A special thank you to our members for the trust you’ve placed in me, by electing me to be your current president. I am humbled, and I will do everything I can to represent you, hear you, and serve you where I am needed.
Table of Contents
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Page 8 Dayton Has Sole Page 10-11......................................... Coding & Compliance Corner
Page 12.......................... Clinical Diagnosis and Laboratory Testing of Abnormal Appearing Toenails
Page 13............................................ Continuing Medical Education
I am excited to visit each of the academies this year. I can’t wait to meet more of our members, learn about the care you’re providing your communities, and hear your thoughts on strengthening involvement. As you’ve seen in our recent membership survey, I want to know what you value most from OHFAMA and how we can support you in the year ahead.
Our profession is facing challenges, including declining membership, student recruitment, insurance reimbursement, parity, and protecting our scope of practice. But with challenge comes opportunity. Together, we can recruit our colleagues to join and support OHFAMA, so we can collectively represent this profession that we love.
Please remember to sign up for the 110th Ohio Foot and Ankle Scientific Seminar this year – check out the full schedule included in this journal. Remember, assistants are welcome with an exceptional two-day program available!
I look forward to working with you and for you this year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. OHFAMA is here for you!
In Service, Joy
Northeast Academy Members celebrated Dr. Rowland’s last meeting as Academy President before she was sworn in as OHFAMA President.
Executive Director’s Message
Luci Ridolfo, CAE
Showing Up for Our Members: Now More Than Ever
At OHFAMA, our mission has always been clear: to advocate for, support, and advance the profession of podiatric medicine in Ohio. But a mission only matters if we live it.
In recent months, we’ve taken a hard look at a concern that affects not just our organization, but the future of podiatric medicine: declining membership.
Membership numbers are more than a statistic. When membership declines, it prompts an important question:
If our organization isn’t there for the profession, who will be?
When legislative challenges arise, who will advocate for scope and reimbursement?
When regulatory issues surface, who will provide guidance and clarity?
When insurance or credentialing barriers create obstacles, who will step in to help?
When young physicians need mentorship and community, who will answer the call?
The strength of OHFAMA lies in our commitment to service. Being here for our members means more than hosting meetings or sending emails. It means:
• Prompt, responsive communication about issues impacting your patients and practice
• Dedicated advocacy at the Statehouse
• Educational programs that truly add value to podiatric medicine
• Practical support when members face real-world challenges
• A professional community that empowers our members
We are continually evaluating what benefits we offer, how we communicate, and how we demonstrate relevance in an evolving healthcare environment.
Periods of challenges are often moments of renewal. We are hard at work advocating for you at the Statehouse. We’ve launched both a successful monthly E-Newsletter and well-attended webinar series to keep you informed. In this Journal, you’ll see the incredible lineup for our 110th Annual Scientific Seminar, where you can learn from the best and connect with your colleagues.
Customer service is ingrained in our culture at OHFAMA. A recent membership survey told us that members and their staff feel very comfortable reaching out to OHFAMA when they encounter an issue in their daily practice. When you need help, you will feel heard and supported. We stand beside our members.
I encourage each of you to dive into your membership. Attend a meeting. Provide feedback. Mentor a colleague. Invite a new practitioner to join. Share ideas about how we can better serve you. Strong membership is built by a united profession.
OHFAMA is here to ensure that podiatric medicine in Ohio has a voice, a presence, and a future. If we are not there for our profession, who will be? The answer is clear: we are stronger together.
OHFAMA CALENDAR
March 6 - 8, 2026
No-Nonsense Seminar - NC Academy
Virtual
April 8, 2026
Stewart Surloff Memorial Seminar –ME Academy
Fairlawn Hilton Doubletree Hotel
April 16, 2026
Budget and Finance Meeting
Board of Trustees Meeting
OHFAMA Executive office
April 18, 2026
110th Annual Ohio Foot and Ankle
Scientific Seminar
Virtual
May 14 – 15, 2026
110th Annual Ohio Foot and Ankle Scientific Seminar
Columbus Hilton at Easton
August 13, 2026
Budget and Finance Committee
Board of Trustees Meeting
OHFAMA Executive office
August 27 – 29, 2026
GXMO Didactic & Clinical Course
Virtual
October 8, 2026
Budget and Finance Committee
Board of Trustees Meeting
OHFAMA Executive office
November 13, 2026
Board of Trustees Meeting
Budget and Finance Committee
Embassy Suites – Columbus Airport
November 14, 2026
Wound Care Seminar
OHFAMA Annual Business Meeting
Embassy Suites – Columbus Airport
November 19-22, 2026
GXMO Didactic & Clinical Course
Virtual
Thank you to our 2026 Champion sponsors
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Save the Date for Saturday November 14, 2026
Highlights from the Annual Business Meeting
Members from around Ohio gathered to learn, connect, and engage in the governance of the Ohio Foot and Ankle Medical Association at the 2025 Wound Care Seminar and Annual Business Meeting on Saturday, November 8.
The morning kicked off with a packed house for the 2025 Wound Care Seminar. Featuring a robust lineup of interdisciplinary speakers, attendees earned six Hours of Ohio Category I CME on topics including chronic venous disease and the impact of lymphatic disease on wound healing. The seminar was “straightforward, uncomplicated information. Fantastic!” shared one attendee.
The day continued as attendees transitioned to the Annual Business Meeting. Highlights included the approval of the annual budget and updates from the State Medical Board of Ohio, KSUCPM, OHFAMA/OFAMF Executive Director Luci Ridolfo, and the OHFAMA lobbyist. The newly elected 2026 Executive Committee and APMA Delegates are:
President: Joy Rowland, DPM, Cleveland, OH
First Vice President: Amy Masowick, DPM, Cincinnati, OH
Second Vice President: Aaron Deol, DPM, Twinsburg, OH
Secretary Treasurer: Adam Thomas, DPM, Hilliard, OH
APMA Delegate 3 Year-Term: Marc Greenberg, DPM, Dayton, OH
APMA Delegate 3 Year-Term: Kelly Whaley, DPM, Wickliffe, OH
APMA Alternate Delegate 1 Year-Term: Jonathan White, DPM, Dayton, OH
Immediate Past President Dr. Martin Lesnak was awarded the Thomas J. Myer Award for his service and was inducted into the Silver Gavel Club with a standing ovation. “Our profession is a gift,” shared newly elected President Dr. Joy Rowland. “Every day, we have the privilege to ease suffering, restore mobility, save limbs, and empower our patients to live fuller lives. We see firsthand how relieving pain can change a person’s outlook, bring families together, or help someone return to work and play. In these moments—large and small—we see the true significance of our calling.”
Following the seminar, members enjoyed a lively social gathering. You may spot some familiar faces in the annual ‘Powerful Women of Podiatry’ photo!
MEMBERSHIP NEWS & NOTES
Limb Preservation Team Highlight
Dr. Richard Schilling of ABC Podiatry and Mount Carmel’s Limb Preservation Team was highlighted by Mount Carmel for saving a patient’s foot after his toe became infected. The article highlighted the length the team went to prevent a foot amputation, even after multiple foot infections. ‘“…Dr. Schilling listened and understood my goals. He knew how important it was for me to be able to walk my daughter down the aisle,”’ the patient shared. Kudos to this team saving lives and limbs!
Step In and Inspire!
In our recent survey, we learned that hosting a student recruitment workshop or serving as a mentor is the top way our members want to get involved. Sign up today to help build the future of podiatry!
Shout out to Drs. Scott Johnston, Seth Krueger, Sam Rathe, Lucas Ahlquist, Amelia Gilson, Khalil Qutifan, Richard Schilling, Isaac Wilmot, Josie Galinis, Kevin Springer, Sam Makanjuola, and Caleb McFerren, who led suture workshops at local colleges and universities to spread the word about a career in podiatric medicine in 2025 and 2026.
Ohio State Medical Board Taps DPM
OHFAMA member Dr. John Boyle was elected as Vice President of the State Medical Board of Ohio for 2026. We appreciate his continued guidance and leadership representing the podiatric profession.
OHFAMA Leadership: Coming to a Meeting Near You
Keep an eye out for visits from Executive Director Luci Ridolfo and President Dr. Joy Rowland at your local academy meeting this calendar year. OHFAMA leadership is making a trip to all local academy meetings to provide a state update and hear how OHFAMA can help you in your practice.
Save the date for your next Academy Meeting!
OHFAMA Volunteer Spotlight: Akron Marathon
OHFAMA members Drs. Richard Hofacker, Karen Kellogg, Eric Lentowski and Emmanuel Sosa-Lopez went the extra mile by volunteering at the Akron Marathon. Members of the Academy proudly support the marathon every year!
Drs. Rob Brandao, Martin Lesnak, Said Atway, Joy Rowland, and Executive Director Luci Ridolfo are pictured at a fall Central Academy Meeting.
Denison University, Fall 2025
OSU February Suture Workshop
Akron Marathon Volunteers
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations to Second Vice President Aaron Deol, DPM of Twinsburg, OH!
Can you tell me a little bit about your practice?
My wife and I started our own private practice, Twinsburg Family Medicine and Foot & Ankle Center, right out of residency. By combining podiatry and family medicine under one roof, we were able to offer a different kind of patient experience from day one. From check-in to checkout, we personally handle every aspect of the practice. Our goal has been to recreate the “mom-and-pop” style of medicine that many of our parents and grandparents grew up with—care that is personal, accessible, and rooted in long-term relationships with our patients. Our patients have truly become family to us as we have grown this practice the past 3 years.
Why did you get involved in OHFAMA leadership?
I completed my residency at Aultman Alliance Community Hospital, where my program director, Dr. Leslie Niehaus, required all residents to attend the
Mideast Ohio Academy meetings. It was there that I learned the ins and outs of OHFAMA and, by my third year of residency, had the opportunity to serve as vice president of the academy. Fortunately, my private practice remained within the Mideast Academy region after graduation, and I went on to become president the following year—a role I continue to hold today.
The Mideast Academy has been a major influence in my decision to pursue a position on the executive committee. Watching Dr. Thomas Arnold serve as OHFAMA president a few years ago sparked my interest in becoming more involved at the state level. Before being nominated for second vice president, I had a meaningful conversation with Dr. Arnold that further solidified my desire to join the executive committee and continue serving our profession.
Learn more with our new Membership Spotlight feature!
Empowering Women in Medicine: AWPP’s Paint and Sip Roundtable
OHFAMA President Dr. Joy Rowland joined the American Association of Women Podiatrists annual roundtable paint and sip for an open discussion with practicing podiatrists about issues impacting women in medicine.
Thirty-two attendees engaged speakers Dr. Joy Rowland, Dr. Marie Blazer, and Dr. Rachel Johnson in conversations about work life balance, navigating motherhood in medicine, and gender bias in the workplace. Thank you for sharing your experiences on such important topics!
Share Your Good News
Do you have a recent achievement, award, milestone, or celebration? Is there an upcoming event or volunteer opportunity you want to share with your fellow OHFAMA members? We want to hear it! Help us spotlight your amazing work and the moments that make our podiatric community shine.
Members, submit your good news and you may be featured in an upcoming OHFAMA Journal or monthly e-newsletter!
Dr. Whaley Returns
Dr. Whaley recently returned from a Medical Yatra, where she provided critical podiatric care to three communities in India. Scan the QR code here to read more about her global trek and helping those in need.
Josephine Jacob, Dr. Joy Rowland, Dr. Marie Blazer, Dr. Rachel Johnson, and Lauren Torres at the American Association of Women Podiatrists annual roundtable.
DAYTON HAS SOLE
The next time you leave your house, look around at the people who keep your community running -- retail workers, food service employees, warehouse staff. These individuals spend long hours on their feet doing physically demanding work, but do they have the necessary footwear to support their health and wellbeing?
Dayton Has Sole started when Dr. Jon White recognized a critical, unmet need of his patients who work as warehouse or service workers at a Federally Qualified Health Center. Although these patients are employed, many of them cannot afford to purchase the high-quality, long-lasting footwear he recommends, which can retail up to $150 a pair. As a result, these workers often experience easily preventable foot and ankle pain. When Dr. White searched for resources to support these patients, he found organizations that provide shoes for children in need, but none in the Dayton area that serve lower-income adults. Many of his patients have been phased out of assistance programs because they are employed. Yet it is because of their jobs that they are in pain and in need of affordable, quality, footwear.
With a clear mission in mind, Dr. White got to work starting an organization to meet this critical need. He recruited a board, secured nonprofit status, and established community partnerships. His biggest hurdle was finding a reliable source for inventory. That changed when Up and Running, a local Dayton shoe store, stepped in as a partner. Up and Running donates a portion of the cost of the shoes and actively participates in shoe fittings and distribution. Dr. White noted that without the commitment and support of the Up and Running team, Dayton Has Sole might have remained only an idea.
“Dayton Has Sole is a nonprofit initiative committed to closing the gap in access to proper footwear for underserved adults in the Dayton, Ohio, community. Our mission is to make high-quality shoes accessible to those who would otherwise be unable to afford them, especially those with housing insecurities and those with foot and ankle ailments that often remain untreated due to financial barriers.”
Dayton Has Sole distributes shoes in two ways. First, they offer a voucher model for working community members who need financial assistance. After completing a short application and providing proof of income, clients receive a voucher to purchase a pair of shoes from Up and Running at a significantly reduced cost.
This model prioritizes dignity. Clients bring their voucher to Up and Running and shop like any other customer. The store’s staff provides a personalized fitting and helps each person select the best pair of shoes for their health, lifestyle, and line of work. For some clients, this is the first time they experience a personalized shoe fitting appointment. Dr. White explained, “many of the individuals we serve have never experienced a proper shoe fitting before. They may not realize that different shoes offer different levels of support, features, and benefits based on a person’s foot structure and daily activities. As a result, many have been wearing shoes that are the wrong size or lack adequate support, which can contribute to discomfort and long-term foot health issues.”
The second way Dayton Has Sole serves the community is through direct outreach events for individuals experiencing homelessness. Through his monthly work at a homeless clinic, Dr. White saw firsthand that many unhoused patients were wearing shoes far beyond their usable lifespan. The average homeless individual may walk up to ten miles a day, so treating foot and ankle pain is difficult when shoes are worn down and unsafe. After a personalized fitting at a distribution event, one recipient told Dr. White that he did not know shoes could fit that well and feel so comfortable. He was still wearing those shoes months later.
Building Dayton Has Sole has not been easy. Dr. White has applied for grants, recruited a volunteer to build the organization’s website, and continued to explore sustainable funding models. He has learned many lessons along the way. Even getting vouchers into the hands of those who need them can be challenging -- it’s hard to get individuals who are so focused on their day to day to fill out the application. These days, many of his lunch hours at work are spent applying for grants. However, he knows every pair of new shoes distributed through the program helps keep his community healthy, productive, and on their feet. To date, Dayton Has Sole has distributed 132 pairs of shoes to community members.
Dr. White’s hope is for this model to be replicated in other communities. Across Ohio, there are small businesses eager to support their neighbors but unsure how to get involved. It doesn’t take an expert or a superhero to get involved – it just takes community members who care. Dayton Has Sole demonstrates how a new pair of shoes can make a lasting impact on health, dignity, and quality of life.
Learn More and Donate
Dr. Jonathan White, member of the Midwest Academy, currently serves as an OHFAMA At-Large Trustee and an Alternate Delegate for the APMA House Delegates.
Examples of worn shoes at a distribution event
Leading Extremity Distributor
“We distribute and support leading innovation and technologies in the extremity space. Whether it’s biointegrative implants that turn into bone, Nitinol, patient specific customization, synthetic grafts, etc. Think of Progressive Medical Solutions as your one stop shop for your lower extremity needs.”
CORNER CODING & COMPLIANCE
Stay in your Lane: Ohio Proposes New Rules on Office-Based Surgery
Provided by Dinsmore and Shohl
The State Medical Board of Ohio has proposed amendments regarding Ohio’s office-based surgery rules. These rules are significant and govern the standards and requirements for surgery in an office-based setting. Regulatory enforcement of these rules has increased in recent years and providers and practices offering such services are encouraged to review these proposed significant changes.
The proposed changes address many aspects of office-based surgery including:
• Mandatory education, training and experience standards for performing surgery in an office-based setting;
• Anesthesia standards including tumescent anesthesia;
• Accreditation requirements;
• Liposuction in the office setting; and
• Facility standards.
Perhaps most significant among the new rules is a change which appears to
address recent Board concern with providers performing surgery in areas that exceed or are otherwise outside of their training. In this regard, the proposed changes include a new rule which establishes mandatory education, training and experience standards which must be met prior to performing certain office-based surgeries.
Additionally, the Board proposes a new rule outlining the required standard of care for office-based surgery which mandates, among other things, new pre-procedure patient evaluation standards, informed consent, monitoring, discharge criteria and post-operative instructions. These additions require increased oversight and documentation and raise potential implications for facility accreditation and registration.
Failure to comply with the approved Board rules for office-based surgery will constitute a violation of the standards of care and subject providers to potential disciplinary action. To ensure compliance and mitigate risk, affected parties should review the proposed rule changes and internal policies and procedures under OAC Ch. 4731-25, which at this time remain with Ohio’s Common Sense Initiative Office for review.
1 The Common Sense Initiative review must be completed before a rule can be submitted for the formal rule-making process through the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review.
Evaluation and Management Downcoding
Recent trends in physician reimbursement have highlighted a concerning pattern of Evaluation and Management (E/M) code downcoding, particularly noted with Anthem commercial insurance plans, which can significantly impact practice revenue and undervalue the complexity of care provided.
Physicians are encouraged to proactively address this issue by holding regular weekly or monthly meetings with their billing teams to review claims, identify patterns of downcoding, and promptly appeal inappropriate reductions to ensure fair reimbursement. Additionally, when billing irregularities or payerrelated challenges arise, practices should report these concerns to OHFAMA so the organization can alert colleagues statewide and advocate collectively against unfavorable insurance practices, strengthening the profession’s ability to secure appropriate reimbursement for patient care.
Next Generation MyCare Ohio
At the beginning of January 2026, Next Generation MyCare plans combined all Medicare and Medicaid benefits into a single plan. This change is designed to improve coordination of benefits and support, making it easier for members to get the care they need. The program is designed to simplify access to care for more than 250,000 Ohioans by integrating Medicaid and Medicare services under one streamlined system. See the chart for the rollout schedule.
Visit the Ohio Medicaid website to learn more about the Next Generation of Ohio Medicaid program and what it means for providers, including available resources to support you in utilizing new systems and features. Free resources are also available through RetireMed.
before accessing certain specialist services in outpatient, office or home settings. Referrals must be submitted by the PCP to UnitedHealthcare prior to the specialist visit. You can choose a start date of up to 5 calendar days prior to the entry date. Referrals are effective immediately upon submission. The new referral requirements will NOT apply to services provided by a podiatrist.
Members or patients who have any issues with access to care for podiatry services, can file a grievance with UHC directly using the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Plan Appeals & Grievances Form. For further resources, please refer to the Coding and Compliance section of the OHFAMA website.
WISeR Model Resources
We know that providing health care can create unforeseen issues and complicated legal challenges. With one of the largest, most robust health care law practices in Ohio, health systems and practitioners across the state trust Dinsmore to deliver award-winning service backed by a dedicated team of experienced attorneys.
Clinical Diagnosis and Laboratory Testing of Abnormal Appearing Toenails: A Retrospective Assessment of Confirmatory Testing for Onychomycosis in the United States, 2022–2023
Onychomycosis is an under-recognized healthcare burden. Despite the risk of misdiagnosis, confirmatory laboratory testing is under-utilized. Our results support the use of confirmatory laboratory testing when there is a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis.
Abstract
Onychomycosis is an under-recognized healthcare burden. Despite the risk of misdiagnosis, confirmatory laboratory testing is under-utilized. Histopathologic examination with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is currently the most effective diagnostic method; it offers direct detection and identification of a fungal invasion. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed confirmatory testing results, with matching clinical diagnoses, in 96,293 nail specimens submitted during a 9-month period from 2022 to 2023. Toenail specimens were examined using fungal culture, histopathology and/or PCR. Clinical diagnoses were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes. For clinically diagnosed onychomycosis patients, the overall positivity rate was 59.4%; a similar positivity rate (59.5%) was found in patients with clinically diagnosed non-fungal nail dystrophy. Performing a histopathologic examination with PCR was more likely to provide pathogen identification results than
using fungal culture. Male patients had a higher rate of onychomycosis overall; however, female patients had more non-dermatophyte mold onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus. Clinically diagnosed onychomycosis patients with a co-diagnosis of tinea pedis were more likely to test positive for onychomycosis by PCR (odds ratio [OR]: 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7–6.4), histopathology (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 2.0–3.1) and fungal culture (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5–6.6). Our results support the use of confirmatory laboratory testing when there is a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis.
Please see the link to read the complete publication about one of the largest studies on laboratory testing for onychomycosis, published in the Feb 2024 - Journal of Fungi.
Save the Date: The 110th Annual Foot and Ankle Scientific Seminar
Virtual April 18, 2026 and in-Person May 14 – 15, 2026
Level up your podiatric practice! Register today for the can’t-miss 110th Annual Foot and Ankle Scientific Seminar.
Choose the learning experience that works best for you: join us virtually on April 18 for eight hours of CME or connect with colleagues at the beautiful Hilton at Easton in person on May 14-15 for up to seventeen CME credits. Save with our discounted full seminar package for up to 25 CMEs.
Our popular assistant track offers important updates for your entire team, including refreshers for medical assistants, specialized coding tracks, and essential HIPAA compliance information.
Join the community of physicians who make this seminar a cornerstone of their professional development.
Learn from key leaders in the podiatric community. Save your seat today!
OHFAMA SERVICE AWARDS RECIPI ENTS
This year, the Ohio Foot & Ankle Medical Association honors two distinguished physicians with the 2026 Service Award, Dr. Mitchell Dalvin and Dr. Leslie Niehaus, celebrating two careers shaped by the same core values. Both awardees served OHFAMA and their communities through exceptional patient care, dedication to the podiatric profession, and by paving the way for the next generation of podiatric physicians.
Dr. Dalvin has long been a pillar of leadership within the Eastern Academy. Recently retired, he served in Academy leadership, as a resident competition judge, and was even President of the Austintown Rotary. “Dr. Dalvin has not only led an exemplary life of service to his patients, family and neighbors but also through supporting his colleagues and the Podiatric Profession, particularly in Ohio. He has been a key attending surgeon of the Youngstown surgical residency program and has acted as a mentor to many of his former residents who are now practicing colleagues,” shared friend and colleague, Dr. Bruce Blank. Dr. Dalvin’s legacy is reinforced each time he sees his former residents practicing as podiatric physicians.
Dr. Niehaus has likewise been a prominent leader, particularly within the Mideastern Academy, where he received the Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Since establishing the Alliance surgical residency program in 1996, he has trained more than 200 residents. “These residents have all been well trained clinically, surgically, and ethically, because Dr. Niehaus demands excellence from all who attend this program,” shared Dr. Hofacker. Now retired, he enjoys spending time with his family and daughters, all three of whom have followed his footsteps into the medical field.
By celebrating physicians like Dr. Dalvin and Dr. Niehaus, OHFAMA honors their unwavering commitment to the Association’s mission through dedicated leadership and volunteerism at both the academy and state levels. Their legacy continues with the next generation of podiatric physicians they have trained and inspired. You are invited to honor these winners Thursday, May 14 at the Ohio Annual Scientific Seminar!
SEMINAR SCHEDULE
Physicians Seminar Schedule
Saturday, April 18, 2026 – Virtual
7:30 – 9:30 AM The Painful Ankle
9:30 – 9:45 AM Break
9:45 – 11:30 AM Tips, Quips and Pearls: What I do to Make a Procedure Easier
11:30 – 12:45 PM PICA Risk Management Lecture: AI in Podiatry: Clinical Implications for Documentation and Patient Communications
12:45 – 1:00 PM Break
1:00 – 4:00 PM My Most Rewarding Case of the Year
Thursday, May 14, 2026 – In-Person
7:00 – 9:30 AM Hot and Cold
9:30 – 10:00 AM Break
10:00 – 11:30 AM Scientific Paper and Poster Competitions: Presentations from Podiatric Physician Residents
11:30 – 1:00 PM Lunch and Learn - Choose from 3 Presentations
1:00 – 3:00 PM Broke or Fractured? Fix or Fuse?
3:00 – 3:30 PM Break – Service Award Presentation
3:30 – 5:30 PM Optimal Prime
Friday, May 15, 2026 – In-Person
7:30 – 9:00 AM Forefront of Forefoot and Beyond
7:30 – 9:30 AM Breakout Session: APMA PresentsCoding and Documentation
9:00 – 10:00 AM Break - based on session attending 9:30 – 11:30 AM Pancake Feet and Food for Thought
10:00 – 11:30 AM Breakout Session: APMA PresentsCoding and Documentation continued
11:30 – 1:00 PM Exhibitor Marketplace Luncheon
1:00 – 2:30 PM Understanding Medical Practices in the World with AI
2:30 – 3:00 PM Break
3:00 – 5:30 PM MIS and More
3:00 – 5:00 PM Federal Requirements for Your Practice
Assistant’s Program
Assistants may register for Thursday and/or Friday
Thursday, May 14, 2026
8:00 – 8:45 AM Foot and Ankle Anatomy: Breaking Down Diagnosis Management
8:45 – 9:15 AM Anesthesia and Nerve Blocks: Understanding the Difference
9:15 – 10:00 AM Clinical Consultation and Differential Diagnosis
10:00 – 10:30 AM Break
10:30 – 11:30 AM The Anatomy of Shoes – Interactive Discussion and Hands-On Workshop
11:30 – 12:00 PM An Overview of Frequently Ordered Tests: Understanding Why
12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch (on your own)
1:00 – 1:30 PM Patient Intake and Coding – What you need to know!
1:30 – 2:00 PM Foot Ulcers and Wound Care: How to Help Your Physician
1:00 – 2:30 PM Understanding Medical Practices in the World with AI 2:30 – 3:00 PM Break
3:00 – 5:00 PM Federal Requirements for Your Practice
2026 Faculty: Sarah Abshier, DPM – Seminar Chair; Roberto Brandao, DPM – Seminar Chair; Lawrence DiDomenico, DPM – Seminar Chair; Robert Mendicino, DPM – Seminar Chair; Thom Arnold, DPM; Said Atway, DPM; Kim Avramaut, DPM; Ian Barron, DPM; Robert Brarens, DPM; Michael Brody, DPM; Brian Burgess, DPM Patick Burns, DPM; David DeLuccia, LPO; Meghann Featherstun, MS, RD, CSSD; Marc Greenberg, DPM; Jordan Grossman, DPM; Elizabeth Hewitt, DPM; Mark Hofbauer, DPM; Tim Holmes, DPM; Christopher Hyer, DPM; Nathan Kalil, DPM; Karen Kellogg, DPM, MBA; Todd Kerner, MD, PhD; Daniel Logan, DPM; Nick Lowery, DPM; Amy Masowick, DPM; Cameron Meyer, DPM; Doug Pacaccio, DPM; John Phillips, MD; Amanda Quisno, DPM; Mark Prissel, DPM Jacob Seymour, DO; Deepak Sudheendra, MD; Randall Thomas, DPM
Columbus Hilton at Easton
S AT U R DAY
April 18, 2026
8 CME Hour s Vir tual
TH U R S DAY A N D FR I DAY
May 14 - 15, 2026
17 CME Hour s In
Per son at t he
Columbus Hilton at Easton
Physician Registration Form
S atur day, Apr il 18, 2026 — 7:30 AM - 4:0 0 PM Vir tual via GoToWebinar
PIC A Lec ture — 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Thu r sd ay, May 14, 2026 (Chec k ALL t h at a p p l y)
Thur sday E ar ly Mor ning
Thur sday L ate Mor ning
Thur sday Lunc h and Lear n
Thur sday E ar ly Af ter noon
Thur sday L ate Af ter noon
Fri d ay, May 15, 2026 (Chec k ALL t h at a p p l y)
Fr iday E ar ly Mor ning
Fr iday Late Mor ning
Forefront of Forefoot and Beyond Pancake Feet and Food for Thought
MIS and More
Thursday May 14, 2026
Friday May 15, 2026
Assistant Registration Form
Eastern Academy
ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
2026 contributors as of 3/9/2026
The Southern Academy is challenging every member to donate to OPPAC this year! 2026 is a critical year politically and if every member would contribute at least $10, it would greatly help our profession to advance our legislative goals. Please take a moment to contribute today!
Northeast Academy
Southern Academy
Additional Contributors
Heather Petrolla, DPM
Mideast Academy
Aarondeep Deol, DPM
Karen Kellogg, DPM
Midwest Academy
Marc Greenberg, DPM
Jonathan White, DPM
Michael LeCastre, DPM
Joy Rowland, DPM
Debra Thornton, DPM
Kelly Whaley, DPM
Northwest Academy
Jessica Clarke, DPM
Angie Goodman, DPM
Robert Johnston, DPM
Thomas McCabe, DPM
Kimberly Smith, DPM
Caleb Aho, DPM
Brian Ash, DPM
Marina Blackwell, DPM
Carlos Dominguez, DPM
Eric Frey, DPM
Kara Goettl, DPM
Allison Hamad, DPM
Tatyana Hamilton, DPM
Matthew Hamilton, DPM
Shawnda Henault, DPM
Michael Liette, DPM
Amy Masowick, DPM
Nickolas Minnie, DPM
Steve Mirkos, DPM
Dominic Rizzo, DPM
Zachary Washburn, DPM
Alec Williams, DPM
Meghan Farynowski
Dan Leite
Nicole Rahn, DPM
Luci Ridolfo, CAE
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 OPPAC CONTRIBUTORS
Central Academy
Sarah Abshier, DPM
Said Atway, DPM
Roberto Brandao, DPM
Andrew Brown, DPM
Anthony Cozzolino, DPM
Abigail Elliott, DPM
Timothy Holmes, DPM
Christopher Hyer, DPM
Anastasia Koss, DPM
Lynette Mehl, DPM
Donnalyn Moeller, DPM
Carly Robbins, DPM
Mark Stanos, DPM
Randall Thomas, DPM
Ron Verrilla, DPM
Eastern Academy
Bruce Blank, DPM
Mitchell Dalvin, DPM
Vincent Kolenich, DPM
Mideast Academy
Thomas Arnold, DPM
Aarondeep Deol, DPM
Richard Hofacker, DPM
Karen Kellogg, DPM
Richard Kunig, DPM
Leslie Niehaus, DPM
Lee Sayner, DPM
Donald Tupper, DPM
Midwest Academy
Deanna Chapman, DPM
Marc Greenberg, DPM
Gerald Perelman, DPM
John Stevenson, DPM
Erica Suprenant, DPM
Jonathan White, DPM
North Central Academy
Christopher Bohach, DPM
Jessica Brent, DPM
Martin Lesnak, DPM
Elizabeth Wakefield, DPM
Brian Zimmerman, DPM
Northeast Academy
Georgeanne Botek, DPM
Colleen DeBarr, DPM
Michael LeCastre, DPM
Neil Marks, DPM
Joy Rowland, DPM
Debra Thornton, DPM
Howard Waxman, DPM
Kelly Whaley, DPM
Northwest Academy
Robert Johnston, DPM
Thomas McCabe, DPM
Pamela Sheridan, DPM
Kevin Sneider, DPM
Southern Academy
Amy Masowick, DPM
Additional Contributors
David Alper, DPM
Michael Brody, DPM
Steven Grossman, DPM
Luci Ridolfo, CAE
Theresa Ronna, DPM
Michael Schubyn, DPM
Include your name today, scan here! as of 12/31/2025
Members playing a game at the Annual Seminar OPPAC booth, be sure to play to win at the 110th Annual Seminar
