Key Takeaways from the 104th AMPA House of Delegates

I recently had the opportunity to attend my first APMA House of Delegates (HOD), and I am sharing a few reflections and key updates. Walking into the 104th HOD, I wasn’t entirely sure of what to expect—but I quickly realized that I was witnessing the inner workings of our profession at the highest level. It was equal parts inspiring and intense.

One significant takeaway, was the focus on the Future of Podiatry- especially student recruitment and membership in APMA. Two key concerns is about declining membership across professional organizations and a noticeable drop in student applicant metrics, including MCAT scores and board pass rates. Initiatives like “Podiatrists Move the World” and the Foundation for Podiatric Education makes a strong push to meet students where they are—on social media, through targeted outreach, and through mentorship.

On governance, a few actions were taken after debating key bills:

• Creation of a Small/Specialty Section Delegation
• Establishment of a Resident/Fellow Delegation (hotly debated, ultimately passed)
• Authorization for resident delegates to submit proposals
• Development of Podiatric Medical Assistant credentialing programs
• Discontinuation of ABPM Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ)- (also hotly debated)
• JAPMA on open access

New Leadership Appointments

• Patrick DeHeer, DPM - President
• Scott Hughes, DPM – President-elect
• Leslie Campbell, DPM –Treasurer
• Brooke Bisbee, DPM - Immediate-Past president

Board Members

• David Alter, DPM - Trustee
• Jane E. Andersen, DPM - Trustee
• James Hanna, DPM - Trustee
• William S. Long, DPM - Trustee
• Robert M. Sage, DPM - Trustee
• David Schweibish, DPM - Trustee
• Selin Ruggieri, DPM – Young Physician Trustee
• Holly Spohn-Gross, DPM - Trustee

Other

• Tyler Daley - APMSA Liaison
• Michael Trudeau, DPM – Speaker of the House (2027)

Some lighter moments were scattered through the weekend including celebrating award winners, and recognizing outstanding colleagues as well as honoring past-president Dr. Joseph Santi. It reminded me that this meeting is not just about policy and politics—but about its people, relationships, and shared purpose.

Walking away from my first HOD, I feel more connected to the profession and more aware of both its challenges and its potential. There’s a lot of work ahead—recruitment, representation, reimbursement—but there’s also a strong sense that we are willing to step up and tackle these issues head-on.

In conclusion, the 104th HOD concluded with a clear message: the future of podiatric medicine depends on unity, modernization, and proactive leadership. With ongoing efforts in advocacy, education, and governance reform, APMA is positioning itself—and the profession—for long-term success.

With high regards,

Chioma Odukwe Enu

CPMA Board member