresponding title.

There is no shame in being a general dentist or general podiatrist, but those who have further credentials and training are delineated by more descriptive titles, whether it's orthodontist or F&A surgeon.

 

[diabeticfootdr]

I agree with PADPM. Some of the posters who are against this are not certified by the ABPS and therefore really have no say it the issue. Only those certified by the ABPS will have the opportunity to comment and vote. Perhaps their focus should be on ABPOPPM issues.

I assume you are directing this at me. It's a foolish statement. I am a proponent of the profession of podiatry. I feel like ABPS is not. I was ABPS BQ and I resigned a couple years ago because I disagreed with the direction ABPS and ACFAS. FYI, I do comment on ABPOPPM issues too.

You say that these organizations (ABPS and ACFAS) aren't embarrassed by the "p" word. Look at ACFAS website. www.footphysicians.com It's hard to find the word podiatry/podiatric on the website. (hint: it is in the small font at the very bottom). How does that further the profession of podiatry?

These organization spend their energy dividing the profession into "foot and ankle surgeons" and those that don't do surgery. They are embarrassed by our origins. Instead, APMA is concentrating on uniting the profession and promoting parity under vision 2015.

Podiatrists are not MDs of the foot and ankle. We are independent medical practitioners providing the full scope of care for the foot and ankle. I assume everyone knew that when they applied to podiatry school.

So, yes, I will continue comment on any attack on the profession, regardless of the origin. I also noticed you didn't qualify that the pre-pods aren't certified by ABPS either, so do their replies "matter"?

 

[diabeticfootdr]

I agree with you Brodiatrist, and using the same logic we should change our schools to "X School of Foot and Ankle Surgery"

Exactly, and while you're at it, please contact SDN administrators and ask them to change the "podiatry forum" to the "foot and ankle surgery forum".

 

[PADPM]

diabeticfootdr,

I will not comment on your reply to podfather's views, since that's not my place.

As you know, I greatly respect you and what you've accomplished in your relatively short career. I've commented on that many times on this forum. I also am fully aware of your "history" and concerns with the ABPS/ACFAS.

As you may also know, I had been involved with the ABPS for many years and was not always enamored by everything that they did and sometimes questioned the decisions and motivation of certain individuals. Maybe it was simply a personality issue or maybe it was simply a philosophical issue(s). Regardless, after about 10 years of being extremely active, I decided to bow out and let the organization move on in the direction that the leaders felt was appropriate.

Even though I didn't and still don't agree with everything they do on a daily basis, I can tell you as a matter-of-fact that there is no "hidden agenda", nor is it an "us against you" mentality (surgeon vs. non-surgeon). Sure there are a-holes in the organization, just as there are a-holes in EVERY organization and walk of life. There are a-holes in your neighborhood, on your kids sports teams, in your church, synagogue, group practice, hosptial staff, etc. It's not unique to the ABPS, ACFAS, etc.

I sincerely believe that despite any negative feelings that anyone may have for the ABPS or the accusations that the board or members are afraid of the "P" word, this organization has done more to add credibility than any other single source. The doctors involved with the organization volunteer a significant amount of time, resources and energy to make sure that our profession, PODIATRY, remains on the map and maintains the advances in privileges our predecessors have worked hard to achieve.

As I've also stated in the past, and a previous poster has stated, I believe the sad part of this story is that you resigned from the ABPS/ACFAS. I believe that someone of your caliber, academic abilities and reputation could have possibly had enough credibility to have remained within these organizations to implement any changes you felt necessary. Change certainly can't take place if you leave the organization. I personally believe you could have been much more effective attempting changes from within, but that's simply my opinion.

Once again, I am in COMPLETE agreement that there are a lot of "real doctor" wannabees. That '' 'ain't gonna change" anytime soon, no matter what you call any organization. However, I believe that UNTIL the APMA is successful with it's PR campaign, the proposed name change may be a "quick fix" to let the public know what is within our scope of practice.

Podfather does make an excellent point. What exactly IS "podiatric" surgery vs. foot and ankle surgery? If I perform a surgical procedure on the foot or ankle is it called "podiatric surgery"? If an orthopedic surgeon performs the EXACT procedure(s) is it called foot and ankle surgery, orthopedic surgery or is it "ok" to call it "podiatric" surgery? Can ONLY podiatrists perform "podiatric" surgery? Does it refer to a type of surgery, the type of doctor performing the surgery, etc.? I'm a DPM and even I don't know the answer. How is the public supposed to know exactly what that means?

No one is proposing that we eliminate the term podiatry or podiatrist. It simply eliminates the term "podiatric" surgery, since I still believe it's a relatively ambiguous term for the reasons described above. I perform surgery on the foot & ankle and the public COMPLETELY understands those terms. I'm not sure they REALLY understand what "podiatric" surgery means.

However, there is no question as to my credentials. My business card clearly states my name, followed by the letters DPM, FACFAS. It does not say "physician of the foot & ankle" or "podiatric physician" or "foot & ankle surgeon".

By the way, if I remember correctly, the "clinic" at TUSPM has a big sign AND ad in the yellow pages with the name "THE FOOT & ANKLE INSTITUTE"!!!! This is at one of our institutions. It doesn't say "THE PODIATRIC INSTITUTE"......I wonder why? Could it simply be that the public/consumer understands the terms "foot & ankle" better than "podiatric" or is it really that TUSPM is "embarrassed" by the "P" word?

 

[Brodiatrist]

...is it really that TUSPM is "embarrassed" by the "P" word?

Yes.

 

[diabeticfootdr]

diabeticfootdr,
As you know, I greatly respect you and what you've accomplished in your relatively short career. I've commented on that many times on this forum. I also am fully aware of your "history" and concerns with the ABPS/ACFAS.


Even though I didn't and still don't agree with everything they do on a daily basis, I can tell you as a matter-of-fact that there is no "hidden agenda", nor is it an "us against you" mentality (surgeon vs. non-surgeon). Sure there are a-holes in the organization, just as there are a-holes in EVERY organization and walk of life. There are a-holes in your neighborhood, on your kids sports teams, in your church, synagogue, group practice, hosptial staff, etc. It's not unique to the ABPS, ACFAS, etc.

.....

As I've also stated in the past, and a previous poster has stated, I believe the sad part of this story is that you resigned from the ABPS/ACFAS. I believe that someone of your caliber, academic abilities and reputation could have possibly had enough credibility to have remained within these organizations to implement any changes you felt necessary. Change certainly can't take place if you leave the organization. I personally believe you could have been much more effective attempting changes from within, but that's simply my opinion.

Once again, I am in COMPLETE agreement that there are a lot of "real doctor" wannabees. That '' 'ain't gonna change" anytime soon, no matter what you call any organization. However, I believe that UNTIL the APMA is successful with it's PR campaign, the proposed name change may be a "quick fix" to let the public know what is within our scope of practice.

....

Podfather does make an excellent point. What exactly IS "podiatric" surgery vs. foot and ankle surgery? If I perform a surgical procedure on the foot or ankle is it called "podiatric surgery"? If an orthopedic surgeon performs the EXACT procedure(s) is it called foot and ankle surgery, orthopedic surgery or is it "ok" to call it "podiatric" surgery? Can ONLY podiatrists perform "podiatric" surgery?

PADPM,

Likewise, I have respect for you and the appreciate the time you spend on the forum to help steer young podiatrists-to-be. I wasn't the only one who resigned. NUMEROUS academic, well-respected DPMs resigned from ACFAS. We all did so about the same time. In addition, I resigned from ABPS because they started implementing new ridiculous, time consuming, pointless rules for becoming BC. These requirements were not passed by membership vote, but by executive decision. I was BQ at the time andcontacted them on many occasions to inquire/protest. The APMA YMC contacted them as well. Their response was nothing to me because I am not BC and therefore have no voice. Their response the APMA YMC, was that they "do not answer to APMA". In reality, I haven't needed ABPS certification at any hospital I've requested privileges. I show my case logs and training history, which have sufficed to demonstrate competence.

Re: APMA's PR campaign. Everyone knows what a podiatrist is. APMA is never going to be able to do marketing for you. You need to go out in the community and inform them of your skills, some of them may be unique to you among podiatrists in the area.

Re: What is podiatric surgery. Podiatry is the specialty that provides medical care to the human foot. The suffix -ic means, pertaining to. There for podiatric surgery is surgery pertaining to the foot. I have friends in India who are MDs who refer to themselves as podiatric surgeons, because they see podiatric as an anatomic descriptor. I just think it's a stupid direction for the profession to attempt to redefine ourselves with a word that essentially means the same thing. Some people are hung up about having Ankle in their title. Who cares. You're going to do plenty of ankle surgery as a podiatrists if you want to. I don't know any podiatrists that survives on ankles surgery alone.

I wonder if other fields are doing the same thing? Do you thing gynecologists are arguing, we need to call ourselves vagina surgeons? Vascular surgeons = artery and vein surgeons, dermatologists = skin surgeons?

We are what we are.

 

[Podfather]

Look I respect what you do for the profession but let's be straight you quit ACFAS and decided not to pursue ABPS certification. Once you quit an organization IMO you have no right to attack it. You may explain why you left but after that let those who stayed and work hard within the organizations decide what is best for them and the organizations. I would say the same to a non-APMA member who is always taking shots at the APMA while benefiting from the work it does. I would argue that ABPS has provided credibility to our profession and ACFAS remains the leader in providing surgical education to it's members and the public. Those who give up their time and money to support these organizations deserve KUDOs.

I will still say that foot and ankle surgery is just that. There is no such animal as "podiatric" surgery. I am a foot and ankle surgeon who is a DPM and everyone knows it. I will be chief of surgery next year at my hospital as a DPM because I do foot and ankle surgery weekly. Your analogy with gynecology is poor because if you poll the public they know what they do but if questioned what is a podiatrist the responses would be all over the map. No one has answered why it is OK for someone to say they are a Certified Wound Specialist? Shouldn't they be podiatric wound specialists?

Your whining about having to log your surgical cases post residency to sit for the ABPS exam shows what you do not know. When the reasons for this finally filter down to you you will realize how big a mistake you made. This is not a whistle blowers lawsuit (yes I know about your history) and sometimes you have to work within systems to make change rather than quit or sue for money!

 

[Podfather]

I assume you are directing this at me. It's a foolish statement. I am a proponent of the profession of podiatry. I feel like ABPS is not. I was ABPS BQ and I resigned a couple years ago because I disagreed with the direction ABPS and ACFAS. FYI, I do comment on ABPOPPM issues too.

You say that these organizations (ABPS and ACFAS) aren't embarrassed by the "p" word. Look at ACFAS website. www.footphysicians.com It's hard to find the word podiatry/podiatric on the website. (hint: it is in the small font at the very bottom). How does that further the profession of podiatry?


These organization spend their energy dividing the profession into "foot and ankle surgeons" and those that don't do surgery. They are embarrassed by our origins. Instead, APMA is concentrating on uniting the profession and promoting parity under vision 2015.

Podiatrists are not MDs of the foot and ankle. We are independent medical practitioners providing the full scope of care for the foot and ankle. I assume everyone knew that when they applied to podiatry school.

So, yes, I will continue comment on any attack on the profession, regardless of the origin. I also noticed you didn't qualify that the pre-pods aren't certified by ABPS either, so do their replies "matter"?

The following is the page that defines what a foot and ankle surgeon is on the site you mention above:

Foot and ankle surgeons are the surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. They provide complete medical and surgical care for a variety of conditions that affect people of every age.
What education has a foot and ankle surgeon received?
After completing their undergraduate education, the foot and ankle surgeon completes the four-year curriculum at an accredited podiatric medical school, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Although identical in length to programs at medical schools for osteopathic doctors (DOs) and medical doctors (MDs), and covering basic and clinical sciences, the podiatric medical school curriculum also provides intensive focus on conditions of the foot and ankle.
After graduation from podiatric medical school, the foot and ankle surgeon enters a post-graduate residency in podiatric medicine and surgery approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. These residencies are similar to, and are often integrated with, residencies for MDs and DOs, and provide training in general medicine, general surgery, and surgical specialties. The critical difference is the higher volume of cases and time focused on the foot and ankle in residency programs for podiatric surgeons. Currently, the majority of podiatric residency programs are three years in length

 

[cg2a93]

I agree with Dr. Rogers 100%. The ABPS affects the way noncertified ABPS Podiatrist practice just as much as it does certified Podiatrist. I would add that in some case it effects the noncertified Podiatrist more.
Dr. Rogers, I know I dont have to tell you this but I think it needs to be said. You are a rising star in this profession and many young students/Podiatrists look up to you and care about what you have to say. Some of these new Podiatrists will belong to the ABPS one day. You have the ability to sway opinions which can allow future Podiatrist to see other prospectives. Hence, if you want to comment on this subject or any other you have every right. Your credentials give you credibility and people will listen, lawsuit or no lawsuit (whatever that means, and whatever that does mean is none of mine or anyone elses business).
As far as you being hurt by not having ABPS certification. I think that is hogwash. A person with your credential and abilities does not need a certification to show his or her competancy (no certification proves compentency). No, I have not been in practice for 30 years as some of our esteemed collegues on this forum have, but I have started my own practice and been a business owner for several years so I think I can say you will be ok without ABPS certification if you chose not to become certified.
Some of the more experienced Podiatrists in this forum do a great job at giving advice and sharing their wisdom. I think it is unfortunate when their advice and wisdom transforms to arrogance.

 

[diabeticfootdr]

The following is the page that defines what a foot and ankle surgeon is on the site you mention above:

Foot and ankle surgeons are the surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. They provide complete medical and surgical care for a variety of conditions that affect people of every age.
What education has a foot and ankle surgeon received?
After completing their undergraduate education, the foot and ankle surgeon completes the four-year curriculum at an accredited podiatric medical school, graduating with the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Although identical in length to programs at medical schools for osteopathic doctors (DOs) and medical doctors (MDs), and covering basic and clinical sciences, the podiatric medical school curriculum also provides intensive focus on conditions of the foot and ankle.
After graduation from podiatric medical school, the foot and ankle surgeon enters a post-graduate residency in podiatric medicine and surgery approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. These residencies are similar to, and are often integrated with, residencies for MDs and DOs, and provide training in general medicine, general surgery, and surgical specialties. The critical difference is the higher volume of cases and time focused on the foot and ankle in residency programs for podiatric surgeons. Currently, the majority of podiatric residency programs are three years in length

That's not the front page of the website. You have to click through to get to it. Furthermore, it is misleading because a "foot and ankle surgeon" is not only a podiatrist. They could also be an orthopedic surgeon.

 

[diabeticfootdr]

I agree with Dr. Rogers 100%. The ABPS affects the way noncertified ABPS Podiatrist practice just as much as it does certified Podiatrist. I would add that in some case it effects the noncertified Podiatrist more.
Dr. Rogers, I know I dont have to tell you this but I think it needs to be said. You are a rising star in this profession and many young students/Podiatrists look up to you and care about what you have to say. Some of these new Podiatrists will belong to the ABPS one day. You have the ability to sway opinions which can allow future Podiatrist to see other prospectives. Hence, if you want to comment on this subject or any other you have every right. Your credentials give you credibility and people will listen, lawsuit or no lawsuit (whatever that means, and whatever that does mean is none of mine or anyone elses business).
As far as you being hurt by not having ABPS certification. I think that is hogwash. A person with your credential and abilities does not need a certification to show his or her competancy (no certification proves compentency). No, I have not been in practice for 30 years as some of our esteemed collegues on this forum have, but I have started my own practice and been a business owner for several years so I think I can say you will be ok without ABPS certification if you chose not to become certified.
Some of the more experienced Podiatrists in this forum do a great job at giving advice and sharing their wisdom. I think it is unfortunate when their advice and wisdom transforms to arrogance.

Thanks for your kind comments.

This is a public forum. Everyone has an opinion. Some opinion writers choose to remain anonymous, but one has to weigh the credibility of an anonymous opinion-ator versus one who stands by what they write and signs their name to it.

I agree with you that these issues affect all in podiatry, not just those who are ABPS BC. The purpose of ABPS is to promote the ABPS, and in doing so they distinguish themselves from "other" podiatrists, often by belittling what the others do. I am a proponent of the who profession, surgical and medical. IMO, a podiatrist is a physician and surgeon of the foot and ankle. While everyone has their own areas of interest and expertise, it is only a foot (and ankle). Such a small piece of anatomy. Not only does ABPS/ACFAS divide the profession into "surgeons" and "non-surgeons", but they draw a Mason-Dixon line across the LisFranc joint and divide the surgeons into forefoot and rearfoot surgeons. Division amongst ourselves will get us nowhere. We need to unite under one umbrella, APMA - who represents all podiatrists.

 

[Podfather]

Thanks for your kind comments.

This is a public forum. Everyone has an opinion. Some opinion writers choose to remain anonymous, but one has to weigh the credibility of an anonymous opinion-ator versus one who stands by what they write and signs their name to it.

I agree with you that these issues affect all in podiatry, not just those who are ABPS BC. Their purpose is to promote the ABPS, and in doing so they distinguish themselves from "other" podiatrists, often by belittling what they do. I am a proponent of the who profession, surgical and medical. IMO, a podiatrist is a physician and surgeon of the foot and ankle. While everyone has their own areas of interest and expertise, it is only a foot (and ankle). Not only does ABPS/ACFAS divide the profession into "surgeons" and "non-surgeons", but they draw a Mason-Dixon line across the LisFranc joint and divide the profession into forefoot and rearfoot surgeons. Division amongst ourselves will get us nowhere. We need to unite under one umbrella, APMA - who represents all podiatrists.

Dr. Rogers no one said you can not state your opinion. The ABPS does not divide anyone. They offer a certification exam for those who have the training, experience, and courage to take it. You chose not to sit and that is your right. You say it is because of the requirement of logging your caes post residency. How petty. All residents today have the opportunity to sit for both the ABPS and ABOPPM. If they choose not to then it is them who is separating themselves not the ABPS who is dividing them. Please tell me how many people sat for the ABPOPPM exam last year? Not many. Why is that? Is everyone else but you somehow wrong? ACFAS remains a strong organization and leads the profession in surgical education you chose not to be involved. Your right but those who stay involved do as much good for the profession as you.

You are bitter at these organizations and spew misinformation about them. You originally stated that on tthe ACFAS public website it's hard to find podiatry or podiatric and I point out that is wrong. On the first link for defining a foot and ankle surgeon it is mentioned multiple times. Then you back peddle and say it's not on the home page. Next time be more specific.

You still have not answered the Certified Wound Specialist question. One can one call themself this but not get outrage that they didn't include podiatric. Hippocritical at best.

I too am involved nationally and know much about you. Those who read this site and your rhetoric should really get to know you. Did you file a whistle blower type lawsuit against people/place that trained you? If so was is altruism? Did you receive and money as a result of that lawsuit? If I am misinformed please correct me.

You have a reputation and it's not only the one mentioned by the poster. Your attacks on good organizations and people have also given you high profile status.

 

[diabeticfootdr]

Many times I have written that they don't mention podiatry on the home page.... see http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=676015

They recently changed the page and now "podiatric" is used once in small font in a footnote on the home page.

CWS? I have no idea what your point is. I'm not a CWS. CWS can be an MD, DO, DPM, RN, PA, PT, OT, among others.

Surely you know I can't comment on legal cases. You keep bringing it up, I don't know what you want me to say. No comment? My advice is that you have to know how to use the legal system to your advantage and don't get bullied by anyone. All too often a young practitioner might not seek legal counsel when it can be of benefit. That is why the laws exist. And if you feel like you have been cheated, get an opinion.

There are ways to get in a professional disagreements and share differing opinions, and there are the personal attacks that you are making. I'm satisfied with the path I've taken. I'm extremely satisfied with the profession I've chosen. I don't like when others belittle the profession and unfortunately many of the divisive negative comments come from within.

 

[Podfather]

Many times I have written that they don't mention podiatry on the home page.... see http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=676015

They recently changed the page and now "podiatric" is used once in small font in a footnote on the home page.

The point is that they use podiatric and podiatry all throughout the site and thus are not afraid of the p word.

CWS? I have no idea what your point is. I'm not a CWS. CWS can be an MD, DO, DPM, RN, PA, PT, OT, among others.

That's the point. All of those can be a Certified Wound Specialist. Just like a MD,DO, DPM can be a foot and ankle surgeon. Why are you not demanding that CWS use the term podiatric CWS? Are they afraid of the p word too?

Surely you know I can't comment on legal cases. You keep bringing it up, I don't know what you want me to say. No comment? My advice is that you have to know how to use the legal system to your advantage and don't get bullied by anyone. All too often a young practitioner might not seek legal counsel when it can be of benefit. That is why the laws exist. And if you feel like you have been cheated, get an opinion.

Nice tap dance. I believe you sued those who trained you and made a siginificant amount of money on a whistle blower type claim. It just seems you are the one who is always right. You took some people down but in the end at a benefit to you. The case is over you can comment. If I am wrong please correct me. If you donated your award to charity please let me know so I can apologize.

There are ways to get in a professional disagreements and share differing opinions, and there are the personal attacks

Not a personal attack just want to make sure we all are kept honest here. Just want to clear the air since the case I describe does speak volumes.

that you are making. I'm satisfied with the path I've taken. I'm extremely satisfied with the profession I've chosen. I don't like when others belittle the profession and unfortunately many of the divisive negative comments come from within.

As I see it your attacks on ACFAS and ABPS are negative, divisive, and in the minority. I will support the scores of ABPS and ACFAS volunteers who have done so much for my profession. We are all podiatrists but some are more surgically oriented and others are not. I respect ACFOAM and ABOPPM and refer patients to their members for their biomechanic and wound care needs. I believe that the dentists have done fine with all of their areas of interest and are not a divided group just because one is a maxillofacial surgeon, another a orthodonist, and another a general dentist. All are important. You keep attacking and I'll support the profession by being the best ABPS certified, ACFAS member foot and ankle surgeon I can be.

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