F R O M T H E
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Importance of Belonging
Brian Lagana PFA Executive Director brian @ pedorthics . org
The financial crisis that hit the U . S . and many other countries several years ago has certainly forced people to prioritize their spending – take a vacation or a stay-cataion , purchase a new car or get a few thousand more miles out of the existing one , pay their pedorthic certification or licensure fee or renew their membership with the Pedorthic Footcare Association ( PFA ). All legitimate and thoughtful considerations .
For the purpose of this note to the membership , I want to focus on why you should not only remain a member of PFA or come back if your membership has lapsed , but also encourage your fellow pedorthists to become members . First and foremost , PFA is the only national association solely representing the interests of the individual pedorthic practitioner – PFA is a professional society , not a trade association such as the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association ( AOPA ), whose membership is composed of companies and not people .
Another reason are the networking opportunities provided by PFA . Sure , it ’ s taken a hit the past couple of years due to numerous factors , but the annual Symposium and Exhibition is still , by far , the largest single educational and networking event solely dedicated to the pedorthic profession . Where else can you spend three days talking with colleagues , meeting the foremost experts in the pedorthic field and other allied healthcare specialties , and viewing the latest in products and services to help you better serve your patient / client population ? Want to experience all this and more ? Then we ’ ll see you in Boston , October 31 – November 2 !
As a member , you receive the only professional publication solely devoted to the practice of pedorthics – Current Pedorthics magazine . Six times a year , articles on practice management , pedorthic pathologies and treatment methodologies , patient care , government affairs and more , are delivered right to your door . Supplementing Current Pedorthics is the monthly PFA Online , presenting time-sensitive news and information critical to the pedorthic community .
PFA is one of the foremost providers of continuing educational opportunities to help you maintain your edge – and your credential ! Webinars , seminars and the annual Symposium and Exhibition , in addition to specially featured articles in Current Pedorthics , are all produced to help you become an even better pedorthic practitioner year after year .
PFA is the only organization representing the credentialed pedorthist in Washington , DC and the state capitols through its lobbying efforts and government affairs committee . PFA maintains a presence on Capitol Hill , visiting with Members of Congress and regulatory officials to keep the issues most important to pedorthists at the forefront . PFA also works with other allied healthcare associations in coalitions , building relationships and advancing causes with larger numbers of constituents . At the state level , PFA works with members to advance state licensure for pedorthists , placing them on a level playing field with O & P .
PFA offers a host of services designed to help the business side of your practice : a shipping program with PartnerShip saves PFA members literally thousands of dollars a year ( based on your shipping volume ) – many times more than membership dues in PFA ; a pedorthic-centric professional liability / malpractice insurance program ; merchant credit card processing , and more . In fact , in the next month , PFA will be rolling out a host of new services , available exclusively for members that will include health insurance for you , your family and your employees ; travel insurance ; equipment financing ; website design services ; low cost printing ; and much more .
Finally , PFA maintains a bookstore stocked with resources for the pedorthist and their practice : practice management texts , marketing brochures , continuing education products , foot and ankle charts and models , clinical texts , and more . Members receive substantial discounts on products designed to help you be the best pedorthist that you can be .
Compared to other organizations , membership in PFA is relatively inexpensive , and you can make up for your membership dues by utilizing some of PFA ’ s business services . PFA brings a lot to the table , and you can too . By being a member of PFA , you provide a stronger organization and a stronger voice for your profession . You enhance the quality of our communications content in Current Pedorthics and PFA Online , as well as the educational content of the Symposium and other continuing education offerings .
We like to think that the survival of PFA is directly tied to the survival and future prosperity of the pedorthic profession – and vice versa . PFA ’ s volunteer leadership and staff are doing everything possible to enhance the membership value proposition – of both tangible and intangible benefits – to keep you as a member and add many more . Not to mention being the only voice out there solely dedicated to your profession .
You can do your part for yourself and your profession by understanding the value of belonging , remaining a member and encouraging others to do the same .
6 Pedorthic Footcare Association www . pedorthics . org