Podiatric Medical Board 2026 Fall Newsletter Inbox WA DOH Podiatric Medical Board Program Unsubscribe Tue, Sep 22, 3:05 PM (1 day ago) to me Podiatric Medical Board 2026 Fall Newsletter Podiatric Board banner Eric Powell From The Chair Eric Powell, DPM It’s been a busy year to date both personally and professionally. As your Chair, the appointed membership and I, in collaboration with the Department of Health, through regulation and enforcement of standards, remain committed to ensuring doctors of podiatric medicine across our great state continue to render high-quality care and compassion, with emphasis on Diversity and Equity, Engagement and Inclusion, and always with a Human-centered approach. Speaking of the board, I am pleased to announce and welcome two recent appointees, DPMs Lynn Kovacevich Renne and Ellen Wenzel. The Governor’s office appointed both in June. Foot Care Corner – An Autumn/Fall/Winter Transition Perspective Foot Care Metaphorically speaking, how many of us have pondered the phrases ’standing firm or landing on your feet,’ and what do they really mean? Your local podiatrist can assure you that one of the most overlooked areas of the body is our feet, and eventually, we'll reach a point where we can no longer overlook them. In today’s active world, our feet rarely get a break except at rest/slumber, especially as we transition from Spring/Summer to Fall/Winter. For example, Spring/Summer highlights include the end of the school year, family vacations, walks/hikes, and many other recreational activities. In contrast, isn’t transitioning to Fall/Winter more of the same? While the younger generation isn't immune to foot problems, they generally recover fairly well. For aging adults, however, it can be quite the opposite. For the elderly, addressing foot problems early on, such as pain, swelling, poor circulation, and improper footwear, can quietly chip away at balance and confidence, which is why preventative care is vital to staying steady on one’s feet, maintaining independence, and enjoying everyday life. Whether old or young, if you suspect something is ‘afoot’ (pardon the expression), be sure to schedule a visit with your local health care provider for minor problems, your local podiatrist office for more serious foot/ankle-related problems, and in recognition of “Fall Prevention Week,” September 21 – 25, join the Washington Department of Health in collaboration with the Governor’s office and learn more about fall prevention tips for more peace of mind. Additional Resources: Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/foot-hygiene.html, referenced on September, 9, 2026. State Seal Apply to Serve as a Board or Public Member The podiatric medical board is actively recruiting to fill one (1) DPM vacancy and two (2) public member vacancies. If you are interested in serving on a board or commission, please complete and submit an online application. You may attach your resume and any additional materials you would like considered at the bottom of the application before submitting. Appointed board members' duties and responsibilities can be viewed on the department's website. You may apply for a board or commission at any time, even if there aren’t any current publicized vacancies, as vacancies may occur at any time throughout the year. If you have any questions about completing the application, please contact Governor Ferguson's Office by email or call 360-902-4111. Note 1: Please do not email, mail or fax additional copies of your application, resume or supplementary materials to the Boards & Commissions Office. Note 2: Pursuant to the state's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), applications submitted for these appointments are public records and may be subject to public disclosure. Lock Protecting Licensed Professionals: Ongoing Scams Targeting Health Providers Washington State’s Department of Health continues to receive reports of scams targeting licensed health care providers. Scammers often pose as Department staff, using real employee names and email addresses that closely resemble official DOH addresses. Messages may request payment, personal information, or documents related to licensing issues, investigations, or disciplinary action. Some providers report receiving phone calls or letters that also appear to come from the Department. Do not respond to suspicious messages or click on links or attachments. Verify communications by contacting the Office of Health Professions at (360) 236‑4700 or emailing hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov. Click here to read the full article. WSPMA Become Familiar with the Washington State Podiatric Medical Association (WSPMA) The WSPMA is a separate and distinct professional association from the Podiatric Medical Board that provides monthly newsletters and weekly updates with information on the association, industry news, advocacy efforts, and continuing medical education (CME) opportunities to its members. Member Benefits: WSPMA members enjoy access to newsletters as part of their member benefits. Advocacy News: The association also provides news and updates related to federal and state advocacy affecting the podiatric profession. The NEW Elephant in the Room ~ Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Artificial Intelligence Disclaimer: This article is being shared for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with the contents by the Podiatric Medical Board, or the Department of Health. AI is flipping the script on healthcare and when used appropriately, can make life easier for both doctors and patients. The potential benefits include streamlined workflows, improved care and access to the same without losing the human touch. AI isn’t just knocking on healthcare’s door—it’s kicking it wide open, bringing game-changing upgrades to diagnostics, human-centered treatment, and improved patient outcomes. Days of drowning in paperwork and playing phone tag with insurance companies is quickly becoming a thing of the past. AI is stepping in to handle the administrative headaches such as appointment reminders, billing, and patient communications which frees up valuable time such as caring for patients. But let’s address the elephant in the room—privacy, job security, and ethics. No, AI isn’t coming for your stethoscope. It’s here to assist, not replace, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations while making practices run smoother than ever. The key to success is thoughtful and smart integration to improve workflows leading to better patient experiences all without sacrificing the human touch that makes medicine an art, not just a science. Oh, and let’s not forget greater profit margins. Sources referenced for this article: American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), “APMA Pushes for Responsible Artificial Intelligence Application in Health Care”, published originally on 3/1/2026, referenced on 9/1/2026 Jared Ferreira, MSIT, “8 Ways A.I. will Transform the Podiatry Field”, a guest article and post for the New Jersey Foot and Ankle Institute published on 12/19/2023, and referenced on 9/1/2026 Matthew McClure, “AI in Podiatry: Revolutionizing Healthcare with Precision and Efficiency”, published on 11/17/2024, referenced on 9/1/2026 Maxim Topaz, Laura Maria Peltonen, Zhihong Zhang, “Beyond human ears: navigating the uncharted risks of AI scribes in clinical practice”, a peer-reviewed, open access article published on 9/24/2025 by the National library of Medicine (NLM)/National Institute of Medicine, referenced on 9/1/2026 TJ Ahn, DPM, Entrepreneur, Educator (Video), published originally on 12/7/2024, referenced on 9/1/2026 Disciplinary Disciplinary Corner From the Office of Investigative and Legal Services (OILS), Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) One of the board’s primary duties, in collaboration with departmental program staff, is to decide whether a podiatric physician and surgeon license shall be issued with or without restrictions, or denied altogether. Whether approved or denied, decisions must always align with established statutes or RCWs (under Title “18”), and rules or WACs (under Chapter 246-922). Any disciplinary action taken is mandatorily reported to the National Practitioner Database (NPDB) and the Federation of Podiatric Medical Board (FPMB). On this topic, The Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards (FPMB) supports Member Boards with services and initiatives that protect patients and the public, promote the integrity of podiatric medicine, and advance regulatory best practices. The FPMB is a National Committee for Quality Assurance NCQA)-listed source for podiatric sanction verification. Timely reporting helps FPMB maintain accurate and comprehensive disciplinary information for Member Boards and supports patient and public protection. For your convenience, we have attached the FPMB Disciplinary Action Report Form, a fillable PDF designed to simplify reporting. The form requests identifying and disciplinary information needed for accurate record searches and asks that supporting board orders or findings be included when available. A copy of the form accessed online. Finally and for reference, FPMB currently directs individuals requesting official score reports to the “Requesting Official Score Report” section of the APMLE website that includes separate instructions for new versus older examination records: https://apmle.com/after-the-exam/#transcripts HELMS HELMS Project Updates HELMS has modernized our licensing and enforcement processes, improving data security, reducing paper-based activities, and enhancing access to information for our teams, partners, licensees, and the public. While the major releases for HELMS were completed in March this year, the department continues to work on HELMS to support staff and customers. More information is available on the DOH’s HELMS information webpage. Budget Information Budget Report Complaints Received by Year Complaints Frequently looked for Check out HEAL-WA HEAL-WA is a portal to online resources related to the medical professions in Washington state. It is funded by a portion of your license fees and is free to access anytime. HEAL-WA provides online access to journal articles, databases, and other tools needed for evidence-based practice and research. Workforce Survey Completing the Washington State Workforce Survey helps our profession better understand how well we are serving the people of Washington State. If you haven't already done so this year, complete the Workforce Survey Podiatric Medical Board CY27 Regular Meeting Dates (Proposed) January 21, 2027 April 22, 2027 July 22, 2027 October 21, 2027 Attendance registration information is published prior to each meeting Board Members Chair Eric Powell, DPM Vice Chair Vacant Member Lynne Kovacevich Renne, DPM Member Zarko Kajgana, DPM Member Ellen Wenzel, DPM Public Member Civillia Winslow Hill Public Member Vacant Board Staff and Support U. James Chaney Executive Director Tommy Simpson III Program Manager Jonathan Chamrad Program Associate Jennifer Osmun Program Associate Alyssa Brazil Administrative Associate Prina Patel Assistant Attorney General Customer Service 360-236-4700 Board website Contact the Board DOH 665-030 Fall 2026

Podiatric Medical Board 2026 Fall Newsletter Inbox WA DOH Podiatric Medical Board Program Unsubscribe Tue, Sep 22, 3:05 PM (1 day ago) to me Podiatric Medical Board 2026 Fall Newsletter Podiatric Board banner Eric Powell From The Chair Eric Powell, DPM It’s been a busy year to date both personally and professionally. As your Chair, the appointed membership and I, in collaboration with the Department of Health, through regulation and enforcement of standards, remain committed to ensuring doctors of podiatric medicine across our great state continue to render high-quality care and compassion, with emphasis on Diversity and Equity, Engagement and Inclusion, and always with a Human-centered approach. Speaking of the board, I am pleased to announce and welcome two recent appointees, DPMs Lynn Kovacevich Renne and Ellen Wenzel. The Governor’s office appointed both in June. Foot Care Corner – An Autumn/Fall/Winter Transition Perspective Foot Care Metaphorically speaking, how many of us have pondered the phrases ’standing firm or landing on your feet,’ and what do they really mean? Your local podiatrist can assure you that one of the most overlooked areas of the body is our feet, and eventually, we'll reach a point where we can no longer overlook them. In today’s active world, our feet rarely get a break except at rest/slumber, especially as we transition from Spring/Summer to Fall/Winter. For example, Spring/Summer highlights include the end of the school year, family vacations, walks/hikes, and many other recreational activities. In contrast, isn’t transitioning to Fall/Winter more of the same? While the younger generation isn't immune to foot problems, they generally recover fairly well. For aging adults, however, it can be quite the opposite. For the elderly, addressing foot problems early on, such as pain, swelling, poor circulation, and improper footwear, can quietly chip away at balance and confidence, which is why preventative care is vital to staying steady on one’s feet, maintaining independence, and enjoying everyday life. Whether old or young, if you suspect something is ‘afoot’ (pardon the expression), be sure to schedule a visit with your local health care provider for minor problems, your local podiatrist office for more serious foot/ankle-related problems, and in recognition of “Fall Prevention Week,” September 21 – 25, join the Washington Department of Health in collaboration with the Governor’s office and learn more about fall prevention tips for more peace of mind. Additional Resources: Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/foot-hygiene.html, referenced on September, 9, 2026. State Seal Apply to Serve as a Board or Public Member The podiatric medical board is actively recruiting to fill one (1) DPM vacancy and two (2) public member vacancies. If you are interested in serving on a board or commission, please complete and submit an online application. You may attach your resume and any additional materials you would like considered at the bottom of the application before submitting. Appointed board members' duties and responsibilities can be viewed on the department's website. You may apply for a board or commission at any time, even if there aren’t any current publicized vacancies, as vacancies may occur at any time throughout the year. If you have any questions about completing the application, please contact Governor Ferguson's Office by email or call 360-902-4111. Note 1: Please do not email, mail or fax additional copies of your application, resume or supplementary materials to the Boards & Commissions Office. Note 2: Pursuant to the state's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), applications submitted for these appointments are public records and may be subject to public disclosure. Lock Protecting Licensed Professionals: Ongoing Scams Targeting Health Providers Washington State’s Department of Health continues to receive reports of scams targeting licensed health care providers. Scammers often pose as Department staff, using real employee names and email addresses that closely resemble official DOH addresses. Messages may request payment, personal information, or documents related to licensing issues, investigations, or disciplinary action. Some providers report receiving phone calls or letters that also appear to come from the Department. Do not respond to suspicious messages or click on links or attachments. Verify communications by contacting the Office of Health Professions at (360) 236‑4700 or emailing hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov. Click here to read the full article. WSPMA Become Familiar with the Washington State Podiatric Medical Association (WSPMA) The WSPMA is a separate and distinct professional association from the Podiatric Medical Board that provides monthly newsletters and weekly updates with information on the association, industry news, advocacy efforts, and continuing medical education (CME) opportunities to its members. Member Benefits: WSPMA members enjoy access to newsletters as part of their member benefits. Advocacy News: The association also provides news and updates related to federal and state advocacy affecting the podiatric profession. The NEW Elephant in the Room ~ Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Artificial Intelligence Disclaimer: This article is being shared for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with the contents by the Podiatric Medical Board, or the Department of Health. AI is flipping the script on healthcare and when used appropriately, can make life easier for both doctors and patients. The potential benefits include streamlined workflows, improved care and access to the same without losing the human touch. AI isn’t just knocking on healthcare’s door—it’s kicking it wide open, bringing game-changing upgrades to diagnostics, human-centered treatment, and improved patient outcomes. Days of drowning in paperwork and playing phone tag with insurance companies is quickly becoming a thing of the past. AI is stepping in to handle the administrative headaches such as appointment reminders, billing, and patient communications which frees up valuable time such as caring for patients. But let’s address the elephant in the room—privacy, job security, and ethics. No, AI isn’t coming for your stethoscope. It’s here to assist, not replace, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations while making practices run smoother than ever. The key to success is thoughtful and smart integration to improve workflows leading to better patient experiences all without sacrificing the human touch that makes medicine an art, not just a science. Oh, and let’s not forget greater profit margins. Sources referenced for this article: American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), “APMA Pushes for Responsible Artificial Intelligence Application in Health Care”, published originally on 3/1/2026, referenced on 9/1/2026 Jared Ferreira, MSIT, “8 Ways A.I. will Transform the Podiatry Field”, a guest article and post for the New Jersey Foot and Ankle Institute published on 12/19/2023, and referenced on 9/1/2026 Matthew McClure, “AI in Podiatry: Revolutionizing Healthcare with Precision and Efficiency”, published on 11/17/2024, referenced on 9/1/2026 Maxim Topaz, Laura Maria Peltonen, Zhihong Zhang, “Beyond human ears: navigating the uncharted risks of AI scribes in clinical practice”, a peer-reviewed, open access article published on 9/24/2025 by the National library of Medicine (NLM)/National Institute of Medicine, referenced on 9/1/2026 TJ Ahn, DPM, Entrepreneur, Educator (Video), published originally on 12/7/2024, referenced on 9/1/2026 Disciplinary Disciplinary Corner From the Office of Investigative and Legal Services (OILS), Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) One of the board’s primary duties, in collaboration with departmental program staff, is to decide whether a podiatric physician and surgeon license shall be issued with or without restrictions, or denied altogether. Whether approved or denied, decisions must always align with established statutes or RCWs (under Title “18”), and rules or WACs (under Chapter 246-922). Any disciplinary action taken is mandatorily reported to the National Practitioner Database (NPDB) and the Federation of Podiatric Medical Board (FPMB). On this topic, The Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards (FPMB) supports Member Boards with services and initiatives that protect patients and the public, promote the integrity of podiatric medicine, and advance regulatory best practices. The FPMB is a National Committee for Quality Assurance NCQA)-listed source for podiatric sanction verification. Timely reporting helps FPMB maintain accurate and comprehensive disciplinary information for Member Boards and supports patient and public protection. For your convenience, we have attached the FPMB Disciplinary Action Report Form, a fillable PDF designed to simplify reporting. The form requests identifying and disciplinary information needed for accurate record searches and asks that supporting board orders or findings be included when available. A copy of the form accessed online. Finally and for reference, FPMB currently directs individuals requesting official score reports to the “Requesting Official Score Report” section of the APMLE website that includes separate instructions for new versus older examination records: https://apmle.com/after-the-exam/#transcripts HELMS HELMS Project Updates HELMS has modernized our licensing and enforcement processes, improving data security, reducing paper-based activities, and enhancing access to information for our teams, partners, licensees, and the public. While the major releases for HELMS were completed in March this year, the department continues to work on HELMS to support staff and customers. More information is available on the DOH’s HELMS information webpage. Budget Information Budget Report Complaints Received by Year Complaints Frequently looked for Check out HEAL-WA HEAL-WA is a portal to online resources related to the medical professions in Washington state. It is funded by a portion of your license fees and is free to access anytime. HEAL-WA provides online access to journal articles, databases, and other tools needed for evidence-based practice and research. Workforce Survey Completing the Washington State Workforce Survey helps our profession better understand how well we are serving the people of Washington State. If you haven't already done so this year, complete the Workforce Survey Podiatric Medical Board CY27 Regular Meeting Dates (Proposed) January 21, 2027 April 22, 2027 July 22, 2027 October 21, 2027 Attendance registration information is published prior to each meeting Board Members Chair Eric Powell, DPM Vice Chair Vacant Member Lynne Kovacevich Renne, DPM Member Zarko Kajgana, DPM Member Ellen Wenzel, DPM Public Member Civillia Winslow Hill Public Member Vacant Board Staff and Support U. James Chaney Executive Director Tommy Simpson III Program Manager Jonathan Chamrad Program Associate Jennifer Osmun Program Associate Alyssa Brazil Administrative Associate Prina Patel Assistant Attorney General Customer Service 360-236-4700 Board website Contact the Board DOH 665-030 Fall 2026