Best Wishes America 250!

May the spirit of 1776 continue to inspire kindness, freedom and progress in every community.

-PFA

Remembering Jack K. Jensen (1937-2026)

As an early figure in the field of pedorthics, Jack founded Jensen Shoes, Inc., in early 1965. Jack developed the business into a trusted Nashville footwear and pedorthic practice known for careful fitting, alignment, and orthopedic support.

In the fall of 1965, Jensen Shoes, Inc., originally opened in Belle Meade Plaza, moved to White Bridge Road in 1985. Jack became a certified pedorthist to expand his services to include shoe repair, custom orthotics, orthopedic buildups, and specialized footwear solutions.

Jensen’s evolved into a full-service footwear and pedorthic business focused on correctly fitting clients to meet their individual needs. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he expanded his vision by opening multiple retail locations throughout Nashville and surrounding communities.

For nearly 60 years, Jack owned and operated the business, spending approximately 40 of those years working alongside his wife Barbara.

Jack spent his later years in the care of NHC Rehab/Nursing home. True to his nature, Jack expressed his desire to open a Jensen Shoes location there. He missed his longtime customers and associates — too many to name but never forgotten...

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955.

For additional details, service information and the full obituary: Obituary Compassion Cremations

PFA Remembers
Jack Jensen was a bigger-than-life merchant, pedorthist and servant to help others. He and his wonderful wife Barbara have been our friends and colleagues together for decades. He leaves a devoted audience of family, friends and customers. Marla and I send our condolences to Barbara and all who knew him. He will always be a blessing to us all.
-Bob Schwartz, C.Ped, Class of ’74

Shop Orthotic Back Lab Grinding Tip: Extend Sleeve Life

In the orthotic lab, grinding sleeves—whether carbide or aluminum oxide—are a constant consumable. But before you discard a worn sleeve, there’s a simple technique to extend its life.

Flip the sleeve…

By reversing the sleeve on the mandrel, you expose a less-used section of the abrasive. This often restores cutting efficiency and gives you additional usable life without compromising performance.

In the orthotic lab, grinding sleeves—whether carbide or aluminum oxide—are a constant consumable. But before you discard a worn sleeve, there’s a simple technique to extend its life.

Best Practice:

• Flip grinding sleeves approximately every 2 months (or sooner with heavy use)
• Monitor cutting performance—don’t wait until the sleeve is completely ineffective
• Replace only when both directions are fully worn

The Active Foot | 10-Part Series Program

Happy New Years message from PFA!

Together, We Will Rebuild the Future of Pedorthics

This is our moment...
Let’s take back our momentum...
Let’s bring energy, innovation, and excellence to this profession...
Let’s build the PFA not just for today — but for the next 50 years...

Thank you for being part of this mission — and for believing in the future of foot care.

Jeffery S. Rich
PFA President
j.rich@pedorthics.org

PFA 2026 Educational Symposium | February 18-19 | Nashville, TN

Happy Holidays message from PFA!

Foot health is not a niche. It is foundational to human mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Every orthotic fabricated…
Every diabetic shoe fitted…
Every deformity prevented…
Every child properly evaluated…
Every athlete kept on the field…
Every limb saved…

These are not small victories. They are life-changing interventions. And our profession is the engine behind them.

Jeffery S. Rich
PFA President
j.rich@pedorthics.org

PFA 2026 Educational Symposium | February 18-19 | Nashville, TN

Happy Thanksgiving from PFA!

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” — Henry David Thoreau

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

PFA 2026 Educational Symposium | February 18-19 | Nashville, TN

PFA @ AAOP!

Exciting news! The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) is joining us in Nashville next year for #AAOP2026! PFA will host its 2026 Education Symposium alongside the Academy’s Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium, expanding opportunities for education and collaboration across orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics. Registration for both events will open on October 7, 2025.

PFA 2026 Educational Symposium: website

The Active Foot Webinar Series: VIEW NOW!

Happy 4th of July from PFA!

“Liberty and independence forever.”
— Davy Crockett

Happy 4th of Jult from PFA! Have a wonderful day!
- PFA Board of Directors

Start out the summer and a great educational footing!
The Active Foot Webinar Series | Session 04 | Aug 2nd: VIEW NOW!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY from PFA!

"Peace is the real and right memorial for those that have died in war..."
—Unknown

PFA's NEW Webinar Series | The Active Foot
Stay Active with your Education!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Of all the special joys in life…
A mother's love and tenderness
Is the greatest of them all.
—Unknown

PFA's NEW Webinar Series | The Active Foot
Stay Active with your Education!

PFA MARCH MADNESS!

Take advantage of these savings before March 30th!

• PFA Membership Special (save on Regular, Affiliate, Retiree, Student Memberships)
• PFA Learning Webinar Series: Special Offer: SAVE $200
• The Aging Foot from First Step to Last (Begins May 7th, 2025)
• Sports 10-Part Webinar Series
• Diabetic 10-Part Webinar Series
• Pedorthic Book Special: “Pedorthic Footwear Assessment and Treatment”

VIEW MARCH SAVINGS NOW!

Happy New Year's from PFA!

Thank you for all your support in the new year, 2025!

It is important to stand on your left foot at midnight on New Year’s Eve. This means that you start the New Year's Day on the right foot...

- Teresa Alpert
PFA President

Start out the New Year and a great educational footing!
Sports Webinar Series | Session 09 | Jan 2nd: VIEW NOW!

Happy Holidays from PFA!

Thank you for all your support over the year!

Wishing you every happiness at this festive holiday season & throughout the coming new year!

- Teresa Alpert
PFA President

Start out the New Year and a great educational footing!
Sports Webinar Series | Session 09 | Jan 2nd: VIEW NOW!

Happy Thanksgiving from PFA!

“Thanksgiving Time”

When the night winds whistle through the trees and blow the crisp brown leaves a-crackling down,
When the autumn moon is big and yellow-orange and round,
When old Jack Frost is sparkling on the ground,
It’s Thanksgiving Time!

When the pantry jars are full of mince-meat and the shelves are laden with sweet spices for a cake,
When the butcher man sends up a turkey nice and fat to bake,
When the stores are crammed with everything ingenious cooks can make,
It’s Thanksgiving Time!

When the gales of coming winter outside your window howl,
When the air is sharp and cheery so it drives away your scowl,
When one’s appetite craves turkey and will have no other fowl,
It’s Thanksgiving Time!

- Langston Hughes

Sports Webinar Series | Session 08 | Dec 4th: VIEW NOW!

CMS Updates for DMEPOS Suppliers - Effective Aug 12

CMS Updates Master List and Required Prior Authorization List for DMEPOS Items
Changes Effective August 12, 2024

When Did CMS Announce the Updates?
Updates announced July 18, 2024

VIEW NOW!

PFA President, Teresa Alpert joins the panel for the FAOP conference!

PFA President, Teresa Alpert joins Florida Association of Orthotist and Prosthetists for their annual convention discussing "Immediate Direct Heat Moldable Solutions", August 1-3, 2024 in Orlando, Florida!

EVENT PAGE

New Reply in Ask the Pedorthist

Query:
Painful feet in all my shoes. Often get blisters around my toes, sore arches, sore lower legs. Shoe size 7; not sure of width…

Click here to see the reply...

Happy 4th of July from PFA!

From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. Join us this holiday to commit to helping others by ending footwear related ulcers, wounds and amputations!

The resource that will help accomplish this goal is HERE!

New Reply in Ask the Pedorthist

Query: Footwear modalities to make this patient ambulatory! The foot in the X-ray’s below is a patient that came in and is unable to do surgery due to other health issues. What do our Pedorthists see in this X-ray and how would they make this patient ambulatory without creating new damage or hindering the healing process?

Click here to see the reply...

Help PFA celebrate Earth Day! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

Join us to honor and celebrate our remarkable planet on this extraordinary day. Earth Day is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and brighter future.

Click here to Continue Reading

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month

PFA supports: The Amputee Coalition invites you to celebrate Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month with us from April 1-30, 2024. More than 5.6 million Americans are living with limb loss and limb difference...

Click here to Continue Reading

Happy Easter - “Spring Holidays”

"A tale told, of a bunny so dear,
Bringing Easter eggs, year after year.
A hop, a skip, in the early morn,
With baskets filled, Easter is born."

Spring has begun...did you know when Pedorthists became certified allied healthcare professionals?
Click here to Continue Reading

MEDICARE AUDITS: One more tool against equity in healthcare. Article by PFA BOD member, Terry R. Reed, BOCPD

AS THE UNITED STATES emerged from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) quickly announced an increase in audits of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). The stated reason behind the DMEPOS audits (and all CMS audits) is to assure that CMS is not paying for items that patients do not need, costing the government money in wasteful spending. On the surface this sounds great...

This article first appeared in the December 2023 issue of O&P Edge:
Click here to Continue Reading

50th Academy Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium

On March 6-9th, the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) 2024 held a four-day experience, bringing the O&P profession together from all parts of the world to learn from subject matter experts and one another.

PFA attended the event represented by Teresa Alpert, PFA President and Robert S Schwartz, PFA Executive Director...many PFA Committee and PFA members were speakers at the event including, Seamus Kennedy, Josh White and Erick Janisse!

View the photos here:
AAOP2024 - photos

ACFAS Winter Meeting 2024

PFA Executive Director, and Eneslow CEO, Robert S. “Bob” Schwartz attended American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 82nd Annual Scientific Conference on February 1st-4th 2024, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida.

View the photos here:
ACFAS Winter Meeting 2024 - photos

AOFAS Winter Meeting 2024

On January 25-28, 2024 at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida, PFA attended the AOFAS Winter Meeting. Representing PFA was PFA President Teresa Alpert, Executive Director, Robert S. Schwartz and Membership Director, Laura Vargas!

View photos here:
AOFAS Winter Meeting 2024 - photos

Pedorthics and Run Specialty: Perfect Together

Mark Sullivan one of the founders of The Running Event and original editor of Running Insight highlighted the #TRE23 session with Bob Schwartz. Bob's presentation educated run specialty retailers on how they can benefit from the field of pedorthics.

View the entire article here:
Running Insight

Please help us welcome the new PFA President Teresa Alpert, CO, C.Ped, PMAC and the new Board of Directors for 2024!

View here:
PFA Board of Directors

PFA is wishing you "Happy Holidays!" May you and your lovely family have peace, joy, happiness, prosperity and "happy feet" in this holiday season...

Helping each other every step of the way, honored to be your incoming President!


Teresa Alpert, CO, C.PED, PMAC

The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) hosted the PFA LIVE! Educational Conference @ The Running Event (TRE) in Austin, TX on Nov 28-30, 2023.

View the gallery of photos from the 3-day event! LINK HERE:

PFA LIVE! Photo Gallery

Robert S. Schwartz is presenting to the TRE attendees!

Retailers provide footwear solutions for their client’s walking and running needs. Understanding why and how products’ features and benefits relate to how the body, especially the feet function produces increased revenue, profit and customer loyalty. Pedorthic skills are designed to achieve optimum results.

The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) will be hosting the PFA LIVE at TRE Educational Conference on Wednesday November 29th from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Information can be found HERE:

PFA LIVE! Schedule

PFA can be found in the Exhibit Hall at Booth #2404.

PFA Members:

Take a minute to wish our PFA President Giuseppe a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

In addition to his duties as PFA President, Giuseppe runs his family business with his sister. If you're ever in Florida, stop in and give him a visit!

Lombardo's Comfort & Casual Shoes Inc.
8530 SW Highway 200
Ocala, FL 34481

email: PFA President

Congratulations from,
PFA Board of Directors & Staff

PFA Members:

Today marks 22 years since the attacks on 9/11/2001. Join us in remembering those who passed on that day.

Never forget.

Sincerely,
PFA Board of Directors & Staff

PFA Members:

Now available on ScienceDirect.com: Orthopedic footwear has a positive influence on gait adaptability in individuals with hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy.

ScienceDirect - Gait & Posture:

ARTICLE PAGE

Sincerely,
PFA Staff

PFA Members:

Register Now for Stand Alone Meeting 2023! This program by the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine is designed for Podiatrists, Sports Medicine Physicians, Foot &. Ankle Surgeons, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Podiatry Residents, Fellows in Training & Students.

American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM):
EVENT PAGE

Sincerely,
PFA Staff

PFA Members:

Register Now for Annual Meeting 2023! The global orthopaedic community will come together this September in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, for AOFAS Annual Meeting 2023! Join your colleagues and leaders in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery for unparalleled education, innovation, and collaboration.

American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society:

EVENT PAGE

Sincerely,
PFA Staff

PFA Members:

Join PAC for a unique opportunity to delve deep into the world of human anatomy! This PAC exclusive event designed specifically for pedorthists, where 36 lucky individuals will have the chance to embark on an unforgettable anatomy review.

Taking place in the city of Kelowna, Canada, on September 22nd and 23rd, this event is a combination of anatomy lectures on Friday, in a vibrant beer hall, and a journey into the UBC Okanagan medical school cadaver lab on Saturday.

The lectures will include topics on musculoskeletal, fascia/ligamentous, and vascular systems. During the cadaver lab, in small groups led by medical school instructors, you will be able to participate in hands on learning. Visit PAC and sign up!

Pedorthic Association of Canada:

EVENT PAGE (click here)

Sincerely,
PFA Staff

PFA Members:

Giuseppe Lombardo, PFA President attended the SSIA's 116th Annual Convention on July 22-23, 2023 in downtown Chicago.

Shoe Service Institute of America founded in 1904, is the trade association for the shoe repair industry. PFA was proud to attend and showcase the organization.

View Community Gallery:

VIEW PHOTOS

Sincerely,
PFA Staff

Attention PFA Membership:

Be ready for potential shipping disruptions. A UPS strike looms with the current Teamsters contract expiring at the end of July. While negotiations are ongoing, it is crucial to be prepared. Take proactive steps by planning ahead for inventory needs, opening a FedEx account as an alternative shipping provider, and making use of the exclusive FedEx discounts available to PFA members. If you’re not signed up, enroll today for discounts of 40% off FedEx Express and 30% off FedEx Ground. Ensure the smooth delivery of your shipments by taking action now. You can read more about the potential UPS strike here.

Enroll Link:

PFA and PartnerShip

Strike Article Link:

Understanding the UPS Strike

Sincerely,
PFA Staff

PFA Membership:

From the PFA Board of Directors and Staff, we hope you're having a Healthy, Safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

"PFA - Pedorthists supporting you, from first setp to last!"

Remember, there is a lille over a week to register for the first session of Diabetic Series...First session begins on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, 9:00–10:30 am, EST.


REGISTER NOW! and take advantage of these educational opportunities:

Diabetic Wound Prevention, Management & Healing Series - Session 1: The Diabetic Foot Disorder

Sincerely,
PFA

PFA Membership:

We're pleased to announce April Wilson will be joining the first session on June 7th...

     April Wilson CM PTA, BS, CKTP, Cl is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with over 20 years of clinical experience treating inpatient and outpatient orthopaedics, wound care and sports related injuries.
    April's focus of treatment has been lower extremities with specialization in orthotics, kinesio taping and recommendations of footwear. She is certified in manual physical therapy, a clinical instructor and a certified kinesio tape practitioner.
    Areas of interest for April are lower extremity biomechanical dysfunctions. Her primary role is the National Clinical Educator of Foot Care and Orthopaedics for Medi USA.

Register now and take advantage to the educational opportunities: https://www.pedorthics.org/event/Diabetic_Series

Sincerely,
PFA Learning

To the PFA Membership:

The NY Chapter of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is sponsoring a NYS Medicaid Parity Bill. “The parity bill is meant to not allow any Medicaid MCOs pay less than 100% Medicaid rate”.

It means DME providers that bill NYS Medicaid providers cannot get paid less than the full rate.

Sincerely,
PFA Staff

MORE INFO
(click here)

To the PFA Membership:

So, what does this mean to you?

• Medicare will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost.
• You'll be able to get COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests with no out-of-pocket costs when ordered by a doctor.
• Expanded telehealth services will continue through December 31, 2024.

PFA Members:

We're bringing Past Issues to you!

CURRENT PEDORTHICS MAGAZINE is a bimonthly digital publication of the Pedorthic Footcare Association. It is the only professional publication solely dedicated to the allied health care field of pedorthics.

Sincerely,
PFA Learning

DOWNLOAD NOW!
(click here)

The Diabetic Wound Prevention, Management & Healing Series - Session 1: The Diabetic Foot Disorder

PFA members and friends:

This PFA webinar series presented by Presented by Robert S. Schwartz, CPed and the Pedorthic Foot and Ankle Academy (PFAA) delves into a detailed and in-depth 10-part presentation of the most important and proven methods to preventing, managing and healing the diabetic foot. This program will enhance your abilities in the care and treatment of the diabetic foot, providing detailed ways to achieving optimal outcomes. Each session will include a presentation as well as an opportunity for questions & answers.

TIME: Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 9:00 am - 10:30 am

COST:

• Single Session: $20 member; $50 NonMember
• Full Series (10 sessions): $150 members; $400 NonMember

CEUs:

• Single Session: 1.5 CEUs per session
• Full Series (10 sessions): 15 CEUs for the entire program

Sign up today and take advantage of this extraordinary event!

Sincerely,
PFA Learning


PFA WEBINAR SERIES
(click here)

“Who are your top vendors?” PARTICIPATE in this 3rd MEMBER Survey!

Dear PFA member:
The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) is the only professional organization wholly supportive of the pedorthic profession, across all business trade and clinical settings. With the PFA being completely self managed, the efforts of its volunteer Board of Directors is vital to understand the needs its members.

Your answers helps guide the path of the PFA, as well as plays a role in the vitality of your practice and the profession in its entirety. Thank you for your participation, and allowing the PFA to continue its service to the pedorthic profession.

For those that might have missed the previous eblast and not participated in this survey, please take a few minutes needed to complete this survey. It is anonymous and your feedback and comments are very important to your organization.

It is all very easy and short and the whole process will take 90 seconds or so.

Thank you again for your help!

Sincerely,
PFA Board of Directors


PFA MEMBER SURVEY
(click here)

Help us help you! PARTICIPATE in this 2nd MEMBER Survey!

Dear PFA member:
The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) is the only professional organization wholly supportive of the pedorthic profession, across all business trade and clinical settings. With the PFA being completely self managed, the efforts of its volunteer Board of Directors is vital to understand the needs its members.

Your answers helps guide the path of the PFA, as well as plays a role in the vitality of your practice and the profession in its entirety. Thank you for your participation, and allowing the PFA to continue its service to the pedorthic profession.

For those that might have missed the previous eblast and not participated in this survey, please take a few minutes needed to complete this survey. It is anonymous and your feedback and comments are very important to your organization.

It is all very easy and short and the whole process will take 90 seconds or so.

Thank you again for your help!

Sincerely,
PFA Board of Directors


PFA MEMBER SURVEY
(click here)

PARTICIPATE in this MEMBER Survey!

Dear PFA member:
The Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA) is the only professional organization wholly supportive of the pedorthic profession, across all business trade and clinical settings. With the PFA being completely self managed, the efforts of its volunteer Board of Directors is vital to understand the needs its members.

Your answers helps guide the path of the PFA, as well as plays a role in the vitality of your practice and the profession in its entirety. Thank you for your participation, and allowing the PFA to continue its service to the pedorthic profession.

For those that might have missed the pre-holiday eblast and not participated in this survey, please take a few minutes needed to complete this survey. It is anonymous and your feedback and comments are very important to your organization.

It is all very easy and short and the whole process will take 90 seconds or so.

Thank you again for your help!

Sincerely,
PFA Board of Directors


PFA MEMBER SURVEY
(click here)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

To our Pedorthic Community,

PFA would like to extend to you and your a safe, healthy and happy holiday season! Stay tuned for PFA updates to you our members...

www.pedorthics.org.

2023 DMEPOS Fee Schedule

Pedorthic Community,
New information for 2023! The 2023 DMEPOS Fee Schedule is available. You can download and new coding information...

DOWNLOAD NOW!.

Virtual Symposium - EVENT RECAP!

Hello Pedorthic Community!
Please visit for the symposium recap: PFA Virtual Symposium 2022 - RECAP.

Virtual Exhibit Hall: PFA Virtual Exhibit Hall 2022

Virtual Symposium - REGISTER NOW!

Hello Pedorthic Community!
For the complete schedule, speaker agenda and pricing visit: PFA Virtual Symposium 2022.

Event Site: PFA Virtual Symposium 2022

FREE Mini-Symposium - 09/16/22

Hello Pedorthic Community!
The Pedorthic Footcare Association’s (PFA) Council on Pedorthic Education (COPE) and the Board of Directors cordially invites you to our September mini-symposium entitled Pedorthic Runners Forum: A Science-Based Approach to Pedorthic Care of Runners and High-Performance Athletes.

Event Info: Mini-Symposium - 09/16/22



Don't forget: REGISTER NOW and experience the gold standard at PFA’s 62nd Annual Symposium and Exhibition on November 3rd-5th, 2022 in Tampa, Florida!

Mini-Symposium - 09/16/22

Bringing Past Issues of Current Pedorthics Online!

Check out all of our past issues on the Joomag website. We have just uploaded the September October issue of 2013. This issue also includes information on the 54th Annual Symposium & Exhibition in 2013 which was held in Boston MA. Enjoy!

Don't forget: REGISTER NOW and experience the gold standard at PFA’s 62nd Annual Symposium and Exhibition on November 3rd-5th, 2022 in Tampa, Florida!

VIEW ISSUE NOW!

HAPPY 4th of JULY

From everyone at PFA we would like to wish you a happy, healthy and safe 4th of July!

Don't forget: REGISTER NOW and experience the gold standard at PFA’s 62nd Annual Symposium and Exhibition on November 3rd-5th, 2022 in Tampa, Florida!

VISIT NOW!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

We here at PFA would like to wish to you and yours a very happy and safe Memorial Day!!!

-PFA

November 3rd-5th, 2022 in Tampa, FL (Visit website and REGISTER NOW!)