East Greenwich, RI (April 9, 2019)
- Thomas Mancini, DPM, is the recipient of the 2019 American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Humanitarian Award. Dr. Mancini, who practices in Rhode Island and is a member of the Rhode Island Podiatric Medical Association, was recognized for his medical missionary work, notably, for founding Clinics of Hope, a nonprofit organization that to date has opened seven clinics in West Africa. Dr. Mancini is speaking about building Clinics for Hope and how he helps Rhode Islanders at the Surgical Pearls by the Sea conference in Newport, Rhode Island at the Newport Marriott Hotel on Saturday, April 27 at 10 am.
“We applaud Dr. Mancini for his selfless dedication to podiatric medicine and surgery,” APMA President David G. Edwards, DPM, said. “This award showcases his tireless effort to provide outstanding care to patients in need.”
Dr. Thomas Mancini has devoted himself to providing care to the world’s poorest patients. In 1998, Dr. Mancini visited Togo, West Africa. He witnessed a desperate and unmet need for medical care, resources, and personnel. For five years, he led teams of health-care professionals on volunteer missions to Togo. In 2003, he was approached by two village chiefs who asked for his help in establishing medical clinics for their remote villages. He founded Clinics of Hope with his colleague Deb Motta and has visited Togo more than 30 times to treat patients and establish new clinics.
“The Rhode Island Podiatric Medical Association is proud of the accomplishments of Dr. Thomas Mancini and his charitable work with Clinics of Hope. Tom’s selfless commitment to setting up medical clinics in Togo Africa and his continued mission to provide more health care resources to this region is evidenced by his 2019 American Podiatric Medical Association Humanitarian Award. Tom not only made RIPMA proud but the entire podiatric profession for his hard work and giving. It was an honor to be present in Washington DC when Tom received this award with an inspirational acceptance speech bringing the crowd to a standing ovation,” stated Michael Reuter, DPM, President, Rhode Island Podiatric Medical Association (RIMPA).
Dr. Reuter went on to say, “In recognition of Tom’s achievement, RIPMA will be making a substantial donation to Clinics of Hope. Additionally, I will be joining many of our members in giving a personal donation to this worthy cause.”
In addition to establishing the Clinics for Hope, Dr. Mancini has served as a medical team leader for the Haiti Charity Hope Foundation and has volunteered with the Rhode Island Free Clinic.
Dr. Mancini is planning a Clinics of Hope Foot Health Center to be opened in the capital of Togo in the fall of 2020. The foot center will focus primarily on diabetic foot care, limb salvage, and tropical ulcers.
According to the APMA, The APMA Humanitarian Award is presented to an institution, organization or individual member in good standing demonstrating truly outstanding humanitarian efforts that have had a profound impact on the public and a definable positive impact on podiatric medicine.
###
