Dean’s Chat host, Dr. Jensen, is joined by American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Board of Trustee member, Dr. David Alper.
Dr. Alper highlights the American Podiatric Medical Association and its inner workings. He got his start in the realm of politics within our profession by working with the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Association. To quote Pericles — “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.”
Dr. Alper graduated from the Kent State University – College of Podiatric Medicine and he is in the Kent State University – College of Podiatric Medicine Hall of Fame.
Dr. Alper gives his time generously to make our profession better for all! Below is a list of activities Dr. Alper is currently involved with:
• Member – Northeast Leadership Board, American Diabetes Association
• Board Member – Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders
• Committee Member – Communications Committee, CLI Global Society
• Member – Steering Committee, Wound Care Collaborative Community (WCCC)
• Member – Amputation Prevention Alliance, American Diabetes Association
• Member – National Legislative and Regulatory Committee – American Diabetes Association
• Adjunct Professor – Northeastern University Physician Assistant Program.
We discuss the path to becoming a Board of Trustee member, the 12-year path to becoming an APMA President, the necessary committee work, advocacy, membership, and the fact that anyone can be involved in shaping their professional future.
Dr. Alper emphasizes the need for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to adapt its focus in response to this shift. He notes that APMA previously focused on individual membership recruitment but now need to engage with organizations like UpperLine and U.S. Phasma to recruit podiatrists as members. Dr. Alper suggests that APMA should emphasize the value of membership to these organizations and encourage individual podiatrists to advocate for their membership in their professional organization.
Dr. Jensen and Dr. Alper discuss how the podiatry profession is undergoing changes, with a trend towards larger practices. They believe that APMA needs to adjust its focus to accommodate this shift and collaborate with larger organizations to recruit members.
Join us for an enlightening discussion on the American Podiatric Medical Association and appreciate all the work behind the scenes that enables all of us to practice to our full potential! Enjoy!