Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Stephanie Oexeman. Dr. Oexeman is a successful young podiatric physician in Chicago, Illinois. She currently is the owner of Oexeman Foot and Ankle.
Dr. Oexeman graduated from the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in 2017. She completed her medical and surgical residency training at Franciscan St. Francis Hospital System in Washington. Upon completion of her residency, she completed a one-year Fellowship – Complex Deformity Correction and Limb Reconstruction at the Amita Health St. Josephs Hospital.
Notably, Dr. Oexeman is also the host of the popular podcast, "She's a DPM", which highlights female students and practitioners in podiatric medicine. Her podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Podcasting can be a rewarding endeavor, as highlighted in the conversation between Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Stephanie Oexeman. Dr. Oexeman shared her journey of starting the "She's a DPM" podcast to provide a platform for highlighting the stories of women in the podiatric field. She recognized the lack of representation of women in certain platforms and wanted to showcase the diverse and talented women making significant contributions to podiatric medicine and surgery. Her passion for education and research is also evident as she has 24 publications to date.
Overall, the field of podiatric medicine offers a range of career paths that allow practitioners to specialize in specific areas and provide specialized care to patients. Whether it's solo practice, group practice, wound care, trauma, hospitalist-based podiatry, or other options, podiatrists have the opportunity to pursue their interests and significantly impact the quality of life for our patients by keeping them active and on their feet! Enjoy!
Dr. Oexeman emphasized that while fellowships can be beneficial for those looking to expand their knowledge and skill sets in specific areas of podiatric medicine, they may not be necessary for everyone. She mentioned her husband, who did not pursue a fellowship but is still a talented surgeon. This highlights the fact that the decision to pursue a fellowship should be based on individual career goals, interests, and the desire to acquire specialized skills.
The discussion on fellowships underscores the idea that while fellowships can provide valuable training and expertise in niche areas, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution for every podiatrist. Each individual must assess their career aspirations and determine whether a fellowship aligns with their professional goals and interests. Ultimately, the decision to pursue a fellowship should be guided by the desire to enhance one's skills, knowledge, and practice in a specific area of podiatric medicine.
Seeking advice from individuals who have achieved what you aspire to do can provide valuable insights and guidance for your own journey. Dr. Stephanie Oexeman emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from those who have accomplished what you aim to achieve. She shares her personal experience of reaching out to Dr. Edgardo Rodriguez, a mentor and fellowship director, after hearing him speak about peripheral nerve injuries and reconstructive options. Dr. Oexeman recognized a gap in her knowledge and skills and proactively pursued additional training through a fellowship under Dr. Rodriguez's guidance.
Dr. Oexeman was able to tailor her career to align with her passions and interests. This proactive approach allowed her to flourish in her practice and make informed decisions about her professional development.
Tune in for a fun discussion on her new practice, her podcast, residency, fellowships, and plans for the future. Stephanie is truly a rising star in podiatric medicine!