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Jeffrey S. Rich, Incoming President, Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA)
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December 1st, 2025 — As we enter a new era for the Pedorthic Footcare Association, I want to speak directly to each of you — practitioners, educators, students, partners, and long-time supporters. We are standing at a defining moment in the history of our profession. The challenges ahead are real, but so are the opportunities. And together, we will rise to them.
For decades, the PFA — originally known as the Prescription Footwear Association — was a powerful, unified voice for our industry. At our peak, we were 2,500 members strong, shaping standards, educating practitioners, advising manufacturers, and pushing the field forward. But like many organizations, we took a hit during the pandemic. Membership dropped, clinics closed, practitioners retired, and a new generation has been slow to enter the profession.
Today, the average age of the pedorthist is about 55. We are aging out — faster than new colleagues are coming in. And with the explosion of diabetes, sports injuries, and mobility-related conditions, the demand for our skills has never been higher.
Across the country, critical needs are going unmet. Companies like Quantum, for example, need pedorthists in Florida to fit and deliver diabetic shoes house to house. They are struggling because there simply aren’t enough clinicians to serve the growing population.
We must overcome this. And the PFA will lead the way.
Our Vision for the New Year
This coming year, our mission is simple: revitalize, grow, and elevate our profession.
Launching a National PFA Engagement Webinar Series
Early in the new year, I will be hosting a nationwide, open-access webinar for all members — and for anyone considering becoming part of the PFA.
The goal:
- Highlight new and existing programs
- Re-energize our committees
- Create a roadmap for involvement
- Provide channels for volunteers
- And most importantly, reconnect as a community
We are strongest when we act together.
Expanding Our Footprint in Education
This year, our committees — along with our pedorthists, and educators — will be reaching out to:
- Vocational schools
- Technical institutes
- Allied health programs
- Universities
- High-school career development programs
We need to introduce young people to the world of foot health, biomechanics, orthotics, and pedorthic science.
This is not just outreach — it is recruitment for the future of our profession.
Rebuilding Our Membership — 500 New Members
Our goal is ambitious and essential: Bring 500 new members into the PFA.
Together with Teresa Alpert and our exceptional Board of Directors, we are committed to restoring the strength and vitality this association once had — and will have again.
This is our time to rebuild to the levels we once knew and surpass them.
Why This Matters
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.
But for our field to survive — and thrive — we must grow, mentor, educate, and innovate.
A Call to Action
I’m asking each of you: Help us bring in the next generation.
Help us expand our ranks, strengthen our committees, and increase our presence in schools and training programs.
Help us rebuild the PFA to the membership levels we deserve.
This is an all-hands-on-deck moment.
And I believe — with absolute conviction — that we can rise higher than ever before.
You Can Reach Me Anytime
My door is always open.
If you want to volunteer, improve the association, bring in new members, or develop new programs, reach out directly: j.rich@pedorthics.org
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.
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