House Bill 2407 / Senate Bill 1542 would modernize Massachusetts law by allowing doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) to treat the ankle and lower leg. Physicians who work alongside podiatrists recognize they are essential members of multidisciplinary care teams, helping manage complex lower-extremity conditions and supporting limb-preservation efforts.

Massachusetts has more than 300 podiatrists but only 21 foot-and-ankle orthopedic surgeons, and many newly trained podiatrists are leaving the state due to outdated scope restrictions. Updating the law would improve timely referrals, expand treatment capacity, and reduce strain on other specialists and hospital services.

As a physician colleague, your perspective matters. Please urge your legislators to support H.2407 / S.1542 to improve coordinated, high-quality foot and ankle care for patients across Massachusetts.