Post Convention Report
2005 NPMA Summer Seminar - Houston, TX

The Westin Galleria Hotel in Houston, Texas served as the backdrop for the 2005 NPMA Summer Seminar, July 27-30, 2005. Located in uptown Houston, and connected directly to the Galleria Mall, the Westin's relaxed decor provided a "shopper's dream.

This is the first year that our Educational Conference was held in July. Temperatures averaged in the 100's every day. However, due to the successful efforts of Dr. John Codwell and Dr. Carlos Smith, our Summer Seminar was well attended, in spite of excessive temperatures. Our featured speakers were Dr. Lawrence Harkless, and Dr. Samuel Mendicino. CME courses covered Coding, Biomechanical Evaluation, Diabetic Foot Infections, Treatment and Neuropathy, Vascular Conditions, Achilles Tendon Repair, Posterior Tibialis Dysfunction, and Surgical Techniques.

Various workshops were held for SNPMA. Dr. Karona Mason and Dr. Kirk Geter conducted a Mock Interview Workshop for students and Dr. Abe Lavi, provided students with hands on with surgical skills during a Bone Surgery Workshop. Students from all schools of Podiatric medicine were in attendance.

Exhibitor participation, as always, was supported by Vilex, Apple Blossom Products, Dr. Comfort Shoes, and long time supporter of the NPMA, Universal Footcare Products. Also a new exhibitor, EppointmentsPlus, who maintains our website NPMAonline.org

Special events this year included special programs for children. The NPMA "Shuttle Bus" took member's families to popular attractions in the Houston area including the NASA Space Center, Children's Museum, Houston Zoo and the Astroworld. A very special "Thank You" to Dr. & Mrs. Codwell for hosting a fabulous reception for members and students Thursday evening. Kudos, also, to Dr. Anthony Mathis, who rose to the challenge this year in coordinating the 1st Annual NPMA/SNPMA Golf Tournament. The "Florida Scramble" tournament was held at the Wildcat Golf Lakes Course in Houston. Despite the heat, there was still a good turnout. Next year, we plan on holding this Tournament on Wednesday Morning.

It was unanimously decided that the current NPMA Officers and Board members will remain until, July 2006. One new Board member, Dr. Anthony Mathis, Greer, South Carolina, was elected for the 2005-2007 term. The NPMA constitution committee, headed by Dr. Terri' Foster has taken on the task of revising this document. Information about the webpage and future enhancements were discussed and the membership was challenged to bring a member to the 2006 meeting.

Our Awards Banquet was highlighted by the inspirational comments made by Lawrence J. Payne, President and CEO of the Houston Habitat for Humanity. His comments were timely considering the recent evacuations of families from New Orleans. His statistics regarding minorities and homelessness set the stage for a challenge to our members to support the Habitat for Humanity. As always, with tradition, the current NPMA Board members and newly elected SNPMA officers were installed. The winners of the 2005 NPMA Student Scholarships were Latoya Carson with a 4.0 GPA and Princess Hatcher with at 3.5 GPA. Keith Bynum Productions kept us rocking with a blend of popular dance music.

President, Dr. Morris Stribling, stressed the importance of commitment and participation to all NPMA Members during his closing comments. He also spoke of his newly formed "President's Council" and how we will look to them to provide insight and inspiration to our members, especially our students. Dr. Stribling urged each attendee to reach out to the various companies that support the membership and invite them to join our 2006 meeting. With their continued support and increased member attendance overall, we anticipate a much greater Seminar in years to come.

EppointmentsPlus maintains our website and will be working with us to improve our website to include a "Find A Doctor" search engine. Also, meeting registration and payment of NPMA Membership dues will be available on-line for 2006. REMEMBER, 2006 NPMA Membership dues are due September 1, 2005 the beginning of our fiscal year. You will be receiving an invoice soon. Timely payment of NPMA Membership dues will give you benefits much lower meeting registration fees, and inclusion in our website link.

MARK YOUR CALENDER; THE 2006 NPMA MEETING WILL BE IN WASHINGTON, DC. THE DATES ARE JULY 25-31, 2006. The Hotel is the Westin Grand, 2350 "M" Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Hotel rates are $149 for single/double rooms. Make your reservation on line from our web site. Click the Meeting Information, click the icon for the Westin Grand You can also call and ask for the NPMA Group Discount. Either way, you will receive the discounted rate.

One more thing……..The NPMA Mentor Program

NPMA is looking for mentors to assist students in their journey through podiatric school and their residency program. Because of advancements in technology, mentoring can be as simple as an e-mail or by phone. Investing in a student of podiatric medicine is investing in our future and the future of the NPMA. If you are interested in the NPMA Mentor Program, contact me at

Thank You to all who helps to make this venture successful! See you in D.C.

Debby Burton,
Meeting Planner
NPMA