You're Focused on the Wrong Issueby D.O., D.P.M. (no login)Anonymous, you are probly correct when comparing membership between the AMA and APMA. Only 28% of all practicing physicians are members of the AMA, whereas the APMA probly has greater than 50% membership of all practicing podiatrist. The difference is the AMA membership continues to grow each year, whereas the APMA membership does not. Furthermore, the AMA generates over 50 million dollars a year from membership to promote physicians interest, whereas the APMA is lucky to generate $250,000 a year in PPAC contributions to promote podiatrist interest. The issue of my post was not to compare the AMA, AOA, or APMA membership numbers, it was to show how dissatisfied most podiatrists are with the APMA. Most physicians are not members of the AMA, not because they are dissatisfied with it, but because they are members of their state medical society and national specialty organizations. Your specialty organizations can accomplish more for you than your national organization because they know your needs. When I was in podiatry school, I was required to pay $70 each semester to be a member of the APMSA. I had no choice in this matter, it was automatically part of my podiatry tuition. When I was an osteopathic medical student, membership in the AOA was free and I had a choice to join or not. Now, as a practicing physician, I am a member of the AOA, but not the APMA. I was initially a member of the APMA, but after showing up to the APMA conferences for two years in a row, I realized it was an ineffective organization; run by a group of close niche podiatrist who were only looking out for their own interest. Just look how they elect their president each year. My final comments are the AOA and AMA are not hurting for membership dues, however, the APMA is definitely hurting. Base on these observations, I like to hear your thoughts on this issue. Sincerely, DO.,D.P.M. from IP address 172.139.117.55 Goto Forum Home |
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