Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Mario Cala, from Miami, FL. Growing up in Cuba under an oppressive regime, Mario worked hard to become a dentist. Working under unimaginable conditions and circumstances, being essentially a "political refugee", the only dentist serving a community of 100,000 people, Dr. Cala finally made it to the USA in 2003.

A story of grit, determination, and a testing of the human spirit, his story is incredible! A great reminder of the wonderful opportunities available to all in the United States of America. Dr. Cala graduated from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2008, completed his surgical residency training at Mercy Hospital with Dr. Tom Merrill, then did a Sports Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship with Dr. James Losito.

Dr. Cala discusses his family (he is married to fellow podiatrist, Dr. Natalie Mendez), his practice, training residents and students, and his mission work around the world. Dr. Cala shares his journey from growing up in Cuba and being trained as a dentist, to ultimately graduating as a doctor of podiatric medicine. Tune in to hear his fascinating and heartwarming story.

In Cuba, dental school spots were limited, with only a few schools available throughout the country. This resulted in intense competition, with thousands of applicants vying for just 21 positions. Dr. Cala had to excel academically, maintain exceptional grades, and pass a rigorous entrance test to secure a place in dental school.

After completing four years of dental school in Cuba, Dr. Cala began practicing as a dentist. Initially, he worked in the city, but later he was assigned to a rural area where he had to attend to 30-40 patients every day, Monday through Friday. This experience proved to be challenging as he had to work with inadequate instruments.

Dr. Cala's journey continued when he left Cuba and immigrated to the United States. He enrolled in the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine and successfully graduated in 2008. Following his graduation, he underwent a three-year surgical training program at Mercy Hospital in Miami. Subsequently, he pursued a fellowship in sports medicine and reconstructive surgery.

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Zachery Goguen, current 3rd-year student from the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, took a break from studying for Boards to interview Dr. Jensen. At the time he was writing an article for the American Podiatric Medicine Student Association (APMSA), here are his notes from the podcast: "Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, Dean of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, began a podcast in which he regularly sits down with the leaders and top contributors of our profession to discuss their careers, elaborate on their personal journey in podiatry, and listen to the impact they have provided to our profession.

In a new episode, Dr. Jensen and Zachery Goguen swapped seats, and we hear from Dr. Jensen regarding his career, his motivation for beginning the podcast, and his plans for the future. As most episodes of the podcast start, we began our conversation by recounting Dr. Jensen's introduction to podiatry.

In this episode of Dean's Chat, host Dr. Jeffrey Jensen switches roles with third-year student Zachary Goguen. Zachary takes on the role of the host and interviews Dr. Jensen, who is the current Dean of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Jensen shares his extensive background in podiatric medicine, including his education, surgical residency training, and years of experience in the field. He also discusses his involvement in research, clinical trials, and his numerous patents for medical innovations. Additionally, Dr. Jensen's entrepreneurial side is highlighted as he talks about founding the company MedEfficiency and the TCC-EZ casting system. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of podiatric medicine and Dr. Jensen's impressive career.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Warren S. Joseph, a leader in our profession and a member of the Podiatric Hall of Fame. Dr. Joseph is a specialist in the treatment of lower extremity infectious diseases. He received his podiatric degree from the Wm. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. Dr Joseph completed his postgraduate training in podiatric medicine/surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital, and a fellowship in infectious diseases at Hahnemann University School of Medicine, both in Philadelphia. He is currently an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University.

Dr. Joseph is a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and is an author of the IDSA Diabetic Foot Infection Guidelines. He is also certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and currently serves as Editor of the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr Joseph lectures extensively and his presentations have focused on the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections of the lower extremity. He has authored close to 100 publications in the field of lower extremity infections. A fun discussion not only on Dr. Joseph's career but a look into his eclectic interests as well!

Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Joseph has been deeply committed to education, actively engaging in student and resident mentorship. Dr. Joseph firmly believes that education is a noble pursuit and considers it one of the most important aspects of professional development. He was honored to officially join the faculty at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine as an adjunct clinical professor, further contributing to the field. Additionally, he has successfully initiated and managed residency programs in the past.

In this episode, Dr. Joseph emphasizes the pivotal role of mentorship in achieving professional success. He shares his personal experience of having two mentors who significantly influenced both his career and personal life. One of his mentors not only provided him with the opportunity to pursue a fellowship but also went above and beyond by putting his reputation on the line to ensure its approval. Dr. Joseph highlights the critical importance of having a mentor and attributes his accomplishments to the guidance and support he received from these influential figures.

Furthermore, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Joseph discuss the significance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of professionals. They firmly believe that it is the responsibility of experienced professionals to mentor students and residents, instilling excitement and passion for their respective fields while providing invaluable guidance and direction. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Joseph see mentorship as a means of training and nurturing the next generation, underscoring its importance in professional development.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Kevin Smith, who is the Dean at the Des Moines University – College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. No stranger to academics, Dr. Smith received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree in 1995. He returned to Des Moines in 1998 and has played a prominent role in making the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery a top program in the country! He also received his Master of Science in Education from Drake University in 2007 and received his Ph.D. in Educational Administration – Higher Education Leadership, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2014. A great discussion regarding academic priorities, a student-first philosophy, and having a podiatric medical curriculum integrated into the College of Osteopathic Medicine for the basic science courses.

In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Smith shares his journey to becoming a student in podiatric medicine, starting with his experience as a track athlete and accounting major. However, after encountering cost accounting, he realized he didn't want to pursue a career in accounting. It was during his mother's bunion surgery that he became interested in podiatric medicine. Tune in to hear more about Dr. Smith's path to becoming a leader in the profession.

Dr. Smith brings a unique skill set to the field of podiatric medical education with his Masters and Ph.D. His educational background has greatly influenced his leadership style and thought process. During his doctoral work at the University of Nebraska, Dr. Smith focused on student services and gained valuable insights through courses on strategic planning. This knowledge is particularly valuable in navigating the complex world of podiatric medical education, which involves collaboration with other academic institutions, accrediting bodies, and professional organizations.

Dr. Smith also stresses the importance of continually assessing one's performance in academics and athletics. Just as educators assess their curriculum to identify areas for improvement, individuals need to assess their own performance to identify areas of growth. This further emphasizes the parallel between organization and planning in academics and athletics. Whether it's academic goals or athletic goals, having a plan in place helps individuals stay focused and work towards their desired outcomes.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Smith also discuss the importance of being a conscientious leader and continuously evaluating and improving performance. They draw a parallel between this approach and developing a practice plan in athletics. Just as athletes identify areas for improvement and create a plan to address them, leaders in any field, including education, need to assess their performance and develop strategies for improvement.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, welcomes Dr. Peter Highlander, of Bellevue, OH and Dr. Calvin Rushing of Dallas, TX to the podcast. They discuss podiatric medical education, surgical residency programs, and practicing in different settings. Then, they delve into a host of other topics including, ideas for research, conducting research, writing papers, novel innovations, patents, and podiatric medicine as a career.  An interesting discussion involving young, successful practitioners who initially studied at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine.

The episode kicks off with a discussion about how Dr. Highlander and Dr. Rushing were introduced to podiatric medicine, their time at Barry University, and their residency experiences. Dr. Jensen shares a story about successful doctors being like freight trains and expresses his pride in their achievements. Tune in for more insightful conversations on podiatric medicine.

In this episode, Dr. Jensen, Dr. Highlander, and Dr. Rushing emphasize the advantage of being a student with more time compared to those in practice who have to juggle family and other responsibilities. They stress the importance of utilizing this time to absorb knowledge and delve into topics related to their profession. They believe that as a student, it is crucial to give 100% effort and dedication to establish a strong foundation in their field. They also mention the significance of momentum, whether positive or negative and express gratitude for starting their studies with good momentum. This highlights the importance of taking full advantage of the available time as a student to learn and acquire as much knowledge as possible, laying the groundwork for a successful future career.

Another key point discussed in the episode is the value of building connections with patients and demonstrating genuine care to earn their trust and loyalty. They acknowledge that doctors can sometimes become overwhelmed with busy schedules and numerous patients, but they emphasize the need to prioritize the patient's experience and make them feel valued. They highlight that when patients perceive a doctor's genuine concern, they develop a natural intuition and are more likely to remain loyal. Even in the face of mistakes or challenges, patients who trust and feel connected to their doctor will stand by them and work through the difficulties together.

Dr. Jensen, Dr. Highlander, and Dr. Rushing also express the rewarding nature of their work in helping patients and witnessing tangible benefits. Unlike certain medical specialties where losses may be more common, they mention that their profession allows them to get patients back on their feet and improve their quality of life. They express gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives and share anecdotes of receiving cards, gifts, and even monthly carrot cakes from grateful patients. Despite seeing thousands of patients each year, they believe that the impact they have on each individual's life is something that will be remembered and cherished forever.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine (AZCPM) faculty member Dr. David Jenkins and AZCPM 2nd year student, Ms. Alicia Stevens. Our discussion centers on two topics that are closely related, 1) Special Olympics and 2) the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD). Ms. Alicia Stevons chose the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine partly because of its involvement with Special Olympics and is now the President of the AADMD at Midwestern University and is also the President of the American Limb Preservation Society at AZCPM.

Dr. David Jenkins is no stranger to the world of Podiatric Medicine having been a past President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. He is a long-time faculty member both at the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine.

However, the discussion in this episode of Dean's Chat centers around his remarkable involvement in Special Olympics for the past 17 years culminating in his recent visit to Berlin, Germany for the Special Olympics World Summer Games. In Berlin, he was the recipient of the highest honor within Special Olympics, the Global Golisano Health Leadership Award. Join us for a great discussion on individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and the wonderful support and leadership Dr. David Jenkins and Midwestern University's President, Dr. Kathleen Goeppinger, have provided to the community.

This episode emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary curriculum that includes various healthcare professions, such as podiatry, speech therapy, and pharmacology, to develop effective communication skills for working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. They mention that Midwestern University is an ideal venue for such a curriculum due to its diverse range of healthcare programs.

They discuss an interdisciplinary event where students from various healthcare programs come together to share their knowledge and expertise. Physical therapy students, for example, participate and contribute their knowledge and skills related to fitness and physical therapy. This collaboration allows students from different programs to learn from each other and contribute their unique perspectives. Dental students also participate in the event by providing dental checkups, showcasing the importance of oral health in overall healthcare. This demonstrates how different healthcare programs can come together to address various aspects of patient care.

Overall, the podcast emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. By bringing together students from different programs, the event allows for the sharing of knowledge and the development of a comprehensive approach to patient care. This interdisciplinary nature is seen as beneficial for both the students involved and the patients they serve.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Marc Alvarez, Dr. Tyler Sten, and Dr. Dustin Theis to discuss their podiatric journey – from discovering podiatric medicine to attending podiatric medical school to now being 2023 graduates of the Ascension St. Vincent Podiatric Residency Program in Indianapolis. They discuss the residency program, the variety of cases, the rotations, and the clerkship experience for future students. We all discuss their job searches as all three have secured excellent positions close to family – Marc in Florida, Tyler in Kansas City, and Dustin in Sacramento. Congratulations!

Dr. Mark Alvarez, Dr. Tyler Sten, and Dr. Dustin Theis discuss their educational journey and their upcoming plans. This episode provides valuable insights into the pathway of podiatric medicine, from college to residency. Tune in to learn more about the exciting careers of these podiatric medicine professionals.

The residents mention that students often express gratitude for the valuable learning experience they gain from the program. They feel that they have learned more during their time in this program compared to other rotations. The residents also emphasize their role as teachers, emphasizing that their aim is to empower the students rather than make them feel inadequate. They strive to keep the students enthusiastic about podiatry and ensure that they feel comfortable and supported throughout their residency.

Dr. Jensen and the residents discuss the significance of structure and organization within the program. They emphasize the importance of students knowing what to expect and where they will be, as it greatly enhances their learning experience. They also highlight the opportunity for students to participate in a resident-run clinic, where they can gain hands-on experience and make supervised decisions. Students are encouraged to ask questions and improve their skills, fostering a culture of growth and development.

The residents emphasize the importance of work-life balance and quality of life in their profession. They explain that one of the reasons they chose their profession is because they witnessed mentors in their field enjoying a good quality of life. They firmly believe that having time for family and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Although the profession can be demanding and involve long hours, the guests assert that it is possible to achieve a harmonious work-life balance. They emphasize that it is feasible to have a successful career while still prioritizing personal life and well-being. 

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen is joined by Dr. Barry Rosenblum from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Rosenblum has long been a leader in podiatric medicine as a distinguished faculty member, training generations of podiatric surgeons, pushing the boundaries on diabetic limb salvage, and doing groundbreaking research on the diabetic foot. Dr. Rosenblum's work with the American Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) spans decades and just last year he completed a term on the board of directors. A great discussion on the podiatric profession!

Dr. Rosenblum shares his journey into podiatric medicine, which began during his undergraduate years at the University of Rochester. Originally pursuing a career in research, he ultimately chose podiatric medicine after some introspection and the influence of his best friend and girlfriend (now wife). Tune in to hear more about Dr. Rosenblum's educational journey and his insights into the field of podiatric medicine.

In this episode, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Rosenblum dive into the transformative impact of technology on the learning paradigm. They highlight how, in the past, individuals had to rely on references like the PDR or indexes to find answers when faced with questions. However, with the advent of technology, people can now simply access the answer on their phones. This easy accessibility to information has made knowledge more readily available and reduced the need for memorization. They emphasize that technology has been a major game-changer in the learning paradigm.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Rosenblum, who serve as a mentor to medical students and residents, emphasizes the rising importance of soft skills, such as how one interacts with co-residents, attendings, nursing staff, and referring doctors. They explain that while individuals may receive training and possess knowledge, it is their ability to communicate effectively, collaborate, and build relationships that can set them apart in their careers.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by the two newest faculty members at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine (AZCPM). Meet Dr. Evelyn Heigh-Rosen, a 2014 graduate of AZCPM, and Dr. Johanna Richey, a 2009 graduate of AZCPM. A fun episode discussing their path through undergrad, shadowing a variety of specialties, choosing AZCPM, maximizing clerkships, their residency experience, fellowship opportunities, and practicing in a variety of settings. Ultimately, both of their paths led them back to academia. Listen for a great way for students to get to know their professors and prospective students to understand the podiatric profession.

The goal of the episode is to allow students and prospective students to get to know the faculty better. Dr. Evelyn Heigh-Rosen shares her experience as a new parent to a three-month-old baby boy, while Dr. Johanna Richey discusses her excitement about joining the faculty and how it has impacted her life. Tune in to learn more about these dynamic faculty members at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Jensen, Dr. Heigh-Rosen, and Dr. Richey discuss the importance of learning how to manage challenges and the value of knowing that you're not alone in facing them. They highlight the support system they had during their training programs, where mentors and faculty members were open and willing to discuss the difficulties they faced. This support helped them navigate the ups and downs of their professional journeys.

Dr. Jensen, Dr. Heigh-Rosen, and Dr. Richey also emphasize the significance of continuous learning and expanding one's knowledge. They stress that as doctors, it is crucial to learn something new every day to be prepared for any situation that may arise. After their training, they felt confident and comfortable in their abilities, knowing they could handle whatever came their way.

Recognizing that every job has its positives and negatives is another important point discussed in this episode. They stress the need to consider whether one can handle the challenges that come with a particular profession. They acknowledge that, as doctors, they need to be both leaders and managers, even if some aspects of the job may not be as enjoyable but are still necessary.

In this episode, Dr. Jensen, Dr. Heigh-Rosen, and Dr. Richey discuss the importance of considering both the positives and negatives of a job or specialty. They emphasize that while it is easy to focus on the positive aspects of a profession, it is equally important to recognize and evaluate the challenges and drawbacks that come with it.

Additionally, the doctors discuss the importance of learning from different experiences and individuals in the field. They mention that observing the bedside manner of one provider and the surgical skillset of another can help shape one's own approach to patient care. This further emphasizes the significance of kindness and professionalism in healthcare, as these qualities can greatly impact the patient's experience and outcomes.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined this week by Dr. Patrick DeHeer. Dr. DeHeer serves as a Trustee on the APMA Board of Trustees, currently in his seventh year on the Board. He practices in Central Indiana as part of the national supergroup Upperline Health. Dr. DeHeer serves as the residency director of the podiatric surgical residency program at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. In addition, he served as the team podiatrist for the Indiana Pacers for thirty years, from 1992 to 2022. Dr. DeHeer, DPM, is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and a fellow of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons (ASPS), and American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).  He is also a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Dr. DeHeer is a Diplomat of the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery certified in foot surgery and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. He is the inventor of The Equinus Brace™ and a partner in IQ Med. He is the President and Founder of Step-By-Step Haiti and Foot Aid. Dr. DeHeer's passion for teaching and providing lower extremity healthcare in developing countries culminated in recognition by the 2014 International Federation of Podiatrists Humanitarian Award and the 2011 APMA Humanitarian of the Year Award.  

Dr. DeHeer shares his journey into the profession, starting with his initial interest in dentistry and his eventual decision to pursue podiatric medicine. He discusses his educational background and highlights his role as the team podiatrist for the Indiana Pacers for the past 30 years. Tune in to learn more about Dr. DeHeer's extensive experience and leadership in the podiatric profession.

Dr. DeHeer expresses a strong preference for structure and order in both his daily life and professional practice. For example, he enjoys the familiarity of eating at the same restaurant for lunch, where the staff knows them well enough to anticipate his order. Furthermore, Dr. DeHeer's work life is characterized by a structured schedule.

Dr. DeHeer also shares his interests outside of his work life. He expresses a love for intellectual pursuits and aesthetics, such as music, particularly the Grateful Dead, and various forms of art and culture. He enjoys engaging with theater, movies, reading, and visiting museums. Tune in to hear about Dr. DeHeer's appreciation for intellectual pursuits and artistic expressions.

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