The Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association is best described as which of the following?

• A. A nonprofit charity
• B. A professional regulatory body
• C. A national medical association
• D. A nonprofit corporation for the association of podiatric physicians and for the advancement of the profession of podiatric medicine

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is how a state professional association in podiatry is organized and what its purpose is. The Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association functions as a nonprofit corporation formed to bring podiatric physicians in Oklahoma together and to advance the profession. It is not a regulatory body that licenses or disciplines practitioners—that authority rests with the state licensing boards. It is also not a national organization, since its scope is specific to Oklahoma. And it isn’t simply a charitable nonprofit; its primary aim is professional advocacy, education, and advancement of the podiatric field. Therefore, the description that emphasizes a nonprofit corporation formed for the association of podiatric physicians and the advancement of the profession best fits.