American Podiatric Medical Association

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is a professional organization representing the nation's Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (podiatrists). The APMA represents approximately 80 percent of the podiatrists in the country. Within APMA's umbrella of organizations are 53 component societies in states and other jurisdictions, as well as 21 affiliated and related societies.



APMA's Council on Podiatric Medical Education is the body designated by the US Department of Education to accredit the nation's podiatric medical schools. In addition, the Council has the responsibility to approve residency programs and continuing medical education programs. The Council recognizes certifying boards within podiatric medicine which meet its standards.

APMA's Educational Foundation, established in 1959, is dedicated to advancing the growth and stability of podiatric medicine through student scholarships and increasing nationwide awareness of foot and ankle health.

APMA provides foot health information to the public in a number of ways, including through its toll free number, l-800-FOOTCARE. There are more than three dozen different foot health brochures available at no charge. APMA has also initiated an Internet web site to provide information to the public at www.apma.org.

Doctors of Podiatric Medicine are physicians and surgeons who practice on the lower extremities, primarily on feet and ankles. The preparatory education of most DPMs includes four years of undergraduate work, followed by four years in an accredited podiatric medical school, followed by a residency.

APMA's national headquarters is located in Maryland. Its staff of 57 professionals are dedicated to promoting foot and ankle health, to member service, and to professional excellence.

MISSION STATEMENT: APMA advances and advocates for the profession of podiatric medicine and surgery for the benefit of its members and the public.

OVERARCHING GOAL OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN: To insure that APMA continues to be the leading professional organization and unifying force in the field of podiatric medicine and surgery.

Historical Highlights of the American Podiatric Medical Association:


 * 1912: The direct ancestor of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the National Association of Chiropodists (NAC), was established with 225 chiropodist members. Prior to 1912, professional organizations of chiropodists existed in five states, beginning with the world’s first organization of chiropodists in 1895, the Pedic Society of New York.


 * 1912-1916: Seven schools were founded, and the Council on Education (predecessor of The Council on Podiatric Medical Education) was established in 1918.


 * 1920: The NAC reorganized its annual meeting as a national convention of state delegates, based upon dues-paying members in the state societies. Following World War II, the NAC focused on profession-wide concerns. Efforts were made to standardize degrees, titles, terminology, educational curricula, and state practice acts; intensify and expand public relations and recruitment; create and maintain a scientific research program for the profession; assure that organizational and financial resources existed to achieve NAC goals; provide facilities and resources for NAC staff to function effectively; and educate practitioners in techniques of practice-building and office management.


 * 1957: The NAC was renamed the American Podiatry Association (APA). "Chiropody" was often confused by the public, and the Greek roots of "podiatry" mean "foot doctor," which was viewed to be a better professional rubric.


 * 1960's: Education again dominated APA concerns. APA called for review and reform of the schools’ educational processes. APA also identified needs for definition of the profession, inter-professional cooperation, and enhanced public relations. These efforts placed the profession in a stronger position by the late 1960s. In 1969, the APA staff of 15 moved to a new headquarters building on Chevy Chase Circle in Washington, DC.


 * 1984: APA was renamed the American Podiatric Medical Association to emphasize the profession as part of mainstream medical practice. In 1987, APMA moved to its current headquarters building in Bethesda, MD.