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

Graduation 2013

It's that time of year: graduation. For us in Southern California, this week marks the graduation of the Western University College of Podiatric Medicine's inaugural graduating class, and of course, we're all excited. Planning for graduation ceremonies has me thinking back to my own graduation from podiatry school ten years ago, and I can easily recall the nervousness and excitement about starting the next stage of a career in podiatric medicine.

Graduation Despite the ridiculous claims the WUCPM is responsible for the current residency shortage (we're graduating a grand total of 23 people this year which, interestingly, doesn't add up to the 104 number we had heard about some weeks ago), the students graduating are highly competitive and will all do well in their respective programs. This is also likely to be true for the graduates of the other podiatric colleges pending the start of their residency programs.

However, as prepared and likely to succeed as they may be, it doesn't change the fact that they have almost no idea what to expect from their change in status. To that end, I'd like to send not only my congratulations to the graduating class of 2013, but also a bit of unsolicited advice.

Tonight's Premier Lecture is
Nutrition and Neuropathy
Allen Jacobs, DPM

Don't fear change or the unknown. Residency is full of various situations in which one is unfamiliar. Becoming comfortable with change will make the 3 years of residency much easier.
Embrace every opportunity. Three years may seem like a long time, but in reality, it's a remarkably short period. Suck the nectar out of every experience, because once it's over, you'll never have this opportunity again.
Follow-up on as many surgical patients as possible. One of largest educational challenges of residency is being able to follow your surgical patients. Surgery is easy if you never have to see the patient after the procedure, but this is not the real world. The real surgeons are those who not only choose and execute the best procedure, but also know the intricacies of patient care. Learn this skill before your residency ends.
Take notes. It sounds elementary, but its remarkable how many residents listen but never take notes. No one can remember everything, and you're going to need a peripheral brain at some point.
Remember, it's OK to be ignorant. Residents commonly falsely reply in the affirmative when asked the question "Do you know that?" In an attempt not to look ignorant, residents will often state their knowledge, when in fact, they have none. If you don't know the answer to a question, then admit it. Recall that if you already knew everything, you wouldn't need the residency. Don't forget that your ignorance can lead to someone else's morbidity or mortality. When in doubt, ask.
Enjoy the moment. Residency training is full of incredible and unique experiences that most people will never have the opportunity to enjoy: surgical experiences, clinical situations, a quiet moment in the hospital bonding with a patient, the rush of the emergency room. Every one of these moments is unique and special in their own way. Enjoy the good and the bad. They belong to you.
Be worthy. The doctor-patient relationship is one of trust and honor, a privilege. Patients will literally be putting their lives in your hands. Be worthy of that trust.

For all you students graduating and joining the ranks of podiatric physicians, I wish you congratulations and all the luck and positive experiences in the world. And don't worry; you'll get used to the long white coat and someone calling you "doctor."