Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by 1st-year residents Dr. Rahul Mishra and Dr. Shalvi Prasad. They discuss their podiatric medical school experience at Samuel Merritt University – College of Podiatric Medicine and their 1st-year residency experience. Dr. Mishra is currently a 1st-year resident at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Dr. Prasad is a 1st-year resident at the VA – New Mexico Health Care System/Kaiser Health Foundation. Great discussions on the path each took into podiatric medicine including their undergraduate work, choosing a college of podiatric medicine, the clerkship experience, the caseload, the call, and their rotations. Also, learn about PodMedAdventures, a website they developed to assist students in navigating the Podiatric Medicine journey. Both are natural leaders and will represent podiatric medicine positively for years to come!

In this episode, Dr. Jensen and the residents discuss the importance of finding a hobby or activity that helps individuals relax and recharge. Whether it's watching a movie, working out, playing golf, or simply taking time to sleep in, these activities can alleviate stress and contribute to overall well-being during residency.

Dr. Jensen and the residents delve into the qualities that make a resident stand out, emphasizing the importance of initiative, engagement, and a willingness to learn and improve. They highlight that when students are rotating or applying for residency positions, it is not solely about their grades or academic achievements. While good grades are important, the host assumes that all students rotating have good grades. What truly sets a student apart is their work ethic, knowledge, passion, and engagement.

One of the residents, Dr. Rahul Mishra, shares his perspective as a resident and emphasizes that he notices when a student is even one minute late, as it reflects their reliability and punctuality. He underscores the significance of being on time, particularly in a surgical setting where lateness can have significant consequences.

Dr. Jensen adds that these qualities, such as initiative and engagement, play a crucial role in residency program selections. He mentions that the best programs seek to match exceptional students who possess these qualities. It is not just about students wanting to match with a phenomenal program, but also about programs wanting to match with exceptional students.

Overall, this episode emphasizes that showing initiative, engagement, and a willingness to learn and improve are crucial qualities for residents. These qualities go beyond academic achievements and play a significant role in the selection process for residency programs.

https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/doctor-podiatric-medicine

https://www.podmedadventures.com

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is Joined by Dr. David Armstrong and his daughter, Dr. Alexandria Armstrong, a 2023 graduate of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine. A 3rd generation podiatrist, Dr. Alexandria is following in the footsteps of her father and her grandfather, Dr. Leo Armstrong. Alexandria will commence her residency training in July at the University of Texas – San Antonio under the guidance of Dr. Lee Rogers. Dr. David Armstrong is Professor of Surgery and Director of the Southwestern Academic Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA) at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. We will have Dr. David on Dean's Chat again to discuss "All Things Diabetic Feet" in the future, but this episode discusses their family legacy and the exciting times for the Armstrong family.

Dr. Alexandria Armstrong expresses her enjoyment of the workshops and labs at Midwestern. However, her favorite part was when she had the opportunity to simulate being a doctor and apply what she had learned. This hands-on experience allowed her to put her knowledge into practice and understand its practical application. Dr. Alexandria Armstrong had a great time during this period as she could witness the real-life relevance of her studies. It is evident that this hands-on experience solidified her understanding of the subject matter and helped her develop the necessary skills to become a doctor.

Dr. David Armstrong shares how he is proud of his daughter's decision to attend podiatric medical school. Initially, he had reservations when she expressed her interest in podiatric medicine. However, after she confirmed her decision, he felt a sense of pride. Dr. David Armstrong's pride in Dr. Alexandria Armstrong's choice is also compared to his own feelings when he heard the news, indicating that he understands and shares in her excitement and accomplishment.

Tune in for an episode highlighting Dr. Alexandria Armstrong's excitement about starting her residency program at the University of Texas San Antonio. Dr. David Armstrong, a renowned researcher in the field, talks about his daughter's accomplishments and their family's involvement in podiatry. 

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Ross Groeschl, Dr. Zack Hill, and Dr. Joseph Brown to discuss their residency experience at Grant Medical Center. All are currently 2nd-year residents – Dr. Groeschl is a graduate of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Hill is a graduate of Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine, and Dr. Brown is a graduate of the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine. Tune in for a great discussion on the path each took to Grant Medical Center; undergraduate work, choosing a College of Podiatric Medicine, the clerkship experience, the caseload, the call, the variety of cases, the rotations, and future plans. These three will thrive and be leaders in our great profession!

In this episode, the residents discuss the crucial role of building a solid foundation of knowledge and skills during medical school to succeed in residency. They emphasize the need to grasp recurring concepts and topics in clinical settings and the operating room. They share their personal experience of focusing on building a strong base during medical school through dedicated studying and hard work. 

Overall, the residents emphasize the significance of utilizing medical school as a foundation to develop a strong base of knowledge and skills, which ultimately contributes to success in residency. They encourage residents to seize opportunities for learning and growth during residency, such as participating in additional cases and dedicating extra time. While acknowledging the challenges and discomfort that may arise during residency, they believe that putting in effort and maintaining an open mindset toward learning will lead to personal growth and success.

They advise residents to take advantage of every opportunity to scrub in on extra cases, even if they are not assigned, and to fully embrace the clinical experience during residency. They also mention that repetition plays a key role in residency, as residents may require less preparation for certain cases after multiple exposures. 

Dr. Jensen and the residents emphasize the importance of a strong work ethic and hard work in residency programs. They highlight that effort and a willingness to learn are key factors in succeeding in a residency program. While education is valuable, they stress that putting in the effort and maintaining an open mindset toward learning truly makes a difference. 

The residents also mention that hard work does not go unnoticed in residency programs. They emphasize that program directors and faculty members can distinguish between residents who are dedicated and those who are not. They stress that hard work stands out and is appreciated more than one may realize. Residency programs value residents who demonstrate effort, a willingness to learn, and a proactive approach to their education and training.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Michael Trepal, Dean of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. They discuss leadership styles, the evolution of podiatric medicine, meeting evolving student needs, and student recruitment concerns. They also discuss the many leadership roles Dr. Trepal has served in the profession including the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME), and the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM). A lifelong New York resident, with a passion for podiatry and education, Dr. Trepal will not be slowing down any time soon!

In this episode, Dr. Trepal shares his journey to becoming a Dean and his passion for podiatric medicine. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Trepal discuss the importance of listening to patients and the impact it has on being a better doctor. Dr. Trepal also talks about his upbringing in New York City and his hope for his own children to stay close by. Tune in to hear this insightful conversation about all things podiatric medicine.

The episode delves into the evolution and growing respect of the podiatry profession, attributing its success to hard work, innovation, and recognition. A key factor in achieving this recognition has been the improvement of podiatry curriculum in colleges. Additionally, the presence of experienced podiatrists who have worked in hospitals and developed residencies has played a significant role in gaining respect for the profession. Podiatrists have showcased their capabilities and earned privileges at hospitals, leading to the establishment of residency programs. The inclusion of podiatry under Medicare as a physician and the reimbursement of podiatric residencies at the same rate as other medical specialties has further solidified the profession's standing.

The episode also highlights the importance of positive interactions with podiatrists in attracting more individuals to pursue a career in the profession. Many people who have considered podiatry as a career have had personal experiences with podiatrists, such as receiving treatment for sports injuries, broken bones, or torn tendons. Others have witnessed the life-saving care provided by podiatrists to family members, particularly diabetics. Shadowing opportunities have also been influential in attracting individuals to the profession. 

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Trepal emphasize the need for podiatrists to actively promote the profession and generate interest among potential students. They suggest that if every podiatrist recruited one student, it could have a significant impact on increasing the number of applicants and ensuring the future success of the profession.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Trepal discuss how successful students in the field of podiatry require three key qualities: brain power, passion, and freedom from distractions. Dr. Jensen emphasizes that these factors are essential for students to excel in their studies and future careers as podiatrists.

Overall, the episode emphasizes the significant role of the grassroots profession in mentoring and promoting the podiatry profession. Dr. Jensen encourages podiatrists to actively recruit and mentor students, generate interest in the profession, collaborate with colleges and advisors, and provide shadowing opportunities to prospective podiatry students.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Braxton Facer, Dr. Zachary Pierson, and Dr. Mike Wilson to discuss their job search during their 3rd year of residency training. All three were 2020 graduates of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine and did their residency training in the Midwest. All three landed excellent opportunities in different practice settings. Tune in to hear about their residency training experience, short-term and long-term career goals, advice, and job searches.

In this episode of Dean's Chat, host Dr. Jeffrey Jensen interviews three former students from the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine. These third-year residents discuss their experiences matching into residency programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and securing positions in different practice environments. They also highlight the timeline for becoming a podiatric physician, which closely parallels the MD and DO routes. Tune in to gain insights into the journey of these podiatric medicine professionals.

In this episode, the third-year residents emphasize the importance of cultivating relationships and networking in the medical field, particularly in the podiatry community. They highlight how building connections with colleagues, residents, and practitioners can greatly impact future opportunities and career advancement.

One resident shares a personal experience of reaching out to residents they had rotated with for advice when searching for job opportunities in a specific area. These residents provided valuable insights into certain practitioners, helping them make informed decisions. This anecdote underscores the value of networking and seeking advice from established professionals in the field. 

They also highlight the lasting impact of even short-term interactions, such as visiting a program for a weekend. They mention that they still maintain contact with students who have visited their program, as these connections may lead to unforeseen job opportunities or fellowships in the future.

Dr. Jensen and the residents also discuss the significance of soft skills and interpersonal relationship abilities in the medical field. They emphasize that these skills are often just as important, if not more important, than technical expertise and surgical proficiency. Cultivating relationships and networking are crucial skills for effective employee management, hiring and firing, and other aspects of the job that may not have been covered in formal education or training. One resident recalls hearing advice as a student to work hard, be teachable, and be adaptable.

Overall, this episode highlights the importance of cultivating relationships and networking in the medical field, specifically in podiatry, for future opportunities and career advancement. It emphasizes the value of seeking advice and insights from colleagues, residents, and practitioners, as well as the significance of developing strong interpersonal relationship skills.

Simply working hard, being punctual for cases, and actively engaging with residents can leave a lasting impression. The residents emphasize the importance of being teachable and adaptable, as these qualities enable students to learn and grow in various situations. They suggest paying attention to how hands-on third-year students are in the operating room with their attendings, as it can indicate the quality of training at a program. This highlights the importance of being proactive and seizing learning opportunities during rotations to develop the necessary skills that set students apart.

Dr. Jensen and the residents also emphasize the importance of maintaining relationships with everyone in the podiatry community. They stress that one never knows how these relationships may benefit them in the future. This underscores the significance of networking and building ...

Dean's Chat Host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Page. Dr. Page has a storied career in Podiatric Medical Education! He was the Dean of the California College of Podiatric Medicine and founded the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine. He served as Chief of Podiatry at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans' Administration Medical Center where he was also the Residency Director. His missionary work around the country and world with his beautiful wife, Kris, is discussed at length. A great discussion with one of the foremost educators in the profession!

In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen interviews Dr. Jeffrey Page, a renowned leader in podiatric medicine. Dr. Page shares his impressive career journey, from his education at the California College of Podiatric Medicine to his role as Chief of the Podiatry Section at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. Dr. Jensen expresses his gratitude for Dr. Page's mentorship and discusses their long-standing professional relationship. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the world of podiatric medicine.

Dr. Page discusses his leadership style, which he describes as a servant leader. He believes in leading by example and is committed to not asking others to do anything that he is not willing to do themselves. Dr. Page emphasizes the importance of demonstrating genuine interest and care for those he works with, including staff, faculty, and students. He firmly believes that authentic interest and a desire for others to succeed are crucial for effective leadership.

Furthermore, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Page highlight their dedication to facilitating faculty development and helping individuals grow and improve, even if it means they ultimately leave for bigger and better opportunities. They firmly believe in providing positive reinforcement and feedback to encourage people to reach their full potential and not settle for mediocrity. 

Dr. Jensen discusses the significance of recognizing and nurturing individuals' unique talents and skill sets. He acknowledges that everyone possesses different abilities and tendencies, and it is essential to challenge individuals to step out of their comfort zones and explore new areas. Dr. Jensen acknowledges that people often gravitate towards what they are comfortable with, but he firmly believes in pushing individuals to take a leap of faith and discover their potential in other domains.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Page find great fulfillment in witnessing students succeed and grow in their careers and personal development. They mention that one of the most rewarding aspects of being involved in podiatric medical education is observing students evolve into caring and capable providers. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Page believe in fostering growth and development at all levels, including staff, faculty, administration, and students.

https://aacpm.org/

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Javier LaFontaine. Dr. LaFontaine is the Dean at the University of Texas Rio Grand Valley School of Podiatric Medicine (UTRGV-SPM) in Harlingen, TX. The Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) approved RGVSPM in 2022, and Dr. LaFontaine recruited the UTRGV-SPM inaugural class this past year. Discussions include the approval process for attaining Candidacy Status as the 10th Podiatric Medical School in the country and the Texas application service for health professions that is unique to our profession. Dr. LaFontaine has a long history in education and is a tremendous leader. Under his guidance, the future is bright at the UTRGV-School of Podiatric Medicine!

In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen interviews Dr. Javier LaFontaine, the Dean at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Podiatric Medicine. They discuss Dr. LaFontaine's background, including his education and residency training, as well as the recent first class at the Rio Grande Valley School of Podiatric Medicine. Tune in to learn more about Dr. LaFontaine and his experiences in the field.

Dr. LaFontaine emphasizes the importance of engaging everyone and not making all the decisions as an effective leader. He acknowledges that while a leader who makes all the decisions can be effective, it can lead to chaos when they move on because others are not equipped to take over. Instead, he describes his leadership style as one that involves people in solutions and action plans. Dr. LaFontaine values collaboration and seeks input from others, including students. Dr. LaFontaine believes in surrounding themselves with talented individuals and recognizes that nobody knows everything.

Dr. LaFontaine explains that in academia, professionals do not always receive immediate feedback for their work. Unlike professions where patients express gratitude for the immediate impact of their treatment, in academia, the impact is often seen years later when former students or residents reach out to express their appreciation. Dr. LaFontaine shares that he receives random emails from old students or residents who share their accomplishments, such as obtaining their first patent. These moments of feedback and recognition serve as reminders of the impact Dr. LaFontaine had on their lives and careers.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. LaFontaine discuss that podiatry education encompasses more than just residency training and includes a significant amount of foundational work done at the schools. They emphasize the thought and effort put into podiatry education and want the community to be aware of and appreciate the work happening behind the scenes. 

Dr. Jensen and Dr. LaFontaine also discuss how many health advisors express misconceptions about the field, assuming it only involves working with diabetes and not realizing that podiatrists also perform surgery. This highlights the knowledge gap and misunderstanding about podiatry, and that programs like Dean's Chat can help bridge this gap and increase awareness about the work and effort put into podiatry education.

https://www.utrgv.edu/school-of-podiatric-medicine/

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Dean's Chat Host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Lee Rogers. Dr. Rogers has played a prominent role in advancing diabetic foot care worldwide. His entrepreneurial ventures include making shark movies and multiplying Amputation Prevention Centers around the USA. He is currently Chief of Podiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio. In Dr. Rogers' spare time, he is the President of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM), one of two certifying boards in our profession along with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). 

In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen interviews Dr. Lee Rogers, an accomplished leader in the field of podiatric medicine. They discuss Dr. Rogers' academic journey, from growing up in a small town in Missouri to attending podiatric medical school and completing his residency in New York City. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Rogers' diverse experiences and his contributions to the field of podiatric medicine.

The episode of Dean's Chat explores the transformative power of engaging with experts from around the world, both personally and professionally. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Rogers emphasize that these interactions primarily involve meeting new individuals in their field, rather than just interacting with friends. Such exchanges enable them to learn from others, broaden their knowledge, and enhance their expertise.

A significant focus of the episode is on the value of these interactions in the creation of clinical practice guidelines. By engaging with experts from different countries and practice settings, individuals can incorporate diverse perspectives and ensure the global applicability of the guidelines. This entails considering factors like resource availability and the specific needs of various healthcare systems. Overall, the episode underscores the importance of engaging with experts from around the world and the multitude of benefits that arise from these interactions in terms of personal growth and professional development.

To create truly impactful clinical practice guidelines, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Roger stress the importance of considering additional factors, including patients' practice patterns, education and training in different countries, and the potential global impact of the guidelines. This necessitates extensive input and consideration from various stakeholders, including experts from around the world.

The episode also highlights the importance of considering others, including patients, practice patterns, education, and training, when aiming for a global impact. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Rogers emphasized the need to assess whether clinical practice guidelines can be applied in different settings, such as in underprivileged regions or tertiary care hospitals. They stressed the significance of creating separate paths within the clinical practice guidelines if universal application is not feasible.

Furthermore, the episode touches on the topic of standardizing the recognition of education and training for podiatrists internationally. The objective is to foster greater respect and mobility for podiatrists globally. 

https://abpmed.org/

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Scott "Scooter" Metcalfe joins Dr. Jeffrey Jensen on a unique episode of Dean's Chat. Scooter is competing in the "Adaptic Surfing Professionals – World Championship Tour" in Hawaii, Costa Rica, and California.  After experiencing a life-changing traumatic injury in 2017, Scooter discusses the extended rehabilitation, the psychological challenges, and the mindset needed to overcome obstacles associated with limb loss. The resilience necessary to compete again at a high level is a challenge Scooter faces every day. Tune in for a story of perseverance and human triumph! He has established a Go Fund Me page – linked below – to help cover costs associated with the competitions – please donate if you can!

In this bonus episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen interviews Scott "Scooter" Metcalfe, a park ranger and outdoor adventurer who is competing in the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour. The episode explores the community of adaptive surfing professionals, with a focus on the Hawaii adaptive surfing community's role in the movement.

Scooter emphasizes the importance of an active and holistic lifestyle. Engaging in activities like surfing, hiking, standup paddleboarding, and fishing not only provides physical benefits but also has therapeutic and healing effects. For instance, surfing is considered a form of physical therapy by Hawaiians, known for its healing properties. Additionally, Scooter mentions practicing yoga, specifically Ashtanga and yoga Nidra, as part of their holistic lifestyle, emphasizing that yoga is accessible to all, just like surfing. Overall, the episode highlights the significance of an active and holistic lifestyle. 

Another topic discussed in the episode is the benefits of meditation, particularly passage meditation, in calming the mind and improving listening skills. Scooter shares that his passion and energy sometimes make him dominant in conversations, but passage meditation serves as a template to calm down and become a better listener. Practicing passage meditation helps him quiet his mind, focus his attention, and be more present in conversations, enabling them to truly listen to others. 

Furthermore, Scooter emphasizes the importance of building a supportive network or tribe for overall well-being. He suggests connecting with like-minded individuals and forming a support system. Dr. Jensen and Scooter talk about how overall well-being is not solely about physical health but also about surrounding oneself with positive and supportive individuals. This holistic approach encompasses the mental, emotional, and social aspects of one's life.

https://gofund.me/b13e2fa4.

https://adaptivesurfingprofessionals.com/upcoming-events/hawaiian-adaptive-surfing-championships/

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Jason Hanft, the founder of Defender Operations. Insightful discussions on physician entrepreneurship, product development, patents, intellectual property, exit strategies, risk, and reward. Dr. Hanft, from Miami, has long been a leader in podiatric medicine as an educator, researcher, residency director, and a clinical trial expert in the wound care space. He's one of the best minds in the profession!

Dr. Jensen describes Dr. Hanft as a leader, innovator, inventor, entrepreneur, researcher, and educator. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Hanft discuss Dr. Hanft's background, including his education at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine and his surgical residency training at Larkin General Hospital. Dr. Hanft shares his experiences in the podiatry field and the opportunities it has provided him. He also mentions that he is married to a podiatrist who runs a clinical research business. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Hanft's journey and his contributions to the podiatric medicine industry!

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Hanft delve into the topic of risk tolerance behavior in entrepreneurship. They both agree that while some individuals may naturally possess the ability to tolerate risk, a significant portion of risk tolerance behavior is acquired through training and experience. They emphasize that individuals who can effectively compartmentalize and tolerate risk are more likely to see their entrepreneurial endeavors through to success. They explain that although everyone experiences some level of risk, those who can effectively deal with it are the ones who are able to complete their projects.

They discuss how physicians and surgeons, in particular, are inclined towards entrepreneurship due to their training, which equips them with the necessary tools to handle risk. They learn to focus solely on addressing the current challenge at hand and solving problems before moving on to the next step. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Hanft suggest that this mindset is very similar to the mentality required in entrepreneurship.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Hanft draw parallels between the medical field and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of collaboration and learning from mentors. They use examples from the medical field, such as the need for teamwork in the operating room or wound care center, to emphasize the importance of seeking help from those with specific skill sets. They suggest that the same principle applies in entrepreneurship, where surrounding oneself with the right people and seeking guidance from mentors can greatly contribute to success.

https://footdefender.com/

https://aacpm.org/

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