In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Johanna Richey sits down with residents from the Kaiser San Francisco Bay Area Podiatric Surgery Residency Program for an inside look at one of the nation's premier residency programs. Third-year residents Airam Caldera and Elena Ion, second-year resident Noah Brennan, and first-year resident Manav Beniwal share their unique journeys to podiatric medicine while offering candid insight into what makes the Kaiser training experience distinctive. Throughout the conversation, the residents emphasize that choosing a residency extends far beyond case numbers or reputation—finding a culture that aligns with your learning style, values, and career goals is equally important.

The discussion highlights the program's collaborative culture, where mentorship, teamwork, and psychological safety allow residents to progressively develop autonomy while always knowing support is available. The residents describe a structured "buddy call" system that pairs senior residents with interns, fostering confidence, real-time teaching, and peer mentorship during the critical transition from student to physician. As responsibilities increase each year, residents gain experience not only in clinical decision-making but also in leadership, communication, scheduling, and teaching, preparing them for independent practice.

The group also explores the program's educational philosophy, emphasizing surgical principles over procedural memorization. With broad exposure to trauma, reconstructive surgery, diabetic limb salvage, total ankle replacement, pediatric pathology, clubfoot management, and elective foot and ankle procedures, residents develop a well-rounded foundation while learning to critically evaluate multiple treatment strategies. They discuss how progressive responsibility, increasing call experience, and exposure to diverse patient populations across multiple Kaiser facilities create confident, adaptable surgeons prepared for virtually any practice environment.

Academic development remains a central focus of the residency. The residents describe a structured curriculum featuring monthly didactics, hands-on surgical labs, journal clubs, and required research projects that encourage lifelong learning and scholarly contribution. The conversation also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in medical education, highlighting tools such as Open Evidence and Consensus as valuable resources for efficiently identifying literature and clinical guidelines while reinforcing the importance of critical appraisal and independent clinical judgment.

Throughout the episode, recurring themes include growth mindset, resilience, communication, and earning trust through preparation, humility, and honesty. The residents reflect on how learning to become comfortable with uncertainty ultimately builds confidence, while mentorship from dedicated faculty creates an environment where mistakes become opportunities for growth. Whether discussing residency selection, research, leadership, or patient care, the conversation offers valuable insight for students considering residency and serves as a compelling example of how thoughtful training, strong culture, and collaborative learning prepare the next generation of podiatric surgeons.
https://residency-ncal.kaiserpermanente.org/residency/podiatry/bayarea/

In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Johanna Richey is joined by guest co-host Dr. Tim Miller. Together, they welcome Lyndley Andrews, President of the Maryland Healthcare Education Institute (MHEI), for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership development, communication, and the essential human skills that healthcare professionals need to thrive. Drawing on her background in psychology, human resources, and organizational development, Lyndley shares how her career evolved into helping healthcare leaders develop the competencies that are rarely taught in formal medical training but are critical for building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional patient care.

The discussion explores the leadership gaps commonly seen across healthcare, emphasizing that clinical expertise and leadership require two distinct skill sets. Lyndley highlights three recurring challenges faced by healthcare professionals: navigating difficult conversations, leading and adapting to change, and fostering accountability. She explains how emotional intelligence, curiosity, thoughtful questioning, and self-awareness can transform conflict into productive dialogue while strengthening professional relationships. The group also discusses how burnout, stress, and unchecked ego can become significant barriers to effective leadership, reinforcing the importance of reflection, coaching, and continuous personal growth.

A recurring theme throughout the episode is the value of understanding yourself before leading others. Lyndley introduces the DISC behavioral assessment, describing how personality frameworks can help individuals recognize their communication preferences, leadership tendencies, strengths, and potential blind spots. Rather than changing who they are, healthcare professionals can use these insights to adapt their communication, improve teamwork, and build stronger relationships with colleagues, learners, and patients. 

The episode also offers a preview of several leadership sessions Lyndley will present at the upcoming APMA National Scientific Meeting in Nashville, including topics on personality styles, courageous conversations, generational differences in healthcare, change management, artificial intelligence in leadership, and improving patient outcomes through advocacy and systems thinking. The hosts discuss how generational differences influence communication, expectations, and patient interactions, highlighting the importance of adapting communication styles while avoiding stereotypes. They also reflect on the growing need for leadership education within medicine and envision a future where coaching, leadership development, and simulation become routine components of physician training.

The conversation concludes with an encouraging reminder that leadership is not defined by title but by intentional growth, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Whether leading a healthcare team, mentoring trainees, or caring for patients, the ability to communicate effectively, embrace change, and understand both yourself and others is what ultimately drives lasting professional success and better patient care.

Career Lifeline Exercise: https://people-shift.com/articles/the-career-life-line-activity-a-reflective-career-development-tool/

Legacy Mapping Exercise: Purpose through Passion: Charting A Career Through Legacy Mapping in Healthcare by Lael N. Coleman, MHA, CPHQ, Children’s National Hospital: https://chaiblog.childrensnational.org/purpose-through-passion-charting-a-career-through-legacy-mapping-in-healthcare/

Difficult Conversations specifically in healthcare: Based on research from Crucial Learning and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): “Silence Kills 2.0: How Communication Failures Stifle Innovation and Harm Patients” – link: https://www.aacn.org/newsroom/cultures-of-silence-threaten-patient-safety-innovation

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. Karen Langone, a longtime leader in podiatric medicine, past president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists, former leader/past president within the American Association of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and active advocate through the New York State Podiatric Medical Association and APMA. Karen shares her journey into professional leadership, explaining how mentors and role models encouraged her to become involved and how years of volunteering ultimately led to opportunities to influence the profession at the state and national levels. She emphasizes the importance of giving back and recognizing that meaningful leadership often begins by simply raising your hand and doing the work.

A passionate biomechanics and sports medicine specialist, Karen discusses her fascination with human movement and how that interest has evolved throughout her career. She reflects on the evolution of biomechanics from traditional approaches toward tissue stress theory and emphasizes the value of continually learning from colleagues and sharing the small clinical pearls that can improve patient care. Her clinical interests have expanded beyond sports medicine to include falls prevention, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and helping patients with neurologic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease maintain mobility and independence. She highlights the profound role podiatrists can play in preventing falls and preserving function throughout a patient’s lifetime.

Karen also reflects on her involvement in the development of the Special Olympics Fit Feet program, describing the opportunity to provide biomechanical assessment, gait analysis, and foot care to athletes while helping establish a foundation for a program that continues to benefit patients today. The discussion explores the importance of serving vulnerable populations and the responsibility healthcare professionals have to address unmet needs.

The conversation also examines the evolution of women in podiatric leadership. Karen shares her experiences as one of the early women involved in leadership within sports medicine and discusses how mentorship, representation, and strong female role models have helped create greater opportunities for women throughout the profession. She emphasizes that leadership is not about competing with others—excellence is not a zero-sum game—and that professionals can disagree respectfully, learn from different perspectives, and ultimately work together for the greater good.

Finally, Karen discusses the changing landscape of podiatric practice and the evolving educational needs of today’s DPMs including some highlights of the upcoming National Conference in Nashville Tennessee, including sessions on leadership, employment models, contracts, RVUs, hospital opportunities, and work-life alignment. Her message to students considering podiatry is simple and powerful: podiatrists have the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients while helping them maintain the mobility that allows them to live their lives. This episode is a compelling conversation about leadership, service, biomechanics, mentorship, advocacy, and the many ways podiatrists can make a lasting difference.

In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Johanna Richey is joined by Dr. Timothy Miller for an engaging discussion on a commonly overlooked aspect of surgical education: the non-technical skills that distinguish competent surgeons from exceptional ones. Using the NOTSS (Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons) framework developed by the University of Aberdeen and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh as a foundation, they explore how expertise extends far beyond technical proficiency. The conversation examines the four key domains of NOTSS—situational awareness, decision-making, communication and teamwork, and leadership—and how these skills influence patient outcomes, resident education, and professional development.

Drs. Richey and Miller discuss how true surgical expertise is built through experience, reflection, and the ability to adapt when procedures don't unfold as planned. They emphasize that every operation requires continuous assessment, critical thinking, and the willingness to modify a surgical plan based on evolving clinical circumstances. Rather than simply teaching residents how to perform procedures, both educators focus on helping trainees understand why decisions are made, encouraging thoughtful reflection through guided questioning, psychological safety, and progressive autonomy in the operating room.

The conversation also explores the importance of creating supportive learning environments where mistakes become opportunities for growth rather than sources of embarrassment. Dr. Miller shares practical strategies for fostering psychological safety within the operating room, including building respectful relationships with every member of the surgical team, using humor and music to reduce stress, and encouraging open communication regardless of hierarchy. Dr. Richey highlights similar principles in the classroom, emphasizing growth mindset, constructive feedback, and creating spaces where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning through failure.

Leadership emerges as another central theme, with both guests challenging the notion that effective leaders must be the loudest voices in the room. Instead, they argue that authentic leadership is grounded in humility, consistency, service to patients, and a commitment to developing others. Drawing from their experiences as educators, they reflect on how leadership evolves by embracing individual strengths, mentoring future surgeons, and cultivating environments built on trust, collaboration, and accountability.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion about the future of medical education in an era of artificial intelligence. While acknowledging that AI is rapidly changing how knowledge is accessed, Drs. Richey and Miller emphasize that technology cannot replace clinical judgment, emotional intelligence, communication, or the wisdom gained through lived experience. Ultimately, they argue that the future of surgical education lies not only in teaching technical excellence but also in intentionally developing the human skills that define outstanding surgeons and compassionate physician leaders.

https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/career-hub/learning-resources/non-technical-skills-for-surgeons-notss

In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Johanna Richey welcomes Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine students Ritika Surisetty and Kaylin Lam for an inspiring conversation about discovering podiatry, navigating medical school, and shaping the future of the profession. Both students share the unique journeys that led them to podiatric medicine—from dance, neuroscience, and biomechanics to athletics, dermatology, and orthopedics—and discuss how curiosity about movement and lower extremity health ultimately became a passion for patient care. They reflect on Western University's integrated medical curriculum, highlighting the value of learning alongside osteopathic medical students while emphasizing the importance of treating the whole patient rather than simply focusing on the foot.

The conversation explores the challenges of medical education, including balancing rigorous coursework, maintaining perspective, and developing resilience. Ritika and Kaylin also describe their involvement in Western's Student Ambassador Leadership Training (SALT) program, where they mentor prospective students, provide honest insight into podiatric medical education, and promote the profession through outreach to high school and undergraduate students. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of mentorship, transparency, and helping future students discover podiatry earlier in their educational journey.

A central theme of the episode is diversity and representation within healthcare. Both guests share personal experiences as first-generation and underrepresented students, discussing why diverse perspectives strengthen the profession, improve patient trust, and create meaningful mentorship opportunities for future generations. They encourage students from all backgrounds to pursue careers in healthcare with confidence, emphasizing that authentic representation helps inspire the next generation of physicians.

The episode also highlights the students' experiences at the Western Foot and Ankle Conference, where they assisted with educational sessions, interacted with leaders in the profession, and witnessed firsthand how innovation and lifelong learning continue to shape podiatric practice. Finally, the discussion turns to artificial intelligence and its growing role in medicine. While recognizing AI's potential to improve education, documentation, and administrative efficiency, the group stresses that technology should enhance—not replace—the human connection, clinical judgment, and compassion that define exceptional patient care.

The episode concludes with heartfelt advice for future healthcare professionals: stay curious, embrace lifelong learning, avoid comparing your journey to others, prioritize self-care, and remain open to growth. Above all, the guests remind listeners that medicine is ultimately about serving people with empathy, humility, and a commitment to continual improvement.

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen welcomes Dr. Lee Rogers for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolution of diabetic foot care, career opportunities in podiatric medicine, and practical advice for new graduates entering today’s job market.
Episode Highlights
• The UT Health San Antonio Story
o The history and national impact of the podiatry service at UT Health San Antonio.
o How the program became a leader in diabetic foot research and multidisciplinary limb preservation.
o The role academic medicine has played in advancing both patient care and the profession of podiatric medicine.
• Research That Changes Practice
o The importance of clinical research in improving outcomes for patients with diabetes.
o Building collaborations across specialties to advance evidence-based care.
o Opportunities for podiatrists interested in academic medicine and research careers.
• Career Opportunities in Today’s Marketplace
o Navigating the diverse employment options available to today’s podiatric physicians, including:
 Private practice
 Academic medicine
 Private equity-backed practices
 Hospital-employed positions
 Multispecialty medical groups
 Orthopedic groups
o Advantages and challenges of each practice model.
o Factors new graduates should consider when evaluating employment opportunities.
• Employment Contracts: What Every Resident Should Know
o Understanding employment agreements before signing.
o The pros and cons of non-compete clauses.
o Why tail malpractice coverage matters—and who should pay for it.
o Additional contract provisions that deserve careful review.
o Practical advice for residents transitioning into their first professional position.
Whether you’re a student, resident, practicing podiatrist, or healthcare leader, this episode provides valuable insight into the future of diabetic limb preservation, the expanding career landscape in podiatric medicine, and the business realities facing new graduates.

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen welcomes one of the true pioneers of diabetic limb preservation, Dr. Stephen J. Kominsky. 

A nationally respected surgeon, educator, researcher, and author, Dr. Kominsky reflects on a career that has helped shape modern diabetic foot care and influenced generations of podiatrists.

The conversation explores Dr. Kominsky’s professional journey, from his surgical training and early years in practice to becoming an internationally recognized authority in diabetic foot management, Charcot neuroarthropathy, wound healing, and limb salvage.

A major focus of the discussion is his role as Editor-in-Chief of the landmark textbook Medical and Surgical Management of the Diabetic Foot, first published in 1994. The book became an essential reference for podiatric physicians and helped define the multidisciplinary approach to diabetic foot care that remains the standard today.

Dr. Kominsky also discusses:
• The evolution of diabetic limb salvage over the past four decades.
• Advances in wound healing, off-loading, and reconstructive surgery.
• The importance of evidence-based care and multidisciplinary treatment teams.
• Lessons learned from decades of teaching, research, and clinical practice.
• Mentoring the next generation of podiatric physicians and surgeons.
• His perspectives on the future of diabetic foot care and limb preservation.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Kominsky shares stories from his remarkable career and reflects on how the profession has evolved—from an era when major amputations were common to today’s comprehensive limb preservation programs.

This conversation is both a historical perspective and a forward-looking discussion with one of podiatry’s most influential leaders.

About Dr. Stephen J. Kominsky
Dr. Stephen J. Kominsky is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon whose career has focused on diabetic foot care, wound healing, Charcot reconstruction, and limb salvage. He has authored numerous scientific publications, lectured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, served in leadership roles across multiple professional organizations, and is widely recognized for advancing multidisciplinary diabetic foot management. His editorial leadership on Medical and Surgical Management of the Diabetic Foot established one of the profession’s defining reference texts.

Key Topics
• Diabetic foot management
• Limb preservation
• Charcot neuroarthropathy
• Wound healing
• Off-loading strategies
• Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery
• Medical education
• Mentorship
• History of diabetic foot care
• The future of limb salvage

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen welcomes one of the true pioneers of diabetic limb preservation, Dr. Stephen J. Kominsky. 

A nationally respected surgeon, educator, researcher, and author, Dr. Kominsky reflects on a career that has helped shape modern diabetic foot care and influenced generations of podiatrists.

The conversation explores Dr. Kominsky’s professional journey, from his surgical training and early years in practice to becoming an internationally recognized authority in diabetic foot management, Charcot neuroarthropathy, wound healing, and limb salvage.

A major focus of the discussion is his role as Editor-in-Chief of the landmark textbook Medical and Surgical Management of the Diabetic Foot, first published in 1994. The book became an essential reference for podiatric physicians and helped define the multidisciplinary approach to diabetic foot care that remains the standard today.

Dr. Kominsky also discusses:
• The evolution of diabetic limb salvage over the past four decades.
• Advances in wound healing, off-loading, and reconstructive surgery.
• The importance of evidence-based care and multidisciplinary treatment teams.
• Lessons learned from decades of teaching, research, and clinical practice.
• Mentoring the next generation of podiatric physicians and surgeons.
• His perspectives on the future of diabetic foot care and limb preservation.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Kominsky shares stories from his remarkable career and reflects on how the profession has evolved—from an era when major amputations were common to today’s comprehensive limb preservation programs.

This conversation is both a historical perspective and a forward-looking discussion with one of podiatry’s most influential leaders.

About Dr. Stephen J. Kominsky
Dr. Stephen J. Kominsky is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon whose career has focused on diabetic foot care, wound healing, Charcot reconstruction, and limb salvage. He has authored numerous scientific publications, lectured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, served in leadership roles across multiple professional organizations, and is widely recognized for advancing multidisciplinary diabetic foot management. His editorial leadership on Medical and Surgical Management of the Diabetic Foot established one of the profession’s defining reference texts.

Key Topics
• Diabetic foot management
• Limb preservation
• Charcot neuroarthropathy
• Wound healing
• Off-loading strategies
• Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery
• Medical education
• Mentorship
• History of diabetic foot care
• The future of limb salvage

In this episode, Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen is joined by Dr. Hope Jacoby, for an interesting discussion on here career! Hope Jacoby - From Barry University to Private Practice, Advanced Wound Care & Patient Advocacy 
 
• Dr. Hope Jacoby discusses her journey from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine to completing residency in Houston, Texas. 
• She shares what she learned as an associate podiatrist before making the leap to private practice ownership. 
• A candid conversation about building a podiatry practice, hiring staff, managing finances, marketing, and learning to run the business of medicine. 
• Dr. Jacoby explains why she transitioned from clinical practice into a leadership role in advanced wound care, advocating for physicians and patients with diabetic foot ulcers, limb salvage, and chronic wounds. 
• Discussion includes the rapidly evolving field of wound healing, new technologies, improving patient access, and partnering with clinicians to improve outcomes. 
• Career advice for podiatry students, residents, and early-career podiatrists exploring opportunities in private practice, hospital systems, industry, and wound care. 
• Insights on leadership, mentorship, career pivots, and finding professional fulfillment while making a broader impact on patient care.

Dr. Jeffrey Jensen welcomes Dr. Mohammad Junayed Khan to Dean’s Chat for a wide-ranging discussion on research, medical education, patient care, and building a fulfilling career in podiatric medicine.

This episode sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association!

Dr. Khan shares his journey through podiatry school and explains how mentorship with Dr. Scott Malay helped shape his passion for clinical research. Together, they discuss why research is an essential component of advancing the profession and how students and young physicians can become involved early in their careers.

The conversation also explores Dr. Khan’s research on culturally sensitive healthcare for Muslim patients, emphasizing the importance of understanding patients’ backgrounds to provide compassionate, individualized care.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Khan discuss one of the cornerstones of the lower extremity examination—palpating pedal pulses—and the normal variability clinicians encounter in practice, highlighting the importance of combining physical examination skills with sound clinical judgment.

Finally, Dr. Khan reflects on his role as an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine, mentoring future podiatrists while balancing the demands of patient care, research, teaching, and family life with his two children.

In this episode:
• Dr. Khan’s path into podiatric medicine
• The impact of mentorship and research
• Research on culturally sensitive care for Muslim patients
• Clinical insights on pedal pulse examination
• Teaching at the LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine
• Balancing family, academics, research, and clinical practice
• Advice for podiatry students, residents, and early-career physicians

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, like, and share with colleagues, residents, students, and anyone interested in the future of podiatric medicine.
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