My interest in podiatry started in college after shadowing a doctor for two years, I learned that podiatry had many different aspects to it, including surgery, biomechanics, and wound care to name a few. I also saw the wide range of patient age groups that were affected by problems with the feet, showing me that podiatry was dynamic and exciting! The other important part of podiatry is the life-style it provides; I have the ability to care for my patients but also spend time with my family.

 

My patients bring me so much joy, I learn from them; I feel that I bring a positive impact to their life; and most of all help their feet so they can continue to do the things that they love to do in their life.

 

I think “shadowing” is important to get a good grasp on daily work life. I also think awareness is very important, so getting out and talking about the field of podiatry, volunteering in the community, and being vocal about how a podiatrist can positively impact your life is very important.

 

I look to the PPMA for guidance and information about requirements for licensure, volunteering activities, and for CME events.

 

I think the future is so bright—podiatry is a meaningful and dynamic field of medicine that is growing stronger by the day; the incoming student classes are filled with brilliant and well- educated scholars; and they truly are the future for all of us. By properly educating them to become well-rounded doctors and human beings, we as a profession will only continue to grow stronger and provide the best care to our patients’ feet for years to come!