Drs. Richey and Jensen welcome Dr. Brian Loder to Dean's Chat. This episode is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics!

Dr. Loder's career has been focused on student, resident, and fellowship training for the past 25 years! He was the residency director at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital from 2005-2023, where he not only trained residents, but had a clerkship program accepting students from all colleges of podiatric medicine. His work includes working with ACFAS on minimal incision training for their surgical curriculum and workshops.

Most recently, Dr. Loder became the fellowship director for the Michigan Minimal Invasive Foot and Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Fellowship. He is also an Assistant Professor at the Michigan State University – College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Loder can be reached at [email protected]

This episode highlights how fellowships in podiatric medicine are increasingly recognized as vital opportunities for mentorship and personal growth, transcending the notion of merely extending training. Dr. Brian Loder portrays the fellowship experience as a supportive environment where residents can develop their skills and confidence under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Dr. Loder emphasizes that fellowships differ fundamentally from residency programs. While residencies concentrate on the technical aspects of medical training, fellowships prioritize mentorship. He describes the fellowship as a "mentoring program," where the relationship between the fellow and faculty is more personal and interactive. This mentorship is crucial for helping fellows navigate the technical challenges of podiatric surgery and the complexities of balancing professional and personal life.

A key benefit of a fellowship is the opportunity for residents to build confidence in their abilities. Dr. Loder notes that many residents enter the fellowship feeling uncertain about their skills, as illustrated by a fellow who expressed feeling "dumber" on his first day than he had anticipated. This feeling is common, but the supportive environment of a fellowship allows residents to confront these insecurities head-on. With dedicated mentorship, they can refine their techniques and gain the assurance needed to handle complex cases independently.

A significant focus of Dr. Loder's fellowship is on Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), which has gained traction in the field of podiatric medicine. He discusses how MIS techniques can reduce trauma and improve patient outcomes, making it an attractive option for both surgeons and patients. The evolution of MIS has led to a growing demand for specialized training, and fellowships are now seen as a critical avenue for acquiring these skills.

Dr. Loder's experience with MIS began in 2010 when he recognized the potential benefits of these techniques. He emphasizes the importance of understanding anatomy and biomechanics through open procedures before transitioning to MIS. This foundational knowledge is crucial for residents to develop the necessary skills and confidence to perform surgeries effectively.

Tune in for this fascinating episode sponsored by Bako Diagnostics! 

https://bakodx.com/

https://bmef.org/

https://explorepodmed.org/