The 2025 APMA House of Delegates convened in Washington, DC, on Saturday morning. The house is the governing and legislative body of the organization with representatives from each of APMA’s 53 component associations.
Saturday’s session began with a special message from Karen Santi, the wife of APMA President Larry Santi, DPM. Dr. Santi was unable to attend the house due to a recent stroke. The entire APMA community sends its well wishes to Dr. Santi and his family during his continued recovery.
Over the last year, Dr. Santi worked tirelessly to engage with AMA and establish a foundation for future collaboration. These efforts were evident as the house welcomed AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD. Dr. Scott called for unity within the medical community and highlighted the similar issues facing all physicians. “As physicians, we all carry a burden,” he said. “Now we are dealing with attacks on science and questions about whether we can be trusted. We cannot let anything harm the sacred relationship we have with our patients.” He shared key legislative issues AMA and APMA have in common, including Medicare physician payment and prior authorization reform.
Rob Frimmel, DPM, a long-time APMA and Florida Podiatric Medical Association member, was honored with the Award of Excellence on Saturday. Among his other contributions, Dr. Frimmel has served in the APMA House of Delegates for 25 years, chaired the Annual Scientific Meeting Committee seven times, and is also the cofounder of the Team APMA annual Fun Run. Since its inception, more than 1,900 runners and walkers have participated in the run, raising more than $200,000 for the APMA Educational Foundation and student scholarships. In nominating Dr. Frimmel for this award, Dennis Frisch, DPM, wrote that Dr. Frimmel’s “cheerful, quiet demeanor belies a profound commitment to his work and a genuine passion for serving others.”
Other presentations during Saturday’s session focused on the Council on Podiatric Medical Education, a profession-wide branding initiative that would also include student recruitment efforts, and young physician involvement in leadership. APMSA and the Educational Foundation delivered reports, and collectively the delegates and components pledged thousands of dollars to the future of podiatry. The house also voted on several propositions.