Current Pedorthics | September-October 2014 | Vol.46, Issue 5 | Page 10

exhibitors and members while evaluating and coming to grips with what was happening in the marketplace. If you look at our membership numbers over the last 10 years, you realize that we have lost many members. This, I surmise, is due to many eventualities, but we have narrowed it down to the perfect storm. PFA has lost many members to normal attrition rates (retirement, career change, death) in comparison to other professional associations, but the abundance of the Medicare pedorthists has skewed these numbers. Just who are the Medicare pedorthists? These are a great number of members who entered into the profession solely on the wave of the Therapeutic Shoe Bill. These C.Peds were hired by the multitude of DME’s who added shoes as an independent or ancillary revenue stream. However, when Medicare began to adjust the rules and increase the audits, these Certified Pedorthists lost traction and not only left the PFA but also left the profession. As a Medicare Pedorthist, I have felt this pain. When you consider the overall economy as a fiscal catalyst, it has left many out of work pedorthists unable to pay dues or attend the Symposium. With some exceptions (states with licensure and Medicare), a pedorthic credential is a purely voluntary credential. By extension, then, continuing education becomes voluntary if you need to begin making decisions about where to cut expenses. Furthermore, some companies, especially those specializing in diabetic shoes, were unable to support PFA as once before; and with the onset of membership and CEU competition and the advancement in pedorthic education, we have at times struggled to stay afloat. The BOD takes its fiduciary responsibilities very seriously and has used your dues wisely; most importantly is we cut expenses when necessary. We have together weathered the storm and the PFA is still here representing the rights of and advocating for the Certified Pedorthist. Looking back over the last two years, there were many measurable accomplishments over the term of my presidency: • We placed members of our BOD on the Medicare Regional Councils • We improved our distance learning and significantly increased our CEU opportunities. • Help your customers end foot pain • Unique, quality products in attractive packages • Proven sellers in shops just like yours • Guaranteed to sell or we buy them back! Boost your sales and profits, without risk. For a free catalog, samples, more information, or to order, contact PediFix or your favorite distributor today. Mention “Current Pedorthics” for extra free samples! Counter-Top Foot Pain Relief Profit Center #P17 Call: 800-356-8185 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected] ©2014 Pedifix, Inc. LPF1014 8 Pedorthic Footcare Association www.pedorthics.org Visit us at booth #205 in Orlando!