Over the next few months, Dean's Chat will be providing bonus episodes interviewing students from the Schools and Colleges of Podiatric Medicine. This week we are joined by three students from Kent State University – College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM), Sierra Clark, Eric Flaherty, and Jeff Nerestant.  Sierra, Eric, and Jeff are all in the Class of 2025 and represent the American Podiatric Medical Students Association (APMSA) within KSUCPM.

Join our discussions each week 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, to the first and second year of didactics, Boards Part 1 and 2, and clinical experiences and opportunities. We do some professor shout-outs and discuss student services, extracurricular activities, and student life at each school. Enjoy!

Dr. Jensen and the students discuss the various aspects of this medical and surgical specialty, including its focus on the lower extremities and the importance of understanding biomechanics, musculoskeletal health, neurovascular conditions, and dermatological issues. Tune in to learn more about the educational experience at Kent State and gain a glimpse into the world of podiatric medicine.

Kent State University offers a wide range of clubs and activities for students to get involved in, demonstrating their commitment to providing a well-rounded college experience. One student specifically mentions the campus gym as a great way to relieve stress after exams. This encourages students to stay active and take advantage of the fitness resources available to them. These resources contribute to a well-rounded college experience and support students in finding ways to relax and enjoy themselves outside of their academic commitments.

Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine has a robust mentor-mentee program in place. This program is designed to provide support and guidance for students throughout their medical careers, ensuring they never feel alone when they come to Kent State. The program not only offers academic support but also guidance in personal matters. The faculty and staff at Kent State are always available with an open-door policy, ready to have conversations with students about academics and personal lives.

Kent State's aim is to guide students professionally and personally, helping them navigate different aspects of their lives. This mentor-mentee program is one of the reasons why Kent State is unique, providing numerous academic and research opportunities, as well as a focus on the humane aspect of medicine. The program also includes a big and little family system, where upperclassmen support students throughout their medical careers at Kent State. Overall, the mentor-mentee program at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance to students throughout their medical education and beyond.

In addition to academic and research opportunities, Kent State also prioritizes the humane aspect of medicine. The speaker mentions that the school provides guidance on both professional and personal levels, emphasizing their commitment to the holistic development of their students. Kent State is recognized as unique in providing opportunities academically, research-wise, and in terms of the humane aspect, further solidifying its dedication to a comprehensive education.

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Richard Blake, a leader in podiatric sports medicine, biomechanics and a past president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. The discussion includes the "Blake Inverted Casting Technique", and his new textbook – a 3 book set titled, "Practical Biomechanics". We discussed his YouTube Channel drblakelakehealingsole which has 12,000 subscribers and many videos with 200,000-500,000 views. A wonderful discussion with a legendary podiatrist!

Dr. Blake shares his journey into the field of podiatric medicine and how he discovered his passion for treating athletes. With a wealth of experience and expertise, he discusses his work in biomechanics and his role as past president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. This insightful conversation provides valuable insights into the world of podiatric medicine and its intersection with sports.

Dr. Blake emphasizes the significance of having a solid understanding of anatomy to truly grasp biomechanical concepts. He reflects on his own education, where he had to memorize the layers of the feet, ankle, and knee. If he didn't have the opportunity to dissect and explore, he had to rely on two-dimensional pictures. However, he expresses envy for current students who have access to three-dimensional images from MRIs, which greatly facilitates learning anatomy in a more comprehensive manner. He also mentions the availability of educational apps that aid in the study of anatomy, a resource he did not have during his own education.

Dr. Blake also stresses that surgery is essentially applied anatomy. He explains that a deep understanding of the anatomy of the foot and how it functions is essential for successful surgeries. He firmly believes that biomechanics is rooted in anatomy, and without a solid grasp of anatomy, it becomes challenging to fully comprehend biomechanical concepts.

Biomechanics holds particular importance in the realm of sports medicine. This episode highlights the role of biomechanics in helping athletes train for events and prevent injuries. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Blake mention the presence of a sports podiatry area equipped with technology such as a tech scan, treadmill, and cameras. Dr. Blake treated numerous runners and found it rewarding to keep them on their feet and assist them in training for their desired events. This suggests that understanding biomechanics is crucial in helping athletes optimize their performance and prevent injuries.

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Over the next few months, Dean's Chat will be providing bonus episodes interviewing students from the Schools and Colleges of Podiatric Medicine. This week we are joined by two students from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM), Neha Metgud and Danica Pratta. Both Neha and Danica are in the Class of 2025 and represent the American Podiatric Medical Students Association (APMSA) within TUSPM.

Join our discussions each week 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, to the first and second year of didactics, Boards Part 1 and 2, and clinical experiences and opportunities. We do some professor shout-outs and discuss student services, extracurricular activities, and student life at each school. Enjoy!

In this episode, Dr. Jensen and the students discuss the significance of shadowing various health professionals to determine career preferences and find satisfaction in their chosen field. They highlight that students often shadow not only DOs and MDs but also physical therapists, physician assistants, and podiatrists. The hosts specifically mention that podiatrists tend to be very happy with their careers due to the wide range of specialization options available to them. They explain that podiatrists can focus on areas they truly enjoy, which contributes to their overall job satisfaction.

The students mention their personal experiences with shadowing and how it influenced their career decisions. One mentions shadowing different specialties, including podiatry, during her time in Central America. She discovered a strong interest in foot and ankle issues, which ultimately influenced her decision to pursue podiatry. Dr. Jensen and the students emphasize the importance of shadowing multiple specialties to determine personal preferences. They emphasize that understanding other specialties is valuable even for those pursuing podiatry, as it helps in comprehending the body's other systems and treating patients holistically.

The students note that many podiatrists they have worked with and shadowed are incredibly satisfied with their careers. While they acknowledge that satisfaction can be found in other specialties as well, they observe this as a common theme within the podiatry profession. They also mention that students from all schools of podiatric medicine are incredibly happy with their choice to pursue podiatry.

In this episode, Dr. Jensen and the students discuss the importance of students taking advantage of opportunities for involvement and support from organizations like APMSA. They emphasize that being involved in organizations like APMSA allows students to have a voice and make a change at the national level. They mention that APMSA provides various opportunities for students, such as hosting webinars on different topics like mental health and clerkship advice. 

Overall, the episode emphasizes the benefits of shadowing different health professionals to help students determine their career preferences and find satisfaction in their chosen field. It underscores the importance of exploring various specialties, including podiatry, and understanding different aspects of healthcare to make informed decisions.

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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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