Meet CPMA Vice President Dr. Rachel Albright
Advancing Care Through Collaboration and Leadership A Conversation with CPMA Vice President Dr. Rachel Albright
Strong leadership in podiatric medicine starts with how physicians approach care every day. For Dr. Rachel Albright, CPMA’s Vice President, that approach centers on collaboration, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to continuous improvement across both patient care and the profession.
From her focus on shared decision-making to her work in surgical outcomes research and involvement at the national level, Dr. Albright brings a perspective shaped by both clinical experience and a broader view of where podiatric medicine is headed.
We spoke with Dr. Albright to learn more about her approach to care, her research interests, and what continues to drive her involvement in CPMA.
CPMA: Shared decision-making is a key part of your approach to care. How does that philosophy improve the patient experience, especially in more complex cases?
Rachel Albright (RA): Shared decision-making is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes. When patients are actively involved in their treatment plan, they become not only more engaged, but as physicians, we are better enabled to foresee complications and mitigate them before they happen.
For example, if a procedure requires a period of non-weight bearing, it’s important to understand and ask the patient whether that’s realistic for them. Some may have balance issues, other physical limitations, or responsibilities they can’t step away from. If you can identify those barriers early, you can adjust the treatment plan to fit their needs and increase the likelihood they will adhere to your recommendations. The treatment protocol should be a discussion, not an order.
CPMA: You’ve been involved in research on conditions like hammertoes and Charcot foot. What interests you most about this work? Any areas of podiatric medicine or research that you’re especially passionate about right now?
RA: One of my primary research interests is surgical outcomes, particularly patient-reported outcome measures and satisfaction.
For a long time, the patient’s perspective hasn’t been fully integrated into how we define a “successful” outcome. Paying closer attention to that has helped me grow as a surgeon and better understand the full impact of the care we provide.
CPMA: You’ve been involved with APMA. What has that experience been like, and how has that experience influenced your perspective on the profession?
RA: It’s been an honor to be involved with organizations like APMA and ACFAS. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about the profession by being involved on a national level. The APMA House of Delegates, in particular, is a valuable opportunity for anyone considering leadership. Serving as a governing body for APMA members and beyond, the House of Delegates has shown me where we can feel proud of our profession and hopeful for its future, while also highlighting areas where we can continue to improve.
CPMA: As a woman in podiatry, have there been any challenges or opportunities that have stood out in your career? Any advice would you give to young women entering the field?
RA: Some of the traditional power structures in medicine still exist, and learning to navigate them with grace can be difficult and requires strategic decisions. One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give young women is to be yourself. Leadership doesn’t look the same for everyone, and it shouldn’t be. If your approach is more collaborative or empathetic, that’s a strength, and it will resonate with your patients. At the same time, it’s important to know what you want and advocate for it.
CPMA: The field of podiatry has seen a lot of recent changes over the last few years. What issues in podiatric medicine do you think deserve the most attention right now?
RA: Although we have come a long way as a specialty, we still have some obstacles. One major focus should be achieving a plenary license. There are still states that do not recognize podiatrists as physicians in the same way as MD’s or DOs, despite taking on similar responsibilities and surgical risk. That lack of recognition impacts proper reimbursement and creates inconsistencies that don’t reflect the reality of the care being delivered.
CPMA: You were just elected as CPMA’s President-Elect. What inspired you to get involved with CPMA, and what impact do you hope to make as a board member?
RA: My involvement with CPMA began early in my career after attending the APMA House of Delegates as an observer. CPMA supported that opportunity, and it gave me a firsthand look at the role leadership plays in advancing the profession.
I was inspired by the Board’s leadership, their commitment to advocacy, and their belief in leaving the specialty better than they found it. That’s something I hope to continue by helping develop future leaders and strengthening the profession for the next generation.
CPMA: Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time? Any hobbies or areas of interest to help you recharge?
RA: I’m a big food enthusiast and love exploring new restaurants. I’m also really drawn to art and creative experiences. Maybe because I don’t have that “artistic gene” myself, I’ve come to really appreciate the people who do. I enjoy going to the orchestra, seeing a Broadway show or musical, catching a concert, or getting lost in a museum.
Dr. Albright’s perspective reflects a broader shift in podiatric medicine - one that prioritizes collaboration, patient voice, and continued advancement of the profession.
As CPMA continues to advance the profession, leaders like Dr. Albright play an important role in shaping not just policy and practice, but the experience of both physicians and patients across Connecticut.