Many members from Iowa have made significant contributions to the profession.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about Iowa. And no, this has nothing to do with college football! Even though it’s a small state, a fairly significant number of members there have stepped up and really made a difference. The level of contribution from this small state is exceptional and noteworthy.

Some of the players include Ed Prikaszczikow, DPM, the recently reelected chairman of the Carrier Advisory Committee. He has been stepping up to the plate and really distinguished himself as a leader. Gene Nassif Jr., DPM, is the immediate-past president of the Iowa Podiatric Medical Society (IPMS) and is a newly elected delegate for Iowa at APMA’s 2012 House of Delegates. He has also been a member of the State Advocacy Committee since its inception. Tim Yoho, DPM, is the dean of the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. He is a tremendous contributor, not only as dean, but also as the former chair of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education, and the soon-to-be president of the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine. As the executive director of IPMS, Kevin Kruse has been a great contributor to APMA. He has worked with our Finance Committee, is a member of the Center for Professional Advocacy Advisory Group, and is a past-president of the American Society of Podiatric Executives.  Vincent J. Mandracchia, DPM, has been extremely helpful in assisting APMA in convincing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that podiatrists should be allowed to serve as chief or president of a hospital medical staff. These members have all been significantly involved in working with APMA. I may have inadvertently left some people out; there are many members in Iowa whose contributions have made a difference in advancing our profession

The political activism in Iowa is consistent with the state’s contributions to the profession. Iowa has strong relationships with both the Democratic and Republican US senators, in great measure due to the proactive podiatric leadership that has made a point of walking the walk when it comes to creating and maintaining these kinds of contacts. In fact, Senator Grassley (R-IA) is one of the lead sponsors of APMA’s recently introduced Title XIX legislation.

So, what’s in the drinking water in Iowa? The leadership in Iowa just gets it and should serve as an example to the leadership in other states, small and large. Iowa has demonstrated a level of commitment that’s on par with states that are much larger, with more resources. Iowa is a sleeping giant in the heartland, and I extend my sincere appreciation to all the APMA members in Iowa who are making a difference for our profession.