Dean's Chat - All Things Podiatric Medicine

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 Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine (BUSPM), Adam Reece, Riley Westover, and Valentina Clinton. Adam is representing the Class of 2024, and Riley and Valentina are both representing the Class of 2025. All represent the American Podiatric Medical Students Association (APMSA) within BUSPM.

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.

Dr. Jensen asks the students questions, giving them a platform to discuss their educational experiences and give listeners a glimpse into what it's like to study podiatric medicine at Barry University. The episode also highlights Valentina's achievement as the recipient of a year's tuition scholarship sponsored by APMA and PICA. Tune in to learn more about the world of podiatric medicine and the journey of these aspiring podiatrists.

In this episode, the speakers delve into the significance of mentorship in the field of podiatry. They acknowledge that approaching doctors for mentorship can be intimidating, but they emphasize that doctors are just regular people. Encouraging prospective students to take the leap, they highlight that doctors are usually happy to have students shadow them. They firmly believe that once students decide to pursue podiatry and are accepted into a program, they should give it their all and have faith in themselves. 

The students mention that Barry University offers a small class size, fostering personal connections between students and professors. Overall, the episode underscores the importance of mentorship and urges students to overcome their fears and seek out doctors for shadowing opportunities.

Valentina highlights one of the aspects she loves about podiatry: its flexibility. She explains that podiatrists have the opportunity to specialize in different areas and work in various settings, including hospitals, VA centers, and private practice. This flexibility allows podiatrists to choose the work environment that aligns with their interests and career goals. Whether they prefer a hospital setting, working with veterans in VA centers, or establishing their own private practice, podiatrists have a range of options available to them. This adaptability enables podiatrists to tailor their careers to their preferences and provide care to patients in diverse settings.

https://www.barry.edu/en/academics/podiatric-medicine/

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen is joined by Dr. Jeffery Giesking and Dr. Diana Rogers highlighting the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and the Board Certification process. Dr. Giesking is the current President of ABFAS and Dr. Diana Rogers is a member of the Board of Directors for ABFAS. They discuss the significance of Board Certification and the exam requirements to attain Board Qualification and Board Certification. 

Dr. Jensen, Dr. Giesking, and Dr. Rogers discuss in detail the pathway to certification in both Foot Surgery as well as Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery, including the timeframes, case logging, diversity of procedures, facility documentation, and the Case Documentation and Review process. This episode is a great preview for students and residents alike, board certification by ABFAS is the ultimate goal for most podiatric physicians. Enjoy the discussion with two fabulous leaders in our profession!

In this episode of Dean's Chat, they delve into the importance of ABFAS certification and the rigorous training required to become certified. Dr. Giesking and Dr. Rogers share their experiences and insights, highlighting the value of board certification in the field of podiatric medicine.

Dr. Jensen, Dr. Giesking, and Dr. Rogers emphasize the significance of trusting one's instincts and prioritizing personal well-being, even in the face of doubt or discouragement from others. They stress the importance of making decisions based on individual desires, talents, and expertise, rather than conforming to societal expectations or the opinions of others. Each doctor shares their experiences of overcoming doubts and negative opinions, highlighting the importance of not allowing others to define one's choices and decisions.

Furthermore, Dr. Jensen, Dr. Giesking, and Dr. Rogers discuss the value of staying true to oneself and being honest about personal goals and aspirations. They advise listeners to be realistic with themselves, considering their own desires and lifestyle preferences. They suggest pursuing training in various areas of podiatry and selecting a residency program that feels like a comfortable fit and allows for personal growth and success. They also encourage individuals to embrace change and take risks, even if it may initially be uncomfortable.

Additionally, Dr. Jensen, Dr. Giesking, and Dr. Rogers highlight the importance of active involvement in professional associations. They believe that while each association may have its own goals and missions, they all work together to support the podiatry profession. They express their love for the profession and gratitude for the opportunities it has provided them.

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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 three students from Western University of Health Sciences – College of Podiatric Medicine (WUCPM), Denise Peraza-Martinez, Brian Wong, and Belinda Jimenez. Denise is representing the Class of 2024, and Brian and Belinda are both representing the Class of 2025. All represent the American Podiatric Medical Students Association (APMSA) within WUCPM.

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.

Dr. Jeffrey Jensen interviews three students from the Western University of Health Sciences – College of Podiatric Medicine, and the students discuss their educational experiences and shed light on what podiatric medicine entails. The students also highlight the various specializations within podiatric medicine, such as sports medicine, surgery, biomechanics, and diabetic foot care. Tune in to gain insight into the educational pathway to becoming a podiatric physician.

In this episode, the students stress the significance of seeking help and utilizing tutoring and support services. They emphasize that there is no shame in asking for assistance and highlight that Western University offers tutoring, support, and learning skills resources to all students. The students encourage other students to take advantage of these resources to adjust and take care of themselves.

The students also mention the importance of reaching out for help and mention various avenues for assistance, including upperclassmen, the administration, and faculty members. The students emphasize that the professors at Western U genuinely care about the students' success and are readily available to provide help and support.

Belinda and Brian both express their appreciation for professors who have positively impacted their education. Belinda specifically mentions Dr. Joseph Park, their instructor for PMP3, praising him for his ability to teach and care for patients. Denise gives a shout-out to Dr. Chandler Hubbard, who manages the student-run clinic at Western U, commending her knowledge, wisdom, compassion, and clinic management skills.

The students express gratitude for the professors who have positively influenced their education and training. Dr. Jensen and the students highlight the importance of fostering positive relationships with professors and recognizing their contributions to the learning experience.

https://www.westernu.edu/podiatricmedicine/

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Robert Frykberg. Dr. Frykberg has been a prolific researcher, author, educator, and lecturer in podiatric medicine for the past 45 years! The world authority on Charcot Foot and an educator from Boston to Des Moines to Phoenix, Dr. Frykberg brings a unique perspective on podiatric medicine and its evolution, as well as his passion for the Charcot Foot. This passion has led to the publishing of books, book chapters, and consensus documents on this unique pathology afflicting patients with neuropathy of multiple etiologies. Enjoy!

Dr. Frykberg shares his journey from being a zoology undergraduate major to becoming a student at the California College of Podiatric Medicine. He discusses his unexpected transition from avoiding writing papers to becoming a prolific writer in his career. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Frykberg's fascinating career highlights and his expertise.

Dr. Jensen and Dr. Frykberg discuss the dedicated professionals who are deeply involved in the scientific and academic aspects of wound care. Dr. Frykberg shares his personal journey into wound care, explaining that his extensive experience in diabetic foot care led him to this specialization. He also acknowledges the significant changes that have occurred in the profession, particularly appreciating the increased emphasis on academic rigor in diabetic foot care. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Frykberg discuss how professionals must stay committed to staying informed and up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in the field.

Dr. Frykberg reveals that mobile wound care has experienced substantial growth, especially during the pandemic. He explains that due to people's reluctance to visit clinics or the closure of clinics, mobile wound care groups emerged and expanded. These groups began providing care in nursing homes and patients' residences. Dr. Frykberg notes that these independent mobile wound care groups, owned by podiatrists or P.A.s, currently oversee tens of thousands of wounds. This paradigm shift in the field is seen as indicative of the future direction of wound care.

Dr. Frykberg shares that in the past, podiatry was more focused on technical aspects and lacked academic depth. Doctors would share their experiences and personal approaches without referencing any literature. However, Dr. Frykberg's perspective changed when they completed a rotation with Larry Harkless, who emphasized the significance of reading and comprehending scientific literature. Larry Harkless, a first-year resident at the time, encouraged him to pay attention to the literature and incorporate it into their presentations. This experience propelled Dr. Frykberg towards adopting a more academically inclined approach to podiatric medicine. 

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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 four students from Samuel Merritt University – College of Podiatric Medicine (SMU-CPM), Raisa Chiri Zarzosa, Miko Fogarty, Nicolette Medrano, and Dayron Hernandez. Raisa is representing the Class of 2024, Miko represents the Class of 2025 and Nicolette and Dayron represent the Class of 2026. All represent the American Podiatric Medical Students Association (APMSA) within SMU-CPM.

Join our discussions each week on the podiatric journey our students are embarking on at the various schools. Students share their path on 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 bonus episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen welcomes four students from the Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine. The students join the conversation to discuss their educational experiences and shed light on the field of podiatric medicine. Tune in to learn more about this fascinating field and the experiences of these aspiring podiatrists.

The students delve into the significance of finding balance in life and prioritizing activities that bring joy and relaxation. They share their personal strategies for recharging and achieving equilibrium. They encourage listeners to prioritize these activities, whether it involves teaching ballet, socializing with friends, exploring new places, or finding moments of relaxation at home.

One of the students shares her experience of planning a family while pursuing a career in the medical field. She emphasizes that with determination and courage, it is possible to strike a balance between both aspects. She highlights the importance of having a strong support system in place, mentioning how her fiance played a significant role in supporting her and caring for their baby when she needed to be at the hospital or study. She firmly believes that with determination, courage, and passion, individuals can achieve both goals. She also mentions the ever-evolving nature of the medical field, which presents opportunities for individuals to pursue their career aspirations while also having a family.

Throughout the episode, the students are commended for their remarkable journey and contributions to Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine. 

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Become a Podiatric Physician 

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Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Joshua Wilder. Dr. Wilder is a 2016 graduate of Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, he completed his residency training at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh and completed a fellowship in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery at Emory St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta.  In Joshua's spare time, he competed on Survivor 44, which aired on CBS this past spring.

Dr. Jensen is joined by co-host, Marc Rademacher, a 3rd-year student at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine and a self-described "Survivor Fanatic" – a fun episode highlighting a young leader in our profession through his medical training, personal medical issues including a kidney transplant, and his quest for adventure, culminating in his participation on Survivor 44! Enjoy!

Dr. Wilder highlights the challenges of balancing their surgical career with the demands of participating in interviews and the audition process for a reality TV show. He mentions the time-consuming nature of interviews, which could last between 30 and 45 minutes and involve meeting with multiple producers and executives. He also mentioned the logistical difficulties of meeting various timelines and requirements, such as obtaining medical clearances within specific timeframes.

Dr. Wilder discusses his decision to conceal his profession as a surgeon on the show due to concerns about becoming a target. He noted that historically, financially well-off or prepared surgeons and doctors tend not to fare well in the game. He speculated that if other contestants knew they were a physician, they might perceive them as strategic or not in need of the money, making them a threat and a target for elimination. Additionally, he mentions that his physicality already made them a target, as physically strong players are often seen as threats and targeted before the merge.

Tune in for a fun discussion about Dr. Wilder's career and his time on the hit show, Survivor! 

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Why Podiatric Medicine? 

Become a Podiatric Physician 

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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 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.

Dean's Chat Website 

Dean's Chat Episodes 

Dean's Chat Blog

Why Podiatric Medicine? 

Become a Podiatric Physician 

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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 Episodes 

Dean's Chat Blog

Why Podiatric Medicine? 

Become a Podiatric Physician 

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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.

Dean's Chat Website 

Dean's Chat Episodes 

Dean's Chat Blog

Why Podiatric Medicine? 

Become a Podiatric Physician

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.