<!-- IR/ASSOC AND CONF --> <div style="float: right; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px;"><img class="" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2015-10/2015-10_13-01.gif" alt="PFA logo" width="244" height="100" /></div> The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) ventured into what its president, Rob Sobel, CPed, calls uncharted territory when the association held its annual symposium and exhibition in conjunction with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) in Orlando, Florida, from July 23 through July 26. PFA drew about 100 practitioners from as far away as the United Kingdom, Asia, and Australia, down from its usual 300 or so people. The light attendance was attributed to PFA having held its prior annual symposium just seven months prior and also in Orlando, Sobel said. Nevertheless, he was pleased with the turnout. Symposium goers were provided ample opportunities to earn continuing education credits, and sessions were organized so that podiatrists could join pedorthic seminars and vice versa. "I popped into a couple of the podiatric lectures, and I was really glad I did," Sobel said. "It gives you a little bit of insight and expands your view of things beyond your scope of practice, and I think any time you do that, it makes you a better practitioner." Several sessions were aimed at highlighting the benefits of pedorthists and podiatrists working together, such as "Podiatric and Pedorthic Camaraderie 2015," presented by Louis J. DeCaro, DPM. He discussed how the two professions can work together and complement each other to achieve successful patient outcomes. Additionally, multiple sessions were designed to accommodate both professions, including "The Diabetic Foot and Off-loading," moderated by Seth A. Rubenstein, DPM, and "Will Your Documentation Save You or Sink You?" moderated by Frank Spinosa, DPM. This year, PFA honored Beth Jarredt, DPM, CPed, with the Physician of the Year award. APMA hosted a five-kilometer charity run/walk, which drew a PFA contingent, and PFA held a pre-symposium golf outing. Several new shoe companies were among the exhibitors, as well. Feedback for the combined symposium was positive, Sobel said. Dates for PFA's 2016 Annual Symposium have not yet been determined. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="565"]<img style="margin: 4px; border: 1px solid #000000;" src="https://opedge.com/Content/OldArticles/images/2015-10/2015-10_13-02.jpg" alt="Team PFA" width="565" height="411" /> Photograph of Team PFA, which participated in the APMA 5K charity run/walk.[/caption]
