Societies Seek to Improve Diabetic Foot Care

September 24, 2009—The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) announced formation of a strategic collaboration to help advance the care of patients with critical limb ischemia, especially in the diabetic population. The multidisciplinary team approach to clinical issues was outlined during a meeting between leaders of both associations in August and includes:

• Appoint a group representing both organizations to write a joint statement on the multidisciplinary team approach to the care of diabetic foot.


• Produce a supplement on the care of the diabetic foot that will be jointly published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery and the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.


• Establish joint postgraduate courses to be held at the annual scientific meetings of both organizations.


• Collaborate on practice guidelines and reporting standards dealing with the care of diabetic foot.


• Collaborate on advocacy and public-awareness efforts in areas of common interest.

"Vascular surgeons and podiatrists have always worked together to provide the best care for patients with diabetic foot problems," commented Anton N. Sidawy, MD, president of SVS. "We are pleased to formalize an alliance with APMA so that we can jointly work on the prevention and management of diabetic foot, which would positively impact the care of our patients. Our staffs will conduct public education programs to raise awareness and promote prevention."