As we welcome the new year, I’m filled with gratitude for all our members’ continued dedication and support. Reflecting on 2024, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together—from the success of our recent Symposium to the camaraderie we’ve fostered as an association. It’s a reminder of the strong sense of community that defines CPMA, and I’m honored to serve as your President as we embark on another year of growth and advocacy. 

The 2024 Symposium was a resounding success, boasting an impressive turnout and a palpable atmosphere of energy and enthusiasm. I am thrilled to once again congratulate our exceptional Award Recipients - Kristen Winters, DPM (Scott Walker Award), Linda Kowalski (Certificate of Appreciation), Lori Paragas, DPM, Alicia Guidone, DPM, Gordon Fosdick, DPM, and Daniel Davis, DPM (25 Years Continuous Membership Awards) - whose outstanding contributions and remarkable achievements were rightfully celebrated during this momentous event. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to us all and reinforces the spirit of excellence within our community.  

It is with great excitement that I introduce both our returning and new board members and officers. Our returning officers - Farlyn Charlot, DPM, Jesse Parks, DPM, Rachel Albright, DPM, and Kristen Winters, DPM - have continually exhibited exemplary leadership and dedication to our organization. I am equally delighted to welcome aboard our new board of directors - Kimberly Inocco, DPM, Michael Gazes, DPM, Adebola T. Adeleke, DPM, and Nicholas Faiver, DPM - whose diverse expertise and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly bring new dimension to our board and further elevate the standards within CPMA. 

I’m pleased to announce that our 2025 Annual Symposium will return to Foxwoods Resort & Casino on November 7–8. This gathering is always a highlight of our year, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in podiatry while connecting with fellow professionals from across the state. We’ll have a robust lineup of lectures, hands-on sessions, and networking events that will help you stay at the forefront of podiatric medicine. 

We also have some spring events in the works! One is the return of our Radiology Certification Course, designed to provide office assistants with essential training in radiation safety and office-based X-ray techniques. We will also be holding a CPMA Membership Meeting where you can expect an evening filled with valuable perspectives and important updates. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow members, exchange ideas, and stay informed about what is going on in our industry. Keep an eye out for more details on both events coming soon! 

In terms of advocacy, it is imperative that we remain vigilant about proposed legislation. We oppose Bill 468, which is framed as a measure to ensure title protection for physicians but would effectively remove our ability to call ourselves “podiatric physicians.” Such a setback would undermine our standing within the broader medical community and negatively impact insurance contracting. If you live or work in a district represented by a Public Health Committee member, please be ready to respond should CPMA or the board reach out; your voice is crucial in shaping the outcome of these legislative measures. Meanwhile, we also celebrate the progress in our field that allows licensed podiatrists who have submitted documentation for an ankle surgery permit to apply for privileges to perform total ankle replacement (TAR) surgery at Connecticut hospitals. Once approved, podiatrists may perform TAR surgery at the granting hospital and choose to submit documentation to the Department of Public Health, which will add a note to their license indicating the privileges and the hospital(s) that granted them. You can find more information here.

I also kindly ask for your support of our Membership Donation Campaign. Your contributions help us fund the events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts that drive our profession and enable us to better serve our patients. You can donate here.

Finally, I extend an open invitation to all members who are interested in contributing to the growth and success of CPMA to participate in our committees. Your involvement and collaboration are indispensable as we collectively strive to advance podiatric medicine and champion the well-being of our patients. If you are interested in joining a committee, please reach out to our Executive Director Kristen Wing at kwing@cpma.org.  

It is my sincere hope that together, we will endeavor to make 2025 a transformative and monumental year for our esteemed association, and I eagerly anticipate the continued partnership and dedication of our members as we move forward on this exciting journey.   

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