MEMBERSHIP NEWS&NOTES Drs. Whaley, Greenberg Awarded OHFAMA Service Award
The OHFAMA Service Award was presented to Kelly Whaley, DPM, and Marc Greenberg, DPM, on May 16 at the 108th Annual Ohio Foot & Ankle Scientific Seminar. The Service Award is given to deserving recipients who have demonstrated commitment to fulfilling the mission of OHFAMA through dedicated leadership and volunteerism at the academy and state level. Dr. Whaley, humbled by the recognition, reflected on her 25 years of practice and the natural progression of her involvement with OHFAMA. She emphasized the importance of staying connected with colleagues through association involvement, especially as a solo practitioner. Dr. Greenberg expressed honor at joining the ranks of past Service Award recipients. He viewed the award as validation from his peers for his work at local, state, and national levels. Dr. Greenberg highlighted how his involvement in OHFAMA has been instrumental in his career development and encouraged others to get involved. Both recipients stressed the value of OHFAMA membership, citing benefits such as education, networking, and the opportunity to shape the future of podiatry in Ohio.
Dr. Greenberg speaks to the crowd gathered at the 108th Annual Seminar.
Dr. Whaley giving service award acceptance speech.
Dr. Kara Goettl Appointed as OHFAMA Young Physician Trustee
Member Spotlight: Dr. James L. Dooley A Pioneer for Podiatric Rights
OHFAMA is pleased to announce the appointment of Kara Goettl, DPM, as the new Young Physician Trustee on the Board of Trustees.
This month marks the 40th anniversary of a legal victory that shaped the landscape of podiatric medicine in Ohio and beyond. OHFAMA member Dr. James L. Dooley made history when he won his case against Barberton Citizens Hospital in the Ohio Supreme Court.
Dr. Goettl, a 2022 graduate of Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, is currently in her third year of residency at Mercy Health Jewish Hospital. Her leadership experience includes serving as Dr. Kara Goettl, OHFAMA’s the Ohio Podiatric Medical Student Association new Young Physician Trustee president and as secretary for the Southern Ohio Academy of Podiatry. “I’m honored to serve the Podiatric community and to continue to advance our field at the state level,” said Dr. Goettl. She aims to engage young physicians through social media platforms and promote podiatry among other medical specialties. Dr. Goettl’s goals include promoting equal recognition and opportunities for podiatry alongside orthopedics, promoting discussions on board examinations, and educating pre-medical students about podiatric careers. She plans to utilize her position to integrate with current OHFAMA BOT goals and involve more young physicians in advocacy efforts. OHFAMA welcomes Dr. Goettl to the Board and looks forward to her fresh perspective and dedication to advancing podiatric medicine in Ohio.
Dr. Dooley’s groundbreaking lawsuit was the Dr. James Dooley first in the United States where a podiatrist successfully fought for hospital privileges to perform surgery. The case, J.L. Dooley, D.P.M. vs. Barberton Citizens Hospital, set a crucial precedent that extended beyond podiatry, paving the way for other allied health professionals to seek equal opportunities in their respective fields. The court’s decision mandated that hospitals reassess their privileging criteria to accurately reflect the skills and training of podiatrists. This ruling not only elevated the status of podiatric medicine within the healthcare community but also improved patient care by allowing podiatrists to practice to the full extent of their expertise. Dr. Dooley’s perseverance and success continue to inspire podiatrists to advocate for their rights and pursue excellence in their field. His contributions extend beyond the courtroom, as he remains active in education and mentorship, helping to shape the future of podiatric medicine. OHFAMA commends Dr. Dooley for his pivotal role in advancing our profession and ensuring fair treatment for podiatrists in Ohio and across the nation. His legacy serves as a reminder of the impact one dedicated professional can have on an entire field of medicine. 5 | THE OHFAMA JOURNAL | FALL 2024