MEMBERSPOTLIGHT
M
y first introduction to Pedorthics
was through the Durable Medical
Equipment (DME) world. I
started out in Sales and was
also trained as a shoe fitter for
diabetic shoes. At that time there were only two indi-
viduals in the company that I worked for that were
shoe fitters and certified in pedorthics. Within the first
week I figured out there was more to fitting medical
shoes than I could imagine. I knew I needed to edu-
cate myself to provide the service my clients deserved.
These clients could not be fit with shoes that were off
the shelf, they needed more for their disabled feet. I
reached out to one of the pedorthists on staff. She told
me about the Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) and
advised me to contact them for educational materials.
I
contacted the Pedorthic Footcare Association
and was advised to start out with two books;
“Introduction to Pedorthics” and “Contemporary
Pedorthics” so I made the investment. After reading
the books I realized I wanted to continue my education
and become certified in pedorthics. I again contacted
the PFA and asked them "How do I become a creden-
tialed pedorthist?" They sent me the information I
needed to make my decision. I eventually changed jobs
and was hired by an O&P practice where I was able to
hone my clinical expertise. I worked hard and was able
to put in thousands of hours of practice. I enrolled in
a pedorthic education program and passed my ABC
Pedorthic certification. I love the clinical side of pedor-
thics. Being a clinician affords me a chance to build
relationships with the medical community and treat
patients with real issues by providing them with solu-
tions to give them better quality of life.
O
ne of the biggest hurdles I encounter in my
profession is education of others in the medical
and the civilian worlds. It seems more frequent than
not that when I introduce myself as a pedorthist to a
health care professional or a patient, there is a pause
and then a confused look. This is followed by questions
like “You’re a what? A Pah dor thist?” or “What exactly is
that?”
I
turn these questions into opportunity to educate
my audience on what my profession entails and
what I can do for them. This pattern was repeated so
many times that I decided to reach out and find ways
to educate others about the pedorthic profession so
they could benefit from the services of my profession.
I wanted to meet other pedorthists, network and find
out what issues they may have encountered.
I
asked my employer about PFA and was allowed to
join the association. I knew PFA was a way to fur-
ther my education since I had participated in education
opportunities in the past. I signed up and took advan-
tage of the benefits of membership. I bought more
reference books. I read Current Pedorthics Magazine and
took advantage of the low cost Continuing Education
Units available through the articles there. I met
other members who encouraged me to attend a PFA
Symposium. And finally I did just that, attended my
first Pedorthic Footcare Association Symposium where
“I signed up (for PFA) and took advantage
of the benefits of membership.”
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Pedorthic Footcare Association | www.pedorthics.org