In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen welcomes Dr. Shadi Mattar, a 2023 graduate of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Mattar discusses his journey from AZCPM to residency training at Legacy Health and his current fellowship at The CORE Institute. He reflects on the experiences that shaped his professional development, the transition from student to resident and fellow, and the value of pursuing advanced training.

The conversation explores:

Dr. Mattar’s experience as a student at AZCPM

His transition from podiatric medical school to residency

Training and professional growth at Legacy Health

His decision to pursue fellowship training

Life as a fellow at The CORE Institute

The importance of mentorship, preparation, and lifelong learning

Advice for students considering residency and fellowship opportunities

The relationships and experiences that continue to shape his career

This episode offers students and young physicians an excellent look at the commitment, adaptability, and continued growth required to build a successful career in podiatric medicine.

Enjoy this conversation with AZCPM alumnus Dr. Shadi Mattar!

Dean’s Chat comes to you from the 2026 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee! Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey sat down with leaders, educators, clinicians, industry leaders residents, and other influential voices from across the profession for a special series of conversations recorded at the Bako Diagnostics booth.

This interview includes: Meghan McClelland, APMA CEO, Dr. Duane Ehredt Jr., Dr. Jim MacDannald, Dr. Arman Kirakosian, Dr. Gene Pascarella, and Dr. Randy Kaplan! 

These rapid-fire conversations highlight the people, ideas, organizations, and initiatives shaping the future of podiatric medicine. From education and residency training to professional leadership, industry leaders Bako Diagnostics, clinical practice, advocacy, and the evolving opportunities within the profession, this special APMA series provides an inside look at podiatry from the individuals helping move it forward.

A special thank-you to Bako Diagnostics for hosting Dean’s Chat and providing the space for these conversations at APMA National.

Whether you are a prospective podiatric medical student, current student, resident, educator, or practicing podiatrist, this series offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from leaders throughout the profession.

In this episode of the Dean’s Chat Learning Series, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey welcome back Dr. William Scherer, Senior Podiatric Medical Advisor for Bako Diagnostics and a clinical consultant, for an engaging discussion on the importance of podiatric dermatology. Drawing from his experience in comprehensive podiatric practice, Dr. Scherer discusses why skin and nail disorders deserve the same diagnostic attention as musculoskeletal conditions. He emphasizes that podiatrists frequently encounter dermatologic pathology and have an opportunity to provide meaningful, sometimes same-day, treatment for patients.

A major focus of the discussion is the evaluation of abnormal and dystrophic toenails. Dr. Scherer challenges clinicians to avoid automatically diagnosing onychomycosis based solely on appearance, noting that a significant percentage of dystrophic nails are not fungal infections. The conversation explores the role of laboratory testing in improving diagnostic accuracy and guiding individualized treatment. Dr. Scherer reviews the evolution of diagnostic methods, including KOH preparations, fungal cultures, PAS and GMS stains, Fontana-Masson staining, and PCR testing, explaining how each can contribute to the diagnostic process and when different tests may be most useful.

The discussion also highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for potentially serious pathology. The hosts and Dr. Scherer discuss concerning nail pigmentation and the evaluation of possible subungual melanoma, including clinical warning signs and the importance of appropriately sampling the nail matrix when malignancy is part of the differential diagnosis. The conversation reinforces a critical principle: removing the nail alone may not adequately sample the pathology responsible for a concerning lesion.

Dr. Scherer also explores the relationship between biomechanics, repetitive microtrauma, onychodystrophy, and secondary infection, emphasizing that podiatrists' understanding of gait and mechanical forces provides a unique perspective when evaluating nail disease. The episode concludes with a broader message about comprehensive podiatric care: regardless of whether a patient presents with a complex surgical problem, sports injury, skin condition, or dystrophic toenail, the podiatrist's responsibility is to put the patient first, practice evidence-based medicine, maintain empathy, and strive for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Dean’s Chat comes to you from the 2026 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee! Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey sat down with leaders, educators, clinicians, industry leaders residents, and other influential voices from across the profession for a special series of conversations recorded at the Bako Diagnostics booth.

This interview includes: Dr. William Scherer, Antoni Gambetta, Jasmine Bakert, Codi Diffie, Dr. Jennifer Bernstein, Dr. Anne Sharkey, and Dr. Brandn Blanken. 

These rapid-fire conversations highlight the people, ideas, organizations, and initiatives shaping the future of podiatric medicine. From education and residency training to professional leadership, industry leaders Bako Diagnostics, clinical practice, advocacy, and the evolving opportunities within the profession, this special APMA series provides an inside look at podiatry from the individuals helping move it forward.

A special thank-you to Bako Diagnostics for hosting Dean’s Chat and providing the space for these conversations at APMA National.

Whether you are a prospective podiatric medical student, current student, resident, educator, or practicing podiatrist, this series offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from leaders throughout the profession.

Topics include:
APMA Annual Scientific Meeting • Podiatric Medicine • Podiatric Medical Education • Residency Training • Professional Leadership • Podiatric Surgery • Practice Management • Advocacy • Career Development • The Future of Podiatry
#DeansChat #Podiatry #PodiatricMedicine #APMA2026

Dean’s Chat comes to you from the 2026 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee! Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey sat down with leaders, educators, clinicians, residents, and other influential voices from across the profession for a special series of conversations recorded at the Bako Diagnostics booth.

Video #1 features: Dr. Patrick DeHeer, Dr. Jeff Nerestant, Dr. Adrianna Strimbu, Dr. Michael Cornelison, Dr. Peter Sorensen, Dr. Bethany Robinson, Student Doctors Gianna Tuitele and Lily Cohen, Dr. Priya Parthasarathy.

These rapid-fire conversations highlight the people, ideas, organizations, and initiatives shaping the future of podiatric medicine. From education and residency training to professional leadership, clinical practice, advocacy, and the evolving opportunities within the profession, this special APMA series provides an inside look at podiatry from the individuals helping move it forward.

A special thank-you to Bako Diagnostics for hosting Dean’s Chat and providing the space for these conversations at APMA National.

Whether you are a prospective podiatric medical student, current student, resident, educator, or practicing podiatrist, this series offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from leaders throughout the profession.

Topics include:
APMA Annual Scientific Meeting • Podiatric Medicine • Podiatric Medical Education • Residency Training • Professional Leadership • Podiatric Surgery • Practice Management • Advocacy • Career Development • The Future of Podiatry
#DeansChat #Podiatry #PodiatricMedicine #APMA2026

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey sit down with Joseph Park, DPM, FACFAS, Assistant Professor at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine and Program Director of the Riverside University Health System PMSR/RRA Residency.

Dr. Park discusses his path through podiatric medicine, from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine to residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital/Washington Hospital Center, followed by fellowship training in foot and ankle trauma and reconstructive surgery.

The conversation explores Dr. Park’s transition into academic medicine, his role as an educator and residency program director, and his perspectives on mentorship, surgical training, residency preparation, and the future of podiatric medical education.

Board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery, Dr. Park brings a valuable perspective on combining advanced surgical training with teaching and academic leadership.

Join Drs. Jensen and Richey for a conversation about podiatric education, residency training, reconstructive surgery, mentorship, and developing the next generation of podiatric physicians.

Keywords

Joseph Park DPM, WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine, Riverside University Health System, podiatry residency, PMSR/RRA, podiatric medical education, foot and ankle surgery, reconstructive rearfoot ankle surgery, ABFAS, ACFAS, Dean’s Chat

Hashtags

#DeansChat #Podiatry #PodiatricMedicine #PodiatricEducation #PodiatricResidency #FootAndAnkleSurgery #WesternU #ABFAS #ACFAS

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey preview the 2026 Scientific Conference of the American Association for Women Podiatrists (AAWP) in Fort Myers, Florida, and sit down with Elizabeth Piselli, DPM, President of AAWP.
Dr. Piselli shares the vision for this year’s meeting and discusses AAWP’s commitment to education, leadership, mentorship, professional connection, and wellness within podiatric medicine.

The 2026 conference brings together podiatric physicians, fellows, residents, students, educators, and industry partners for a weekend focused on clinical excellence and professional growth. The program includes topics ranging from surgical innovation to nutrition, movement, leadership, and physician well-being.

Drs. Jensen and Richey also discuss the importance of AAWP as more than a professional organization—it is a community that supports collaboration, mentorship, and the continued advancement of women throughout the podiatric profession.
Join Drs. Jensen, Richey, and Piselli for a preview of the meeting and a look at the people, ideas, and conversations shaping the 2026 AAWP Scientific Conference.

Keywords
AAWP, American Association for Women Podiatrists, Elizabeth Piselli DPM, women in podiatry, podiatric medicine, podiatry conference, podiatry leadership, podiatry mentorship, physician wellness, Dean’s Chat
Hashtags
#DeansChat #AAWP #WomenInPodiatry #Podiatry #PodiatricMedicine #WomenInMedicine #Leadership #Mentorship #PhysicianWellness

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen sits down with Rajat Lahiri, DPM, a graduate of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University, to discuss his journey into podiatric medicine, his surgical training, and his growing expertise in minimally invasive bunion surgery.
Dr. Lahiri brings a distinctive background to foot and ankle medicine. He graduated with honors from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in bioengineering, where he developed an interest in solving complex problems and improving patient care through medical innovation. Wanting to apply that problem-solving mindset directly to patients, he pursued his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at AZCPM, graduating with Pi Delta honors.
Following podiatric medical school, Dr. Lahiri completed his residency training at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, one of the country’s highly regarded podiatric surgical training programs. His residency provided extensive experience in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and helped shape his approach to complex surgical care.
A major area of Dr. Lahiri’s professional interest is minimally invasive bunion surgery, an evolving approach designed to correct bunion deformities through smaller incisions. His interest and experience in minimally invasive techniques have led to invitations to lecture at multiple state and national conferences.
Originally from Seattle, Dr. Lahiri now serves patients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Beyond medicine, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée and family, traveling, trying foods from around the world, and following football and soccer. A devoted supporter of the U.S. Men’s National Team, he had the opportunity to see the team compete live during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jensen and Richey welcome Mahsa Agha Jafari, DPM, Assistant Professor at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine (AZCPM).
Dr. Agha Jafari is a graduate of AZCPM and completed her three-year residency training at Creighton University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Following residency, she entered private practice in the Phoenix area, gaining valuable experience in the day-to-day clinical management of patients before returning to her alma mater to join the faculty.
In this episode, Dr. Agha Jafari shares her journey from podiatric medical student to resident, private practitioner, and now academic faculty member. The discussion explores how her experiences in private practice have shaped her approach to teaching and mentoring the next generation of podiatric physicians.
Drs. Jensen and Richey also discuss the transition from clinical practice into academic medicine, the rewards and challenges of working with students and residents, and the importance of strong clinician-educators in preparing future podiatric physicians.
Topics include:
• Dr. Agha Jafari’s path to podiatric medicine
• Her experience as a student at AZCPM
• Three-year residency training in Phoenix
• Lessons learned from private practice
• The decision to return to AZCPM as a faculty member
• Transitioning from practitioner to educator
• Teaching and mentoring podiatric medical students
• Preparing students for residency and clinical practice
• The evolving role of podiatric medical education
• Advice for students and young physicians considering a career in academics
Join us for a conversation highlighting the full-circle journey of an AZCPM graduate returning to help educate and inspire the next generation of podiatric physicians.

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey sit down with Dr. Jordan Frey, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, microsurgeon, researcher, and creator of The Prudent Plastic Surgeon, to explore an often-overlooked component of physician wellness: financial literacy. Dr. Frey shares his unconventional path into plastic surgery, explaining how a last-minute elective during medical school introduced him to the creativity, complexity, and versatility of plastic and reconstructive surgery. His interest ultimately evolved into a passion for microsurgery, where he found the combination of technical precision, innovation, and problem-solving particularly rewarding.

The conversation then shifts from the operating room to the financial realities facing physicians. Dr. Frey candidly describes reaching the end of his training with significant student and credit card debt, little savings, and a growing sense of burnout. He realized that much of his stress was connected to financial uncertainty and that developing a simple financial plan could provide a sense of control and improve his overall well-being. That realization became the foundation for The Prudent Plastic Surgeon, which began as a simple blog documenting his own financial journey and has grown into a platform dedicated to helping physicians understand personal finance and build financial independence.

Dr. Frey discusses practical strategies for physicians at every stage of training, emphasizing that the goal for students and residents is not necessarily immediate financial freedom, but developing healthy financial habits early. He explains the power of compound interest, the importance of creating a budget, paying yourself first, managing debt, and gradually increasing savings—even starting with a small percentage of income. He also demystifies investing, discussing the benefits of simple, long-term strategies such as diversified index funds rather than attempting to predict the stock market or chase individual investments.

Perhaps most importantly, the conversation examines the relationship between financial freedom, physician burnout, and autonomy. Dr. Frey explains how greater financial flexibility has allowed him to design his career around his priorities, including spending time with his wife and children and coaching his kids’ baseball teams. The ability to say “no” and create boundaries around work, he argues, becomes much easier when physicians are not completely dependent on their next paycheck.

This episode offers an important message for students, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians alike: financial wellness is an essential component of professional and personal wellness. By taking action early, creating a plan, and aligning financial decisions with personal priorities, physicians can build not only financial security, but also greater freedom, autonomy, and fulfillment in their careers and lives.

https://prudentplasticsurgeon.com/