Message from the ASPMA President

 

Dear Members:

It is has been two years since I finished my prior Executive Board commitment. With time flying by like it does, I feel like I never left. I was fortunate to still be involved by working as Vice-Chair of the Scientific Program with Tina Del Buono, PMAC. My return has recharged my batteries and I am looking forward to working with so many wonderful and talented people.

2012 seems to be the year of Centennial celebrations. I have read about the Titanic, Girl Scouts of America, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Arizona Statehood, New Mexico Statehood, Woody Guthrie, Better Business Bureau, Fenway Park, and our very own APMA. I am sure this means 2012 will be a history making year.

Region III in Atlantic City will be during the first week of May, which is only two weeks after the Midwest Podiatry Conference in Chicago. This conference is usually well attended by many assistants from all over the country. The Boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is quite an experience for those who do not live near a coastline. Assistants will have the opportunity to take our Clinical or Administrative exams as well. Then in August, we will celebrate APMA’s 100^th Anniversary in Washington, DC at the APMA National Conference. This program has two-tracks with lots of informative topics. Many are also looking forward to the 5K Run, which is becoming an annual event for APMA and ASPMA. I urge you to join us in Washington, DC for an amazing program and unbelievable sightseeing. You will not be disappointed in the Nation’s Capital.

Have you ever thought of being part of the ASPMA board? Why not start out as an Intern? I encourage all PMAC’s to entertain the idea of being an integral part of educating podiatry assistants. Attend two conferences and be part of the board for a one year term. You can also apply for the position of Secretary of ASPMA, which is also a one year term. Visit our website www.aspma.org to download the applications. It will be one of the most amazing undertakings that you have ever experienced.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Nancy E. Diaz, PMAC

President ASPMA

Message from the ASPMA President

Hello and Happy Spring to you all.

As I was running my errands this Saturday morning in heaving traffic, I was able to take in the beautiful cherry tree blossoms on that line the streets. This is one of my favorite times of year here in Washington State. They are so beautiful. This will be my last message to all of you as your ASPMA President.

The time has flown by so fast. I can’t believe my term is over. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of such a great association. I have learned so much! It was been great to be able to lecture in both Boston and Chicago. What a joy to be a part of the education of our assistants. I look forward to still being a part of this association for many years to come.

Have a wonderful spring,

 

Lisa Crouch, PMAC

Message from the President

Dear ASPMA Members:

The emotions I feel as I write this message span the spectrum from excitement and happiness to loss and sadness. I am thrilled to be stepping into the office of president just as the earth is being re born into spring. I am fortunate to live in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and this time of year is amazing. The natural beauty of this area takes my breath away!

At the same time, I am unable to share this adventure with Sandra Lohrentz, PMAC who passed away suddenly just one month ago. Sandra was not only a mentor but a friend and I miss her terribly. A debt of gratitude is owed to the board members residing in Illinois who, under extreme circumstances; acted swiftly with grace and professionalism to insure the seamless forward progress of this organization.

We have an exciting year ahead! In addition to our educational programs at The Midwest Podiatry Conference and Region III, we will have educational tracks in conjunction with the APMA Annual Meeting in Toronto, Canada! We are very proud to be exchanging ideas and networking with our Canadian assistants.

As I receive the gavel from the capable hands of Nancy E. Diaz, PMAC, I pledge to honor this office and serve our membership with integrity. I would like to share this story with you about unity, strength in numbers and what can be accomplished as a team.

The Sense of a Goose

Next fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in a ‘V’ formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in the ‘V’ formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily, because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone-and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will say in formation with those people who are headed the same way we are.
When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.
It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south.
Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
What messages do we give when we honk from behind?
Finally-and this is important-when a goose gets sick or wounded by gunshot, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies; and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.
If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.

– Author Unknown
Taken from A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul

In Peace,

Susan M. Weeks, PMAC
ASPMA President

President’s Message: Remembering Sandra Lohrentz

February 25, 2009

Sandra Lohrentz, PMAC will be remembered in our hearts and lives forever. Losing Sandra suddenly on February 24, 2009 marked the end of her twenty year commitment as ASPMA’s Executive Director, and thirty five year commitment to ASPMA. After working in the same Podiatric practice for 54 years, Sandra will be missed by her peers, friends and patients.

As President of ASPMA, I can speak for our current and past board members that Sandra was a unique and special person. I became a member of the Executive board in August 2004 at our Annual Meeting in Boston. It also happened to be ASPMA’s 40th Anniversary and there were many photos from years gone by of the association and its board members. Sandra was always a wealth of information and the epitome of organization. She made it her point to know you and you easily got to know her. She stood for strength and neutrality over the years and she always had a big heart for listening. No matter what you brought her way, she could help you resolve it with just a few words.

We will all miss our conversations and meetings with Sandra, but her knowledge and wisdom live on in all of us. Sandra had been an integral part of many new changes that will be coming to our association as well as Project 2010. We will proudly follow them through and know that Sandra will be watching over us from above.

Sandra, thank you for all the wonderful memories. We will all miss you immensely.

Sincerely,

Nancy Diaz, PMAC

ASPMA President

Remebering Sandra Lohrentz

Message from the ASPMA President

 

 

 

 

 

Dear ASPMA members:

I sit at my computer and listen to the frigid wind whistling outside my window. It is hard to believe winter has settled in and I will await the Spring thaw. I am also realizing that my term as President will be coming to a close, and I will step into the Retiring President position. I am extremely grateful for having this opportunity to be your ASPMA President.

It is an honor and privilege to be selected to serve on our board. I am proud to say that I have been part of many decisions that have come through our board meetings. Many more changes will also be coming in the years to come. We have learned that an integral part of our board is our intern program. We are taking on three enthusiastic new interns at the Midwest Podiatry Conference in 2009. This gives assistants a chance to work with us for one year and see if being part of our Executive board is something that they would like to do.

I’m sure all of you have noticed our new full color ASPMA Journal. Many thanks go to Jesus Vasquez, PMAC for all his hard work and long hours dedicated to improving our journal. If you enjoy writing, we are always looking for material to be published. Keep your eyes on our website, there are new things coming in 2009.

I will always be supportive of ASPMA because of the bonds and friendships that have been nurtured during my Executive board term. I encourage our ASPMA members to ponder the thought of furthering their role in Podiatry and applying to the intern program.

 

Respectfully submitted, 

Nancy E. Diaz, PMAC

ASPMA President