WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine’s ‘Rising Voices’ inspires students to advocate for their profession
Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine students learned about the importance of advocating for their profession at “Rising Voices for Podiatric Medicine,” an engaging and collaborative American Podiatric Medical Students’ Association (APMSA) Advocacy Forum designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders in podiatric medicine.
The event, held Dec. 19, 2025 on the WesternU California campus, featured American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Board member Holly Spohn-Gross, DPM, California Podiatric Medical Association President and CPM Associate Professor Arman Kirakosian, DPM, CPM Professor Stephen Wan, DPM, FACFAS, CPMA Executive Director Michael Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS, and CPMA Legislative Counsel Ryan Spencer, MA, MBA.
The event included presentations on federal legislation, the importance of student participation in legislative advocacy, and what to do and what not to do during CPMA’s legislative visit to Sacramento.
“As podiatric students, we are incredibly fortunate to be at a school that values our voices and encourages our involvement with legislative efforts. Having the opportunity to help shape not only our profession, but our future livelihood, even before we are licensed is something I do not take lightly,” said CPM student Carrissa Smith, MSMS, RN, BSN, who is the Task Force Lead of the WesternU APMSA Legislative Committee. “In every class at WesternU, I see remarkable leaders—students who are thoughtful, driven, compassionate, and deeply invested in the future of podiatric medicine. The energy, curiosity, and commitment in this room are truly inspiring. Our speakers today reflect that same spirit by empowering us and reminding us that legislative advocacy is not something we wait for—it begins with students who care enough to engage. I am proud to stand among such an extraordinary group of future physicians and look forward to the meaningful impact we will create together as we move forward in our careers and continue to advance our profession.”
The most important thing is for a patient to not wait months to see a podiatric physician, and to grant them full access to care, Dr. Kirakosian said.
“In order to do that, we need to be advocating at the state and federal level,” he said.
He encouraged students to participate in CPMA committees and to visit their alma mater, both high school and college, to promote podiatric medicine as a career.
“Let them know this is a great field to apply to,” Kirakosian said.
Dr. Spohn-Gross said podiatric medical students are the future, so it’s really important to engage them and make sure they understand APMA is here to help them, and they are important and valued.
“The future is bright. It is an exciting time,” she said. “I’m very impressed with the students I meet. They seem very engaged and informed. I love that they stand up and show they have a voice.
“Our profession requires we stand up and we’re at the table. If we’re not at the table for legislation, the way we practice could be changed,” Spohn-Gross added. “(Students) need to be at the table to share their stories and to shape the profession.”
APMSA is the only national organization representing all podiatric medical students in the United States, providing student representation within the American Podiatric Medical Association, Smith said during the event.
“It is our hope that today marks the beginning of many Rising Voices events to come, built on strong partnerships and a shared commitment to the future of podiatric medicine,” she said. “Rising Voices is an initiative created to expose students to the legislative process, grounded in the understanding that advocacy is not optional—it is imperative to our profession.”
