Dean's Chat - All Things Podiatric Medicine

Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. Ashleigh Medda from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston Salem, NC.  Dr. Medda graduated from the University of North Carolina with her degree in both Biology and Spanish.  She then went on to Temple University for her Doctorate of Podiatric Medical degree.  She then had the opportunity to be one of the first residents at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center where she completed her 3-year surgical residency program.  She is board-certified by both the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Medda is the Residency Director for the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem North Carolina.  Previously she had been the clerkship director and the assistant program director.  To name to hear her advice about what it is like to be a student on externships or resident at their program.  Dr. Medda is kind, intelligent and warm as she discusses what it is like to go through the processe.  She is also a mentor through the Wake Forest University undergraduate clinical internship program and has been a mentor to multiple medical students through the process.  Listen in as she has excellent tips, advice and pearls for students in the medical field.

She is also incredibly involved in her community and with the profession at large.  She is a committee member on multiple ABFAS boards including the exam prep task force committee and the standard setting panel.  She is also part of the ACFAS consumer education committee as well as the American podiatric medical Association (APMA) communications committee.  But her service to her community is what really stands out.  She describes a special project that she helped launch in 2020 called the DEAC foot and ankle clinic which helps deliver equal access to care to underserved and vulnerable populations in her hometown.  Join us, as she discusses why service is so important to her and her philosophy of how we care for patients and each other. We hope you enjoy this fabulous episode!

https://school.wakehealth.edu/education-and-training/residencies-and-fellowships/podiatry-residency/current-residents

https://www.apma.org/

https://www.abfas.org/residents

https://bmef.org/

https://www.acfas.org/

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Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. Naomi Choi, a third year resident at Yale New Haven Health. Dr. Choi received her Undergraduate degree from UCLA with a Bachelors of Art in Sociology. She received an MBA from Quantic School of Business and technology on a full ride scholarship as well as completing post-bac work at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. She went on to complete her Podiatric Medical degree from Samuel Merritt University. 

This episode is sponsorted by Bako Diagnostics!

Dr. Choi has an interesting and non-traditional background as she had the opportunity to travel to South Korea and be a translator for the First Lady of Korea. She also worked internationally as a clinical research associate in Lucca, Italy and Potsdam, Germany. Join us, as she dives into her fascinating story about how she found podiatric medicine. Her diverse background provides her with different perspective and she has applied this to her podiatric medicine career. She holds 9 provisional patents (as a resident!!!) and her innovation work has received first place awards at the Columbia University: Hack Health and MIT: Hacking medicine "Grandhack" competitions. Despite her incredible accomplishments, Dr. Choi is kind, humble and transparent as she discusses her passion around innovation and serving vulnerable populations. We hope you will enjoy this special episode with one of podiatry's young physician pioneers in the world of innovation and service. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomiii/

https://www.ynhh.org/medical-professionals/gme/our-programs/podiatric-medicine-and-surgery

https://www.apma.org/

https://www.abfas.org/residents

https://bmef.org/

https://www.acfas.org/

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Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Dr. William Montross to the podcast!

Dr. William Montross, DPM, is an experienced podiatrist based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with over 30 years of practice. He currently works with the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs and is highly focused on limb preservation. 

Dr. Montross has been extensively involved in medical education, delivering lectures across the United States and internationally in England, Puerto Rico, France, and Spain. He has served as the primary educator for the Denver VA program in Colorado Springs and has worked with medical students from the University of Colorado and Peak Vista Osteopathic College. His lectures span regional podiatric societies, private seminar companies, and various medical device companies such as Synthes (Johnson & Johnson), Stryker, Integra, KMI, Ascension Orthopedics, and others 

His medical education includes undergraduate studies at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, followed by graduation from the Dr. William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1990. He completed his residency at Baptist Memorial Hospital in 1991 and is board-certified and fellowship-trained by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Montross adopts a conservative approach to foot and ankle care, with a passion for surgical reconstruction and joint salvage. 

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Montross is active in research, development, and consulting for several orthopedic and foot and ankle technology companie.  Enjoy!

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Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Dr. Vilayvanh  Saysoukha to the podcast!

Dr. Saysoukha is a first-generation Laotian American who is the CEO and Founder of Premier Foot & Ankle Centers of Tennessee where she practices in Murfreesboro and McMinnville. 

She was a student at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine when Dr. Jensen was Dean there, and the discussion highlights her incredible career to date as a yound podiatric physician!

This episode is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics, and Dr. Saysoukha discusses her time with Bako Diagnostics dong the "Mini Fellowship: Podiatric Dermatopathology of the Lower Extremity, in Alpharetta, GA."

Dr. Saysoukha is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and Board-Certifi ed in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 

She is passionate about minimally invasive surgery, limb salvage, and deformity correction. Her experiences in navigating patient care in rural health communities with limited access to care has shaped her into the physician and surgeon she is today. 

She is proud of the work she does in these critical access regions of TN, her dedication to being a mentor to students and colleagues, and her commitment to being an educator in our profession. 

Outside of work, she enjoys doing life with her wife, stepson and three dogs as well as weight lifting 5 days a week.  Enjoy this discussion!

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Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Dr. Wayne Sotile to the Podcast!  

Wayne M. Sotile, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and international expert recognized for his pioneering work in health psychology, resilience, and work/life balance, especially for high-performing professionals such as physicians. He is the founder of the Sotile Center for Resilience and the Center for Physician Resilience in Davidson, North Carolina. With over 40 years of clinical, coaching, and consulting experience, Dr. Sotile has worked extensively with medical professionals and organizations, having coached more than 12,000 physicians and addressed audiences worldwide.

He holds a BS in psychology from Louisiana State University and a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of South Carolina, completing his clinical training in medical psychology at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Sotile is widely published, having authored or co-authored nine books, including highly regarded titles such as The Thriving Physician and Thriving in Healthcare. His expertise is frequently showcased in national media, including appearances on "Good Morning America," "Dateline," and "CBS Morning Show."

Dr. Sotile is also known for his keynote presentations, having delivered over 9,000 invited talks and workshops focused on resilience, motivation, physician wellness, leadership, and the dynamics of medical families. He collaborates with major healthcare organizations, including the American Medical Association, and has influenced research on physician families and work-life integration. His approach combines evidence-based psychology with practical coaching techniques to foster resilience, collaboration, and sustainable engagement in high-stress healthcare environments.       

Dr. Sotile is recognized for blending humor, compassion, and scientific rigor in his presentations, empowering high achievers to enhance their professional effectiveness and personal well-being.

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Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey, welcome Dr. Katerina Grigoropoulos to the podcast! This is a Part 1 episode, we hardly touched on Podiatry!

This episoed is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics!

Dr. Grigoropoulos is a board-certified podiatric physician specializing in diabetic limb salvage and wound care at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute in Illinois. She completed her fellowship in Diabetic Limb Salvage at UT Southwestern Medical Center and her residency at Loyola University Medical Center/Hines VA Hospital.

Dr. Grigoropoulos currently serves as a board member and executive secretary for the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, where she also contributes as social media sub-chair and sits on the public outreach and member newsletter committees. She is the founder of Sole Fit, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to providing new shoes to underserved children.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Grigoropoulos blends creativity with service as the founder of MediThings, a medical-themed Etsy shop, and is a recent graduate of Chicago's Second City improv comedy program. Enjoy!

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Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey, welcome Dr. Alex Kor to the podcast!  

Originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, Dr. Alex Kor is the son of two Holocaust survivors (Michael and Eva Mozes Kor). 

He has a B.S. in Chemistry from Butler University and a M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Purdue University. He received his D.P.M. (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. 

This episode is sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association!

Dr. Kor is a full-time podiatrist for Hendricks Regional Health in Danville , Indiana, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor for Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

He is Board-Certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, a Fellow and Past President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and is the Team Podiatrist for Butler University athletics in Indianapolis, IN.  

Knowing the importance of being the son of two Holocaust survivors who have both passed away in the last 5 1/2 years, Alex feels an obligation to tell their stories. 

Since 1985, he has traveled to Auschwitz more than twenty times with his late mother. He is a member of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center Board of Directors and assisted in establishing an exhibit (Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana) to honor his mother in downtown Indianapolis at the Indiana Historical Society. 

His new book, co-authored with Graham Honaker, "A Blessing, Not a Burden" which chronicles his parents' lives as well as how they positively impacted Dr. Kor is now available. 

Enjoy this discussion with Dr. Kor, an incredible episode!

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Dean’s Chat hosts, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey, welcome Dr. Alex Kor to the podcast!  

Originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, Dr. Alex Kor is the son of two Holocaust survivors (Michael and Eva Mozes Kor). 

He has a B.S. in Chemistry from Butler University and a M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Purdue University. He received his D.P.M. (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. 

This episode is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics!

Dr. Kor is a full-time podiatrist for Hendricks Regional Health in Danville , Indiana, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor for Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

He is Board-Certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, a Fellow and Past President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and is the Team Podiatrist for Butler University athletics in Indianapolis, IN.  

Knowing the importance of being the son of two Holocaust survivors who have both passed away in the last 5 1/2 years, Alex feels an obligation to tell their stories. 

Since 1985, he has traveled to Auschwitz more than twenty times with his late mother. He is a member of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center Board of Directors and assisted in establishing an exhibit (Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana) to honor his mother in downtown Indianapolis at the Indiana Historical Society. 

His new book, co-authored with Graham Honaker, “A Blessing, Not a Burden” which chronicles his parents’ lives as well as how they positively impacted Dr. Kor is now available. 

Enjoy this discussion with Dr. Kor, an incredible episode!

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Dr. Michael Vaardahl to the podcast!  Dr. Vaardahl is the residency director for the North Colorado Medical Center, NCMC Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency program. He practices with the Foot & Ankle Center of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO.

Dr. Vaardahl did his residency at the South Miami Hospital in South Miami, Florida after completing his podiatric education (as well as his Masters Degree in Biomedical Sciences) from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine.

How Dr. Vaardhal found podiatric medicine is a story of  chance and destiny!  He recieved his 
Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences from the  University of California, Irvine, California
with a minor in History.

Dr. Vaardahl has given back to the porfession in many ways beyond being a residency director!  He is currently on the Residency Review Committee (ABFAS representative) from 2022 - present.  He's on DORA Colorado as a Board Member and is now the Vice Chair.  

He is also a Site Evaluator for CPME, doing site visits to residencies as an ABFAS
representative since 2017. He has been an ABFAS Representative to PRR 2016-present

Dr. Vaardahl has also been active withing ACFAS on the following committes over the years;
ACFAS Post Graduate Affairs Committee, ACFAS Membership Committee, and ACFAS Consumer Education.

Tune in for a wonderful discussion with a leader in our great profession!

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Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey, had the opportunity to sit down with students from the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine (AZCPM) Class of 2028.  Athena Najar, Ari Gerber, and Paxton Ingram just completed their 1st year, and are currently in the summer courses that include the Lower Extremity Anatomy course that includes a dissection lab! A great episode for prospective studetns to understand what the first year is like at AZCPM. Enjoy! 

This episode is sponsored by the APMA!

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