About Us
A trusted leader for advancing foot and ankle health in Illinois.
Who We Are
The Illinois Association of Podiatric Physicians and Surgeons (ILAPPS) is the trusted voice for foot and ankle health in Illinois. We represent licensed Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) across the state—advocating for their interests, advancing clinical education, and building a connected, supportive professional community.
For our members, we provide powerful advocacy, continuing education programs, and resources that strengthen practices and careers at every stage. For the public, we are a source of reliable information on foot and ankle health—helping people understand when to seek care and connecting them with trusted podiatric physicians and surgeons.
By empowering practitioners and educating the community, ILAPPS elevates the profession, expands access to care, and contributes to healthier outcomes for everyone in Illinois.
Mission
ILAPPS advances podiatric medicine and promotes the health of the communities our members serve by:
- Upholding the highest standards in practice, ethics, and professional development.
- Providing continuing education, conferences, and resources to keep members at the forefront of clinical and surgical innovation.
- Advocating for policies that protect patient access and empower podiatric physicians.
- Educating the public about foot and ankle health and connecting them with qualified professionals.
- Fostering a collaborative network where members mentor, support, and lead the profession forward.
Vision
We envision a future where podiatric physicians in Illinois are fully supported and recognized as essential healthcare providers, and where foot and ankle health is prioritized as part of overall well‑being. In this future:
- Physicians practice with confidence, resources, and a strong collective voice.
- Legislative and regulatory environments actively support the profession and patient access to care.
- Education and collaboration drive innovation and clinical excellence.
- The public understands the importance of timely podiatric care, leading to better mobility, fewer complications, and improved quality of life.
Through advocacy, education, and connection, ILAPPS is shaping this future – one member, one patient, and one community at a time.
Leadership
Our leadership team is composed of dedicated podiatric physicians who guide ILAPPS’ strategic priorities in advocacy, education, and member support. Meet the Board of Directors, Executive Council, and Committee Chairs who ensure our association remains strong, innovative, and member‑focused.
ILAPPS History
ILAPPS has proudly served podiatric medicine and the people of Illinois for more than 90 years, evolving alongside the profession itself.
Our story began in 1915, when we were first registered with the State of Illinois as the Illinois Association of Chiropodists. At that time, podiatry was emerging as a distinct medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the foot and ankle. This early organization brought together a small but dedicated group of practitioners who believed in the importance of specialized foot care and the need for a collective voice to represent them.
In 1987, as the scope of the profession grew and the education and training of Doctors of Podiatric Medicine expanded, the organization transitioned to the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association (IPMA). Under this name, we solidified our reputation as an advocate for podiatrists and a resource for the public, developing strong relationships with state leaders, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions. See our corporate partners.
Over the decades, we expanded our focus to include not only advocacy but also continuing medical education, professional networking, public health initiatives, and community outreach. We launched programs to support young professionals entering the field, offered statewide conferences and workshops, and created campaigns to educate Illinois residents on the critical role of foot and ankle health in overall wellness.
Today, we are known as ILAPPS, a modern identity that reflects both our proud legacy and our future‑focused mission. As a proud component of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), a national network representing over 15,000 podiatrists across 53 component societies and 22 affiliated groups, we remain actively engaged in shaping the profession. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, ILAPPS continues to elevate podiatric medicine and ensure that Illinois residents have access to expert, trusted care for generations to come.