Gifford podiatric surgeon Dr. Nicolas Benoit in June was elected president of the Vermont Podiatric Medical Association, a professional organization for Vermont podiatrists and a state chapter of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Dr. Benoit’s appointment is a one-year position that will have him overseeing the group’s budget and other matters and also possibly lobbying in Vermont and Washington, D.C. “I look forward to furthering interest, education and professional excellence around podiatric medicine and health,” Dr. Benoit said.
The American Podiatric Medical Association, based in Maryland, was founded in 1912. It’s a resource for foot and ankle health information, a professional membership organization, legislative advocacy group, has a council that accredits the nation’s podiatric schools and has an educational foundation that promotes podiatry as a career.
Podiatrists are needed in Vermont. According to the national association’s listing, Vermont has just 21 affiliated podiatrists, four of whom are from Gifford. Gifford’s podiatrist work at health centers in Berlin, Randolph and Sharon to try to meet a regional need for foot and ankle care. Gifford podiatrists Dr. Rob Rinaldi and Dr. Kevin McNamara have both served as past presidents of the Vermont Podiatric Medical Association.
Dr. Benoit joined Gifford in 2007 from a practice in New York. He is board certified by The American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine and the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.