In this engaging conversation, Dr. Jeff Dikis interviews Dr. Patrick DeHeer, a prominent figure in podiatry and the future president of the APMA. They discuss the charm of Indianapolis, the vital role of the APMA in advocating for the profession, and the importance of legislative victories in protecting podiatry. Dr. DeHeer shares insights into his responsibilities as a residency director, the challenges of teaching surgery, and the qualities he values in residents. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges of pediatric podiatry and innovative treatment approaches for conditions like club foot. Patrick DeHeer, DPM discusses various aspects of foot surgery, particularly focusing on pediatric treatment approaches, innovations like the equinus brace, and the significance of first MPJ fusion. He shares insights from his extensive experience, including case studies that highlight the challenges and solutions in MPJ surgeries, emphasizing the importance of patient satisfaction and surgical predictability. They discuss innovative surgical techniques for treating non-unions and complex flat foot cases. He shares insights on the use of teriparatide for bone activity, the challenges faced in various surgical procedures, and the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The discussion highlights the intricacies of managing difficult cases, including the implications of previous surgeries and the need for robust fixation methods.

On this BONUS episode of GaitKeepers Journal Club, we are joined by leaders from Enovis, Paragon28, and Treace, as we provide an industry update in the world of foot and ankle surgery.

The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of foot and ankle surgery, focusing on minimally invasive and percutaneous techniques. Industry leaders discuss the future of surgical innovations, the role of AI and technology, and the importance of improving patient outcomes. Insights from the upcoming ACFAS conference highlight the significance of collaboration between surgeons and industry to enhance surgical practices and patient care.

In this episode of the GaitKeepers podcast, hosts Dr. Brad Abicht and Dr. Jeff Dikis welcome Dr. Peter Lam and Dr. Tom Lewis to discuss their recent paper on minimally invasive surgery for bunionette deformities. The conversation covers the various osteotomy techniques, complications, patient management, and the differences between open and minimally invasive approaches. The guests share insights from their experiences and emphasize the importance of soft tissue preservation in surgical outcomes. This conversation delves into the intricacies of post-operative management in bunion surgery, emphasizing the importance of patient reassurance regarding callus formation and swelling. The speakers discuss the evolving landscape of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques, the challenges of managing inflammation, and the technical nuances of bunion procedures. Industry experts share insights on the future of MIS, the role of enabling technologies, and the need for continuous innovation in foot and ankle surgery. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of foot and ankle surgery, highlighting the importance of collaboration between surgeons and industry. The panel discusses recent innovations, the role of AI and patient-specific instrumentation, and the challenges faced in clinical workflows and insurance processes. Insights from the Global Foot and Ankle Symposium emphasize the need for ongoing research and education to improve patient outcomes. The discussion underscores the balance between technological advancements and practical applications in surgery, aiming for better results without compromising accessibility.

In this conversation, Dr. Jeff Dikis interviews Dr. Andrew Belis, fellowship director at the Orthopedic Center of Florida based in Fort Myers, Florida. They discuss Dr. Belis's background, the differences between private practice and orthopedic group dynamics, and the establishment of a fellowship program. Dr. Belis shares insights into his weekly routine, the role of state associations in podiatry. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and adapting to patient needs in orthopedic care. They discuss complex ankle fractures, surgical techniques for ankle fusion, and the management of post-operative care. They explore the nuances of arthroscopic procedures, the importance of alignment during surgery, and the challenges of treating osteochondral lesions in young athletes. The discussion also covers rehabilitation protocols, long-term outcomes, and the evolving approaches to joint repair and recovery.

On this episode of GaitKeepers Journal Club, we are joined by Dr. Brian Burgess, DPM. The conversation revolves around the use of fibular nails in treating ankle fractures. The speakers discuss the evolution of fibular nail technology, indications for their use, and techniques for achieving optimal reductions during surgery. They also touch on postoperative care, including weight-bearing protocols, and the importance of syndesmosis fixation in certain cases. The dialogue emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in surgical practices based on emerging evidence and personal experiences. This conversation delves into the complexities of fibular nail usage in fracture management, discussing quality reviews, reduction techniques, and the learning curve associated with these surgical procedures. The speakers explore the clinical significance of reduction quality, the challenges faced with fibular nails, and the necessity of these tools in modern orthopedic surgery. They also address the learning curve for new surgeons and the importance of understanding the principles behind fibular nailing, ultimately concluding with insights into future research directions.

In this episode of Pod Patrol, Dr. Jeff Dikis reunites with Dr. Leland Jaffe to discuss various aspects of dermatology, including diagnostic challenges, the role of AI in medicine, and innovative surgical techniques. They delve into common skin conditions, treatment options, and share insights from their experiences in practice. The conversation also highlights a unique case study involving unusual foot symptoms, emphasizing the importance of thorough diagnostics and patient care.They also discuss their speaking roles as faculty at the Midwest Podiatry Meeting in Chicago 2025 on the role of Minimally Invasive techniques in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Jeff Dikis and Dr. Jeff Jensen discuss the evolution of their podcasts, the importance of student perspectives in podiatry, and the dynamics of building relationships through podcasting. They reflect on the feedback received from listeners, the challenges of the residency match process, and the shifting landscape of podiatry practice models. The discussion highlights the significance of transparency, the pressures faced by students, and the pros and cons of various career paths in the field. They explore the evolving landscape of podiatry, discussing the balance between private practice and hospital employment, the future of education, and the dynamics of couples in residency. They delve into the challenges of maintaining family life while pursuing professional growth, the impact of podcasting on perceptions of the field, and the potential for non-surgical tracks in podiatry. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches and the importance of finding a need to drive innovation in the profession.

In this episode of Pod Patrol, Dr. Jeff Dikis engages with Dr. Devin Simonson and Dr. Bradley Abicht, both key figures in the Gunderson Health (now Emplify Health) podiatry residency program in LaCrosse, WI. They discuss their personal journeys in podiatry, the challenges faced by Devin due to a congenital heart defect, and the supportive environment of their residency program. The conversation highlights the importance of teamwork, engagement, and the unique offerings of the Gunderson program, as well as the lifestyle in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They discuss insights on what the program looks for externs, emphasizing the need for motivation and a willingness to learn. The hosts discuss the challenges and rewards of the residency selection process, emphasizing the importance of student effort and the impact of externships. They delve into the intricacies of surgical techniques for bunion correction, comparing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with traditional open surgery, and highlight potential complications. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of podiatric medicine and the increasing role of MIS in practice.

In this conversation, Dr. Michael Theodoulou shares his journey in podiatry, discussing his residency experience, the unique patient population he serves, and his passion for complex limb salvage and deformity correction. He delves into the principles of osteogenesis and angiogenesis, highlighting the innovative tibial cortex transverse transport technique and its regenerative potential. The discussion emphasizes the importance of demonstrating expertise in the field and the evolution of minimally invasive techniques in surgery. He shares insights on the protocols, challenges faced in limb preservation, and the importance of patient selection and buy-in for successful outcomes. The discussion also highlights the evolving understanding of the body's healing capabilities and the future directions in limb preservation techniques.

Welcome to the first episode of GaitKeepers Journal Club, a monthly collaboration between Pod Patrol and LERexpo!

Dr. Jeff Dikis is joined by Dr. Brad Abicht, as they debate the merits of MIS head procedures versus MIS Lapidus, share their own perspective, and tips for successful surgical outcomes.

The conversation revolves around the controversial topic of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for bunion procedures, exploring its evolution, benefits, and challenges. The speakers discuss the differences between various surgical techniques, the importance of understanding hypermobility in patients, and the implications of non-union rates in different procedures. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to bunion surgery, considering both traditional and modern techniques to achieve optimal patient outcomes. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of bunion surgery, particularly focusing on the non-union rates associated with various procedures, including the minimally invasive (MIS) techniques and the Lapidus procedure. They discuss the importance of technical skills, the versatility of different surgical approaches, and the need for proper patient selection. The dialogue also highlights the ongoing debate between the efficacy of MIS and traditional methods, emphasizing the necessity for skilled execution in achieving optimal patient outcomes.

Join us next month for our next episode: Fibular Nails: Fad or New Standard?

Song: KO by Nu Alkemi$t