Dean's Chat hosts, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey, are joined by Dr. John Ruch to discuss his distinguished career in podiatric medicine. Dr. Ruch is currently a member of the Emory Decatur Hospital Residency Training Committee. He's also in private practice in Tucker, Georgia.

Dr. Ruch is the son of Stuart J. Ruch, DPM, class of 1950 of the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. John Ruch is a 1973 graduate of the California College of Podiatric Medicine. His podiatry school mentors included many esteemed individuals in podiatric education including Thomas Sgarlato, Phillip Gardner, Merton Root, Bill O'Rien, John Weed, Roy Kroecker, Robert Rutherford, Josh Gerbert, Chris Horine and David Sharp.

He served his first year of surgical residency at Northlake Community Hospital in Northlake, Illinois under historic and innovative podiatric surgeons including Steven Smith and Lowell Weil, Sr.. His 2nd and 3rd years of residency were performed under the auspices of E. Dalton McGlamry in Tucker, GA.

Dr. Ruch was fortunate to mentor under an AO trained orthopedic surgeon, W. Donovan Secrest, DO who introduced him to the AO philosophy and techniques. He completed his podiatric surgical residency training in 1976. He attended both basic and advanced AO courses in Davos, Switzerland in 1976 and 1978. He also mentored with Hans Willenegger and presented how AO techniques were being applied to modern podiatric surgery in America. Dr. Ruch performed the first procedures utilizing AO technique for subtalar joint fusion in 1976 and triple arthrodesis in 1977. The AO method and techniques have now become the fundamental basis for many applications of internal fixation in current foot and ankle surgery.

He has served various duties with the Podiatry Institute and residency training including the Emory Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency in Decatur, GA. Dr. Ruch was a co-founder and co-chairman of the AO Podiatric Courses from 1993-2013 along with Kieran Mahan, Charles Gudas and Jack Schuberth. He was co-director of the AAFAO podiatric internal fixation courses from 2014-2019.

Dr. Ruch is currently an adjunct clinical professor of the Emory University School of Medicine, Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency. He is honored to rejoin the AO faculty for the current podiatric courses under the guidance of Michael Dujela, Johanna Richey and Graham Hamilton. "Please remember all of those who have come before us."

Enjoy this interview with a true pioneer in our great profession!

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Ryan T. Scott, a successful podiatric physician from Phoenix, AZ, practicing at the CORE Institute. Dr. Scott graduated from the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and completed his medical and surgical residency training at Detroit Medical Center.

His passion for education is evident as he is now the Fellowship Director for the Core Institute Foot and Ankle Advanced Reconstructive Fellowship. Dr. Scott discusses the importance of fellowship training in the field of podiatry, highlighting the pros and cons. He explains that fellowships are becoming increasingly popular among medical professionals, providing advanced training and specialization opportunities.

The episode delves into the growing popularity of fellowship training in the field of foot and ankle surgery. Fellowship training is a rewarding and valuable option for podiatrists seeking to specialize in foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Scott emphasize the recent growth of fellowship programs and the potential benefits of pursuing fellowship training in terms of specialization and career advancement.

Tune in for a fun discussion on "All Things Fellowships" – the current trends, the benefits, and which residents benefit the most. What is he looking for in a potential fellow? When do you interview? Long-term opportunities developing from fellowship training.

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 wound care, trauma, hospitalist-based podiatry, or other options, podiatrists have the opportunity to pursue their interests and make a significant impact in the field. Enjoy!

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a successful podiatric physician from Chardon, Ohio. Dr. Mendeszoon graduated from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and completed his medical and surgical residency training at New England Deaconess in Boston, MA.

His passion for education is evident as he is now the Fellowship Director for the University Hospital advanced Foot and Ankle Fellowship. Tune in for a fun discussion on "all things fellowships"; the current trends, the benefits, which residents benefit the most. What is he looking for in a potential fellow? When do you interview? Long term opportunities developing from fellowship training.

We also discuss his career, mentors, work-life balance and how podiatric medicine affords this opportunity to own a running shoe store! 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 wound care, trauma, hospitalist-based podiatry, or other options, podiatrists have the opportunity to pursue their interests and make a significant impact in the field. Enjoy!

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Bret Ribotsky, a successful podiatric physician from Ft. Lauderdale who practiced in Boca Raton for many years.

Dr. Ribotsky graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in 1988 and completed his medical and surgical residency training at New Giuffre' Medical Center and Doxey Hatch Medical Center in Salt Lake City.

Dr. Ribotsky was inducted into the PM Magazine's Hall of Fame in 2016, he has also been recognized as a "Distinguished Practitioner" by the National Academy of Practice.

Ahead of his time, Dr. Ribotsky hosted our professions first podcast, "Meet the Masters" from 2008-2017! Podcasting had not become mainstream and he discusses how he did the interviews, editing, storing, etc. Wow!

We also discuss work-life balance and how podiatric medicine affords this opportunity as Dr. Ribotsky is an avid sailor working with the United States Coast Guard Auxillary. Dr. Ribotsky had a boating accident in 2017 and he shares his story of recovery after many surgeries and years of rehabilitation.

Never at a loss for words and ideas, enjoy this episode with one of podiatric medicine's most colorful personalities.

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Dean's Chat hosts, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Richey, are joined by American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Board of Trustees members, Dr. Brooke Bisbee and Dr. Scott Hughes.

Dr. Bisbee and Dr. Hughes highlight the American Podiatric Medical Association and its inner workings. To quote Pericles — "Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you."

Dr. Hughes got his start in the realm of politics within our profession by working with the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association, and Dr. Bisbee likewise got her political beginning in Arkansas. 

Dr. Bisbee graduated from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed her podiatric medicine and surgical training at the Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Healthcare System. She currently is in private practice in Arkansas. 

Dr. Hughes graduated from the Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his podiatric medicine and surgical training at the New Haven Surgical Program. He currently is in private practice in Michigan.

We discuss the path to becoming a Board of Trustee member, the 12-year path to becoming an APMA President, the necessary committee work, advocacy, membership, and the fact that anyone can be involved in shaping their professional future. Get involved!

Dr. Richey discusses various needs and opportunities of younger APMA members and the need to work together, "many hands make for light work", and we discussed the need for multiple perspectives to enable change and progress.

In this episode, they delve into the significance of finding common ground and establishing connections, even in the face of disagreements. They emphasize that when people collaborate to solve problems, better ideas emerge. The doctors stress the importance of future thinking and the ability to adapt to change.

To illustrate this, they use the example of COVID-19 and its impact on education, highlighting the positive aspects of virtual access to learning while acknowledging the value of human connection. They encourage a critical evaluation of both the negatives and positives, fostering unity and resilience. Their optimistic outlook emphasizes the potential for collaboration and achieving goals.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on the American Podiatric Medical Association and appreciate all the work behind the scenes that enables all of us to practice to our full potential! Enjoy! 

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by four students from the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine's Class of 2026, Landry Batis, Ali DeCleene, Layla Galavotti, and Clayton Winn. These students have been immersed in the medical school curriculum 1-1/2 years. And, they have APMLE Boards – Part 1 looming in July of 2024.

In this episode, Dr. Jensen adn the students talk about the versatility and opportunities available in the field of podiatry. They highlight how podiatry can be tailored to fit individual priorities and preferences, with various avenues such as specializing in diabetic care or sports medicine. Podiatry offers a range of options for practitioners to choose from.

Tune in for great insights on anticipation of the academic rigor of the medical school year, the inevitable "free-floating" anxiety of anticipating the curriculum. They discuss study techniques that work (and don't work) in the basic sciences. We also discuss being integrated with DO students for basic sciences, the benefits of a class of 40, how they "recharge" between exams, and settling living in Arizona.

Dr. Jensen and the students also emphasize the flexibility of podiatry in terms of work-life balance. They mention that podiatry can be family-friendly, which is a positive aspect for those seeking a career that allows them to prioritize their personal life. Furthermore, they note that podiatry offers the opportunity to have a private practice and be involved in the business side of medicine, giving podiatrists the freedom to shape their careers and have control over their professional path.

We are going to follow this group quarterly to document their academic journey at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine! In this episode, the students also discuss the advantages of interprofessional relationships and communication among students in various programs. They note that it promotes parity and communication among different disciplines, allowing students to interact and learn about different specialties. The seamless integration of different programs is highlighted, as professors may not even be aware of which program a student belongs to. Dr. Jensen and the students agree that interprofessional relationships help students work toward the common goal of helping patients. They also mention that the presence of students from different programs creates a vibrant community of healthcare professionals.

Tune in for the first episode with these students as we follow this group quarterly to document their academic journey at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine!

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Daniel Hatch, a successful podiatric physician from Greeley, Colorado. Dr. Hatch graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his surgical residency training at Highlands Hospital in Denver, CO. His passion for education is evident as he is now the Surgical Chair of the North Colorado Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency in Greeley, Colorado. His thoughts on Fellowship training are particularly interesting. 

Dr. Hatch is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and his involvement in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) serving as president from 2007-2008 is highlighted. He also served as the president of the Colorado Podiatric Medical Association. 

Tune in for a fun discussion on podiatric surgery innovation as Dr. Hatch has three patents, one of which is for Treace Medical's Lapiplasty System. We also discuss Dr. Hatch's passions for sailing, biking, photography and mission work. An enjoyable, insightful discussion on the state of podiatric medicine with a true leader! Enjoy!

In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen is joined by Dr. Daniel Hatch, a highly accomplished podiatric physician. They discuss Dr. Hatch's extensive contributions to the field, including his leadership roles and involvement in various organizations. They also delve into the founding of the North Colorado Podiatric Surgical Program and the support they received from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Hatch's impressive scholarly work and patents are highlighted, with a particular focus on his innovative bone positioning guide. 

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Hatch discuss the concept of "the more you give, the more you get." They stress that giving back and assisting others is a fulfilling aspect of any profession. They mention that dedicating time and effort to helping others, whether through teaching, mentoring, or participating in professional organizations, not only contributes to the growth and success of one's profession but also provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the industry.

Dr. Hatch emphasizes the significance of working hard and establishing a strong foundation, while also stressing the importance of giving back to the community and getting involved in initiatives aimed at improving the healthcare profession. His philosophy aligns with the idea that by prioritizing patient care and contributing to the betterment of the profession, healthcare professionals can find fulfillment and success in their careers.

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Dean's Chat hosts, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Richey, are joined by Dr. Jack Schuberth, a long-time leader and innovator in podiatric medicine.. Since 1984, Dr. Schuberth has been an Attending Staff in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Foot and Ankle Service with the Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Foundation Hospital in San Francisco, CA.

A prolific surgeon, Dr. Schuberth performed over 26,000 cases and was a leader in the development and evolution of Total Ankle Replacement surgery having performed over 1600 total ankle replacements. Dr. Schuberth highlights his training at the Waldo Residency program in Seattle after graduating from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine.

He also discusses his mentors that paved the way for him to be a leading podiatric surgeon in the USA and also highlights his fellowship training in Europe that honed his skills and confidence. Dr. Schuberth is no stranger to volunteering his valuable time to enhance our profession. He was president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and has trained dozens of residents at the Kaiser -San Francisco Bay Area Residency program. His publications are too numerous to count, and his CV resembles a book!

Dr. Schuberth has been retired for a few months and this discussion highlights the evolutionary journey of foot and ankle surgery through the eyes of an icon! Enjoy Part 1 with Dr. Schuberth and we are planning to release Part 2 in February when Dr. Schuberth is in Arizona to present to the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine students and faculty! 

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross. Dr. Spohn-Gross is running for the APMA Board of Trustees. She was born and raised in Michigan to a legacy of physicians. She was educated and trained in New York and Michigan. Upon completion of her residency, she relocated to California with her husband, an Internist, to serve in a rural community for the past 22 years where she uses her Podiatric experience, skills, and foundational knowledge of medicine in her daily practice to serve her patients. 

Dr. Spohn-Gross served 8 years on the Board of Directors of the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) and was President of California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA). She understands the importance of giving back and paying it forward. Now, Holly is running for the APMA Board of Trustees where she believes she can impact the profession positively on a larger scale. She's someone who listens…learns…and…serves. 

In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen interviews Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross, a podiatrist with over 22 years of experience. Dr. Spohn-Gross discusses her journey into podiatric medicine and her work in a rural area of California. The conversation also touches on her involvement in local politics and mission work, as well as her recent announcement to run for the APMA Board of Trustees. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Spangrose's inspiring story and her dedication to the podiatric profession.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Spohn-Gross discuss how rural medicine is facing a shortage of nurses, physicians, primary care physicians, and employees. She predicts a loss of 139,000 doctors by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to fill the gap. Dr. Spohn-Gross emphasizes the challenges faced by rural healthcare facilities in meeting the social needs of patients, such as access to food and utilities. Overall, the shortage of nurses and employees in rural medicine poses significant obstacles to providing healthcare in rural communities.

Dr. Spohn-Gross highlights the importance of thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions to address the shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in rural areas. She discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has forced individuals and organizations to adapt and navigate through challenging times. Dr. Spohn-Gross contrasts the slow-moving nature of big organizations and institutions to the advantage of entrepreneurs and smaller organizations, who can make changes more easily.

In the episode, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Spohn-Gross also discuss the need for better branding and media presence to educate the public about physicians and their work. The doctors acknowledge that there is still a lack of awareness among the public regarding podiatric physicians and their capabilities. They recognize the need to establish a clear identity for the profession to effectively recruit students. Such efforts would increase awareness and understanding among the public, benefiting both physicians and the profession as a whole.

Dr. Spohn-Gross states our profession is poised for the next level of evolution but we must be able to work with others to come up with original and positive ideas that move us forward. She certainly has the experience and passion to serve. 

Some career highlights include: *Envisioned and guided the passage of bill AB 834 which allows all DPM's in California equal partnership with their MD and DO colleagues in their medical practices. *Led the expansion and growth of social media presence to additional platforms and membership. *Established the Beginning Practitioners which is a community that provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to new practitioners. *An advocate who envisions a better tomorrow and knows how to make it happen. *An advocate ...

Dean's Chat is providing bonus episodes interviewing students from the Schools and Colleges of Podiatric Medicine. This week we are joined by three students from the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DMU-CPMS); Elizabeth Gajardo-Stitt, Stephani Honzura, and Pranati Chitta. Pranati represents the class of 2026 and Elizabeth and Stephani represent the class of 2025. All represent the American Podiatric Medical Students Association (APMSA) within the DMU-CPMS.

Join our discussions on the podiatric journey our students are embarking on at the various schools. Students share their path to discovering podiatric medicine, to applying to what is now eleven schools and colleges of podiatric medicine. We do some professor shout-outs and discuss student services, extracurricular activities, and student life at each school. In this episode of Dean's Chat, the students share their educational experiences and offer insights for prospective students considering attending the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.

In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen interviews three students from the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. Stephanie Hanzura, Elizabeth Guajardo-Stitt, and Pran Chheda discuss their experiences and the American Podiatric Medical Students Association (APMSA). They also explain what podiatric medicine entails, including the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and leg disorders. This episode provides valuable insights for prospective students considering a career in podiatric medicine.

The students share their rewarding experiences as a podiatrist. One student emphasizes the profound impact even small actions, such as clipping patients' toenails or assisting with putting on their socks and shoes, can have on their lives. Witnessing this healing power of podiatry inspired her and reinforced her passion for the field. She learned from her mentor that when she pursues what she loves, her positive energy will reflect in her patients' interactions.

Dr. Jensen and the students discuss how many students who shadow podiatric doctors notice their genuine happiness and contentment with their profession. This can be attributed to the wide range of options and specialties within podiatric medicine. Doctors tend to gravitate towards areas they enjoy and excel in, leading to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in their work.

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