As the dust settles from our recent Symposium, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we are as an association and where we are heading. It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Symposium—your energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to our profession were truly inspiring. As your new President, I am both honored and excited to lead our community through the next chapter.

One of the key initiatives our association is tackling is the issue of fee parity. Many insurance plans pay podiatrists less than other physicians for the same billing codes, which is both unfair and affects the care we provide. While federal antitrust laws prevent collective bargaining, some states have resolved this through state-level legislation. We’re now laying the groundwork to achieve similar success in Connecticut by researching other states' approaches, working with our lobbyists, and preparing to petition our legislature.

We must also continue our efforts to protect and responsibly expand our scope of practice. The passage of House Bill 5196, which expanded our practice to include Choparts amputations and total ankle replacement surgery, was a huge win for podiatry in Connecticut. But our work is not done. We will continue to advocate for the ability to provide the highest level of care for our patients while maintaining the integrity of our profession.

Also on the horizon is the creation of a Connecticut State Political Action Committee (PAC). A PAC will provide us with the necessary resources to support our legislative efforts, particularly as we work toward fee parity and other crucial initiatives. Having the financial backing of a PAC will allow us to gain the attention of key legislators and further our goals of advancing podiatry in Connecticut.

In addition to these advocacy efforts, CPMA remains committed to offering high-quality and low-cost CME opportunities to our members. Continuing education is the backbone of any medical profession, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our members have access to the resources they need to stay at the forefront of podiatric medicine.

Engagement from our membership is more important than ever. Your voices, your experiences, and your participation will be crucial in shaping our approach and driving these initiatives forward. Whether it’s advocacy, providing feedback, or simply staying informed, every member has a role to play in advancing our shared goals.

I look forward to working with all of you in the coming months to continue building on the strong foundation we have established. Together, we can make significant strides toward ensuring a fair and equitable future for podiatrists in our state. Thank you for your continued dedication and engagement—our association is stronger because of you.  

Warm regards,
Adam Mucinskas, DPM
President, Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association