Setting America’s Standard for Podiatric Medical Licensure
Trusted Assessments Since 1956
The National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) enacts the policy, guides the development, and oversees the administration of the examinations used for podiatric medical licensure in the United States.
The successful completion of these exams gives podiatric medical licensing boards the confidence needed to issue someone a license to practice podiatric medicine without requiring additional testing. There are 52 state and jurisdictional licensing boards for podiatric medicine in the U.S., including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Licensure is the process whereby a state grants someone the legal authority to practice podiatric medicine in that state. The NBPME is a nonprofit organization and was established in 1956.
The American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination
The APMLE is a series of exams that a person must successfully complete to be eligible for licensure to practice podiatric medicine in the United States.
Foundational Principles of the APMLE
Competence
- Data-driven quality: Every exam undergoes thorough statistical analysis and quality checks to guarantee consistency and fairness.
- Targeted assessment: Evaluates the key knowledge and skills necessary for effective podiatric practice.
- Validated outcomes: Psychometric evidence ensures that scores truly reflect professional competence.
Credibility
- Scientifically based: Developed using established testing standards to provide fair and reliable results.
- Expert-led: Crafted by subject matter experts and psychometricians to reflect real-world knowledge and skills.
- Regularly updated: Continuously reviewed to remain relevant and uphold public trust.
Trust
- Transparent and ethical: Adheres to recognized guidelines for fairness, accessibility, and integrity.
- Public safety: Upholds rigorous standards to ensure that only qualified professionals are eligible for licensure.
- Trusted competence: Licensing boards depend on exam results to verify readiness for safe practice and issue licenses.
TRUSTED BY:
Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees guides NBPME in advancing podiatric medicine, ensuring we adapt to the evolving needs of the profession and remain focused on continuous improvement in protecting public health.
Officers
Oleg Petrov, MS, DPM
President
Dr. Petrov is the current President of NBPME. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, and the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed a Podiatric Surgical Residency in Chicago, and is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Petrov served as Chair of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education, serves as Chair for sites visit at residency programs and Podiatric colleges, and is the Region 3 representative for the AACPM’s Council of Teaching Hospitals. Dr. Petrov was in private practice in Chicago and is currently Podiatric Section Chief and Program Director for the Podiatric Residency Program at Ascension Saint Joseph-Chicago.
Kerry Sweet, DPM, FACFAS
Vice President
Dr. Sweet graduated from the California College of Podiatric Medicine and completed surgical residency training at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. He served over 26 years in the U.S. Army, first as an enlisted combat engineer and later as a commissioned officer/Podiatrist. While stationed at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, he treated mass casualties from the U.S. Embassy bombings in Africa, the USS Cole attack in Yemen, and the onset of the Afghanistan war. After retiring from the Army, he became Chief of Podiatry at VA Puget Sound in Seattle and serves as Vice President of the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. He previously directed residency programs at Madigan Army Medical Center and VA Puget Sound for a combined 18 years and has held national leadership roles, including President of the Federal Services Podiatric Medical Association and Chair of both the CPME and AACPM.
Jane Pontious, DPM
Secretary/Treasurer
Dr. Jane Pontious is the current Secretary-Treasurer of NBPME. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the College of Staten Island and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. She completed her Podiatric Surgery residency at Metropolitan Hospital Central Division in Philadelphia, Pa. where she was chief resident. Dr. Pontious is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery(ACFAS) and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Pontious is the Past-president of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association and a member of the ACFAS Didactic Committee. Dr. Pontious has experience as a Clinical Professor at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine where she practiced for 35 yrs.
Kerry E. Simm, Esquire
Executive Director
Kerry Simm is the Executive Director of the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME), where she leads the organization’s strategic initiatives, operations, and stakeholder engagement. A Maryland-licensed attorney, she brings a strong foundation in regulatory compliance, governance, and organizational leadership to her role.
With a career grounded in public protection and professional standards, Kerry works to advance the NBPME’s mission through collaborative partnerships, innovation in assessment, and a commitment to excellence in serving the podiatric medical community.
Members of the Board
Revonda J. Jessup, DPM, FACFAS (Cornelius, NC)
Paul K. Krestik, DPM (Lexington, KY)
Oleg Petrov, MS, DPM (Chicago, IL)
Amy Pitzer, DPM, FACFAS (Greenville, NC)
Jane Pontious, DPM (Moorestown, NJ)
Joshua D. Rhodenizer, DPM, FACFAS (Fraser, MI)
Carlos I. Arroyo, DPM, FACFAS (San Juan, PR)
Kerry Sweet, DPM, FACFAS (Fox Island, WA)
Larissa Smith, PhD (Philadelphia, PA)
Liaisons
Quinton Market, APMSA Liaison (Las Gatos, CA)
Leonard R. LaRussa, DPM, FPMB Liaison (Americus, GA)
Staff
The National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) enacts the policy, guides the development, and oversees the administration of the examinations used for podiatric medical licensure in the United States. NBPME is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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