Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
Practice Perfect Editor
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Podiatric Medicine,
Surgery & Biomechanics
College of Podiatric Medicine
Western University of
Health Sciences,
St. Pomona, CA

Support, Don't Eat, Our Young

Many of us have heard the classic saying, "Podiatrists eat their young." Now, I know this relates to the way in which young, newly practicing podiatrists have been treated by their elders, but I'd like to point out how I've seen this changing over the past few years as it relates to those at the very beginning of the educational process: our applicants and students.

Over the past few weeks, I've seen demonstrations of leadership toward our burgeoning podiatric physicians that make me proud. I submit for your consideration Hal Ornstein, DPM, one of our national podiatric leaders and Chair of the American Association of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM). A few weeks back, Dr. Ornstein came to Western University to speak to our students who were starting a student chapter of the AAPPM. He gave the students an entertaining lecture that covered many topics, and, most importantly, he was very positive about the current and future position of our profession. His offer to support and provide mentorship to our students was a demonstration of true leadership.

In a similar vein, the Western University College of Podiatric Medicine employs a small number of part time podiatric physicians who regularly come once or twice a week to help us "full-timers" educate the students.

These physicians are:

Troy Leaming, DPM (Huntington Beach and Long Beach, California)
Keith Penera, DPM (Long Beach, California)
Marie Keplinger, DPM (Fullerton, California)
Eric Naasz, DPM (Fullerton, California)

I point out their names because I want you to know about them. Each one of these doctors takes time out of their busy schedules to educate young podiatric students. Despite receiving a small paycheck to come to the school, this is a miniscule amount of money in comparison to what they could make seeing patients and developing their private practices. They walk into often unknown educational situations that demand a full knowledge of podiatry and all the details many of us forget after we leave residency. I have the utmost respect for these physicians who walk the walk.

Tonight's Premier Lecture is
Locking versus
Non-Locking Plate Fixation
Brian Rell, DPM

What Can I Do? Give.

Some of you might be asking the question, what can I do to follow in the footsteps of these leaders? The answer is to give. Back.

First, give your money. Give to the schools who are working hard to educate the next generation of podiatrists. All the schools need money to educate – it's not a cheap process. Give your money to the state and national organizations that support students and educate potential applicants.

Second, give your time. Call up your closest podiatric school and ask how you can help. Perhaps you might periodically give a lecture or help with a class. You could host students to shadow in your office. I have several students who tell me about excellent educational experiences they've had with podiatrists outside of the University grounds. For example, many of my students have raved about their experiences with Arnie Ross, DPM, a Southern California podiatrist with many years of biomechanics experience. Dr. Ross has a podiatric lab and strongly advocates for the continued presence of biomechanics in our profession.

If you're anywhere near a podiatric residency, you should be scrubbing your surgical cases with the residents. In a time when our profession is trying to do something about the residency shortage, every extra case our residents do is a chance to strengthen their education.

Third, give yourself. Are you busy? Do you have a desire to educate? Contact the APMA and discuss starting a residency. Don't want to put that much effort in? You might contact your local podiatry school and offer to host college students in your practice. Give speeches to local high schools and colleges on what it is to be a podiatrist. The vast majority of students I work with have chosen podiatry as a career not after speaking with their college premed advisors but after some experience they had with a podiatrist, often as a patient themselves or as a result of a family member's care. It appears no one better educates potential applicants better than actively practicing podiatrists.

You are the best ambassadors of our profession. Perhaps that's the reason podiatry is the best kept secret in medicine: our best ambassadors are holed up in their practices and not advertising. Give of your money, time, and yourself, support your local podiatry school and residencies and together we'll solve the problems of our profession.

Or do nothing. It's up to you.