Dean's Chat - All Things Podiatric Medicine

Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Austin Matthews, a successful podiatric physician from Torrington, Wyoming. Dr. Matthews is the "staff podiatrist" for Banner Torrington Community Hospital. One of the goals of interviewing doctors on Dean's chat is to highlight different work opportunities within the podiatric profession. 

In this episode, Dr. Matthews highlights practicing in a rural environment, as Torrington is northeast of Cheyanne, Wyoming. Dr. Matthews graduated from BYU in 2008, then graduated from the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine in 2012. He did his Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency training at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, under Dr. Brian Lodor.

His passion for rural medicine is obvious, as his desire is to give back to the local community and the podiatric community. He is involved with the ACFAS and has participated in the Big West Region as Treasurer and is currently the Vice President. Dr. Matthews was also selected to participate in the Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program from May 2023 – present.

Rural practice in podiatry offers a fulfilling and rewarding career path. Dr. Matthews shared his experience and shed light on the unique opportunities and challenges that come with practicing podiatry in a rural setting.

One advantage of rural practice is the ability to see a wide variety of cases. Unlike subspecialists in larger cities, rural podiatrists often have the opportunity to treat a diverse range of foot and ankle conditions. This allows them to develop a broad skill set and become well-rounded practitioners. Dr. Matthews mentioned that he enjoys the ability to see anything that comes through the door, as it keeps his practice interesting and allows him to continuously learn and grow as a podiatrist.

However, practicing in a rural community also comes with its challenges. One of the main challenges is limited access to specialists. Dr. Matthews mentioned that in his area, there is a lack of foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons and vascular surgeons. This means that he often has to manage complex cases on his own or refer patients to specialists who may be located far away. The distance and logistics involved in accessing specialized care can be a challenge for both the podiatrist and the patients.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Matthews believes that there is a significant opportunity for podiatry to grow in rural communities. Many rural areas lack specialized foot and ankle care, and podiatrists can fill this gap and provide much-needed services. Dr. Matthews emphasized that there is a demand for podiatrists in rural areas, and he believes that the profession can have a bigger foothold in these communities.

In terms of recruitment, Dr. Matthews and his colleagues are working on promoting the specialty of podiatry and informing the public about the role of podiatrists. They are also exploring ways to increase exposure to rural podiatry during podiatry school and residency programs. By highlighting the unique opportunities and benefits of rural practice, they hope to attract more students and practitioners to this field.

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 hosts, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey, are joined by Dr. Travis Motley, a successful podiatric physician from Fort Worth, TX. Dr. Motley currently practices at the John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, TX.

Dr. Motley graduated from Texas Christian University with both his Bachelors in Biology/chemistry as well as his Masters in Biology and then went on to the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Motley completed his surgical residency program with John Peter Smith Hospital where he now serves as the residency program director! Tune in for a fun discussion on the JPS Residency program, its structure, the clerkship experience, and his teaching style/philosophy.

His passion for academics and research has helped support a career of lifelong learning and exploration. He has won many research grants and published numerous peer-reviewed papers. In this episode, he talks with us about being a principal investigator in clinical trials.

We also discuss fellowship opportunities, the current trends, the benefits, and most importantly, which residents benefit the most.

One unique aspect of the JPS program is its integration with other medical specialties within the hospital. Residents have the opportunity to rotate through various departments, including internal medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, vascular surgery, and more. During these rotations, residents fully immerse themselves in the specialty they are working in, taking on the role of an internal medicine doctor or a vascular surgeon, for example. This approach allows residents to gain a broader understanding of different medical specialties and enhances their overall training.

The program challenges residents from the very beginning. Rather than easing residents into the program, JPS takes a "drink out of a fire hydrant" approach, exposing residents to a high volume of cases and responsibilities right from the start. This intensive training is designed to push residents to their limits and help them develop strong clinical skills and time management abilities.

Research and scholarly activity are also emphasized in the JPS program. Residents are required to complete a research project that is publishable by the end of their third year. The program provides funding and resources to support residents in their research endeavors, including access to statisticians and an office of clinical trials and research. This emphasis on research helps residents develop critical thinking and analytical skills and contributes to the advancement of podiatric medicine.

While fellowship training is not a requirement, the JPS program has seen some residents pursue fellowships after completing their residency. Fellowship training provides additional specialized training and expertise in a specific area of podiatric medicine. The decision to pursue a fellowship is highly individual and depends on the resident's career goals and interests.

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 four students for Part 2 of their educational journey at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine. We are going to follow this group, from the Class of 2027, on a quarterly basis through their time at AZCPM! These students have been immersed in the medical school curriculum for two quarters.

Great insights in their 2nd quarter, adding Physiology to their schedules, study techniques that work (and don't work) in Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology. 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 into Arizona. We are going to follow this group quarterly to document their academic journey at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine!

Renita and Audrey both express the benefits of studying in groups. Renita finds that studying with others helps her stay focused and makes the process less tedious. She appreciates the social aspect of group studying, as it alleviates the overwhelming nature of the content. Similarly, Audrey mentions that studying with groups helps her catch any missed information on slides. Both Renita and Audrey agree that studying in groups is a valuable technique that enhances the effectiveness and enjoyment of studying.

The students also discuss the importance of time management for different subjects and tests. Renita shares her experience of learning to allocate her time effectively during her first semester. She emphasizes that this task is challenging and requires time to figure out. Audrey relates to this, mentioning that studying with groups helps her identify overlooked details on slides. Both Renita and Audrey emphasize the need to prioritize and allocate their time effectively.

Tune in for the next 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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Dr. Shibuya earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University and Master of Science degree in clinical investigation at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. 

Dr. Shibuya is an Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Chairperson of the Council of National Registry Management for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). Prior to UTRGV, he served as Chief of the Podiatry Section under Surgical Services at Central Texas VA Health Care System, where he also served as a member of the Podiatric Surgical Advisory Board for the National Surgery Office, National Podiatry Field Advisory Committee for the Office of Patient Care Services under Veterans Health Administration, Chief Podiatry Consultant for VISN 17, and VA Site Director for the Baylor Scott and White Residency Program. 

Academically, he was a professor of surgery at Texas A&M University, College of Medicine prior to UTRGV, where he trained hundreds of students, residents, fellows, and colleagues. He served as a Director of the Continue Medical Education Committee for the Texas Podiatric Medical Association and Chair of the Annual Scientific Conference Committee for the ACFAS. He is also a faculty of AO North America. 

In research, he specializes in health services research, epidemiology, and large data analysis, leading to over 100 peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, and consensus statements. Clinically, he is a fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeon by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Foot, Rearfoot Reconstructive, and Ankle surgeries.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Richey emphasize the importance of research in podiatric medicine and encourage students to pursue research opportunities. Dr. Shibuya shares his own journey into research, starting during his residency program when he had the opportunity to do a research project in San Antonio. This experience sparked his interest in research and led him to pursue a fellowship with UT San Antonio, where he focused on research and clinical work.

According to Dr. Shibuya, research is crucial in advancing the field of podiatric medicine. He believes that the profession needs to move towards evidence-based medicine and that research plays a vital role in providing the evidence needed to support clinical practices. Dr. Shibuya also emphasizes the importance of questioning established practices and seeking the truth through research.

For students interested in research, Dr. Shibuya advises finding a mentor with research experience. Mentors can provide guidance and support throughout the research process, including study design, data analysis, and publication. He also suggests utilizing resources like YouTube to learn more about research methods and statistics.

In terms of research opportunities in podiatric medicine, Dr. Shibuya suggests that diabetic foot research is an important area to focus on due to its impact on a large number of people. He also mentions the potential for research in areas like ankle fractures and the importance of collaboration among different registries and research initiatives.

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In this bonus episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Jensen discusses the upcoming Global Podiatry Summit (GPS) in Reykjavik, Iceland with his guests, Dr. Pauline Wilson and Dr. Lee Rogers. They talk about the International Federation of Podiatrists, the host of the summit, and the importance of the event. Dr. Rogers shares his love for sci-fi and his unique robe from Star Trek. They also discuss their daily routines and the various tasks they handle as podiatrists. Tune in to hear all the details about this exciting summit!

The Global Podiatry Summit (GPS) is March 3-6 and 20 continuing medical education credits are available! Dr. Wilson is a practicing podiatrist in Dublin, Ireland, and recently received her PhD in Wound Care and Diabetic Foot Care highlighting factors contributing to diabetic foot ulceration. She is also the Acting Secretary General for the International Federation of Podiatrists (IFP) 

Dr. Rogers is the Treasurer for the International Federation of Podiatrists and played a significant role in planning the Global Podiatry Summit (GPS). Originally the Global Podiatry Summit was to take place in Jerusalem but the recent Middle East crisis necessitated relocation. 

The Global Podiatry Summit is a valuable opportunity for podiatrists to learn from each other and understand different ways of thinking and practicing around the world. The summit brings together podiatrists from various countries, allowing them to share their knowledge and experiences in a collaborative environment.

Podiatrists often work within their local areas or countries, which can lead to insularity in their practice. However, attending an event like the Global Podiatry Summit provides a chance to break out of this insularity and gain a broader perspective on podiatry. It allows podiatrists to learn from their colleagues around the world and discover different approaches to patient care.

This episode emphasizes the importance of the global community of podiatrists and the value of learning from each other. They highlighted the concept of a "community of practice" in podiatry, where practitioners work towards a common goal of providing foot and ankle care but may have slightly different ways of working. By attending the summit, podiatrists can expand their knowledge and skills by learning from the diverse practices and experiences of their colleagues.

The Global Podiatry Summit also offers opportunities for professional development and networking. It provides a platform for podiatrists to discuss and collaborate on research projects, as well as to explore new ways to advance the profession. The doctors mentioned the collaborative work they have done in the past, such as producing a document on global standards for diabetic foot disease, which was made possible through the connections and networks formed at international events like the summit.

Additionally, the summit is not just limited to scientific knowledge and professional development. It also includes cultural activities and opportunities to explore the host country. In the case of the upcoming summit in Reykjavik, Iceland, participants can experience the unique Icelandic culture and natural wonders, such as the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

Join us in Iceland – a country on everyone's Bucket List!

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In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Joanna Ritchie interview Dr. Kieran Mahan, a leader in podiatric medicine. They discuss Dr. Mahan's remarkable career and his extensive experience in the field. Dr. Mahan shares insights and perspectives on all things podiatric medicine, making for an informative and engaging conversation. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Mahan's background and his contributions to the field of podiatric medicine.

To quote Dr. Mahan, "Although I've viewed my career as a surgeon/educator with a particular interest in trauma and peds, I've had a number of administrative appointments at the College: Surgery Department Chair, Residency Director, Clinical Dean, Associate Dean for Research, Academic Dean (twice), and the Interim President of PCPM.

I co-chaired AO courses for 20 years and was faculty for more and the philosophy behind AO and the friendships I made, became a big part of my personal and professional life.

I still have the program from the first AO course I attended in 1982 with Stephen Perren and Tom Ruedit! I was part of the three-person team that negotiated the merger of PCPM into Temple. I was very fortunate to have great mentors along the way, a true blessing in my career.

On the personal side, I got a love of all things Irish from my father, particularly Irish music, and literature. I'm trying to learn the Irish language!"

Dr. Kieran Mahan has had an exceptional career in podiatric medicine, with notable contributions in education, research, and leadership. Throughout the podcast episode, Dr. Mahan's extensive experience and impact on the field are highlighted.

Dr. Mahan's journey began with his undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto in 1974. He then pursued a master's degree in biology at the University of Bridgeport and graduated from the Philadelphia College of Podiatric Medicine in 1980. Following his education, Dr. Mann completed a three-year surgical residency program at Doctors Hospital in Tucker, Georgia, under the guidance of renowned podiatrist John Rook.

After his residency, Dr. Mahan returned to Philadelphia and became actively involved with the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine (PCPM). He held various roles at PCPM, including residency director, clinical dean, associate dean for research, chairman of the Department of Surgery, and dean of academic affairs multiple times. Dr. Mahan's dedication to education and leadership is evident in his long-standing involvement with the Podiatry Institute and the American Orthopaedic Association (AO), where he served as co-chair for over 20 years.

Dr. Mahan's impact on the profession extends beyond his roles in education and leadership. He has actively participated in research and secured substantial grants for educational training programs. His commitment to advancing the field of podiatric medicine is evident in his leadership role as chair of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) during the pandemic.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jensen, is joined by American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Board of Trustee member, Dr. David Alper.

Dr. Alper highlights the American Podiatric Medical Association and its inner workings. He got his start in the realm of politics within our profession by working with the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Association. 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. Alper graduated from the Kent State University – College of Podiatric Medicine and he is in the Kent State University – College of Podiatric Medicine Hall of Fame.

Dr. Alper gives his time generously to make our profession better for all! Below is a list of activities Dr. Alper is currently involved with: 

• Member – Northeast Leadership Board, American Diabetes Association 

• Board Member – Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders 

• Committee Member – Communications Committee, CLI Global Society 

• Member – Steering Committee, Wound Care Collaborative Community (WCCC) 

• Member – Amputation Prevention Alliance, American Diabetes Association 

• Member – National Legislative and Regulatory Committee – American Diabetes Association 

• Adjunct Professor – Northeastern University Physician Assistant Program. 

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.

Dr. Alper emphasizes the need for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to adapt its focus in response to this shift. He notes that APMA previously focused on individual membership recruitment but now need to engage with organizations like UpperLine and U.S. Phasma to recruit podiatrists as members. Dr. Alper suggests that APMA should emphasize the value of membership to these organizations and encourage individual podiatrists to advocate for their membership in their professional organization.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Alper discuss how the podiatry profession is undergoing changes, with a trend towards larger practices. They believe that APMA needs to adjust its focus to accommodate this shift and collaborate with larger organizations to recruit members.

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 hosts, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey, are joined by Dr. Ellie Nasser, a successful podiatric physician from Scranton, PA.

Dr. Nasser is currently practicing at the Geisinger Community Medical Center. Dr. Nasser graduated from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and completed her medical and surgical residency training at the Geisinger Community Medical Center. She did a fellowship in Limb Salvage and Reconstructive Surgery at Northeast Regional Foot and Ankle Institute.

Her passion for education is evident as Dr. Nasser is the Program Director for the Geisinger Community Medical Center and is one of approximately 15% of female Program Directors in the country.

We also discuss fellowships, the current trends, the benefits, which residents benefit the most. 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.

Dr. Nasser emphasizes the significance of being intentional and selective when it comes to saying yes or no to various opportunities. She highlights the fact that every yes inherently means saying no to something else. Therefore, when we choose to say yes to one commitment or opportunity, we are inevitably saying no to others.

Reflecting on her own journey,  Dr. Nasser discusses how she learned to say no and prioritize her own happiness and fulfillment. Initially, she said yes to everything, but eventually realized that it was impossible to continue doing so. This realization prompted her to reflect on what truly brings her joy and fulfillment, both personally and professionally.

Tune in for a fun discussion on the Geisinger Residency program, its structure, the clerkship experience, and her teaching philosophy.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Luke Cicchinelli, a tremendous leader in podiatric medicine who certainly taken "the road less traveled". Dr. Cicchinelli is currently the Chief Medical Director for the Podiatry Insurance Company of America (PICA). Great discussion on the role of PICA in the profession and his role as the Chief Medical Director.

Dr. Cicchinelli brings a unique perspective on podiatric medicine and its evolution as a practitioner, practicing in Australia, Spain, North Carolina and Arizona. Dr. Cicchinelli has also served in mission capacities in 19 countries. Dr. Cicchinelli shares his journey from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, to residency training at Emory University Northlake Regional Medical Center. He met his wife, DeeDee, in school and shares the experience of having a career practicing with your spouse!

Enjoy this interesting discussion with a leader in our field that has tremendous perspective on the current and future state of podiatric medicine. Enjoy!

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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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