Originally published in the Sept/Oct 2020 PPMA Newsletter

Dr. Sansosti is Clinical Assistant Professor at TUSPM, Depts. of Biomechanics and Surgery, Philadelphia, PA. She is also Faculty at Temple University Foot and Ankle Institute and Temple University Hospital’s Podiatric Surgical Residency Program. A Member on the Council of Faculties, with the AACPM and an Associate with the ACFAS, she will be joining the PPMA Board as Parliamentarian toward the end of this year.

1. What in your opinion helped you make the decision to become a podiatrist?
My exposure to the field of podiatry started as a patient. In high school, I was treated by a local podiatrist who, through conversation, knew that I was interested in a career in medicine. He invited me to come work for the group initially on the clerical side of the practice, then eventually was trained and worked on the clinical side of the practice once I started college. It was through this tremendous experience that I grew to love the field and knew that it was the right choice for me.

2. What are the most important aspects that podiatry has brought into your life?
I feel very fortunate to be part of this profession. It has afforded me the ability to help patients of all ages with a variety of pathologies. It is exceptionally rewarding to be at an academic institution where I have the opportunity to teach our students and residents as well. This is a tight knit profession with a common passion and goal, and it is a privilege to be a part of it.

3. How do you propose to ignite the idea of a podiatric career to students?
My knowledge of and interest in the field came about relatively early in my educational career. I think the more we can expose students to our profession at the high school and college level, the better. Ensuring that we are part of career fairs, especially at the college level when pre-health students are just diving into the various possibilities, is critical. Mentor networks and shadowing experiences really allow students to immerse themselves in our profession and showcase just how much our field has to offer.

4. What has PPMA done for you lately?
PPMA has always done a great job of keeping its members informed on various important updates. Especially now that we are in the midst of the COVID pandemic, the frequent email communications about practice changes, PPE, resources available to practitioners, etc., have all been very helpful. 

5. How have you been handling working during this pandemic?
Regardless of practice type, we are all experiencing changes related to COVID. Being at an academic institution, we continue to adapt not only our clinical practice, but also our teaching. In the spring, we transitioned to remote learning with both didactic and clinical training; involving both synchro-nous and asynchronous online learning opportunities. As things continue to evolve and hopefully improve in regards to the pandemic, we are looking to progressively expand our clinical hours and reincorporate student participation in on-site clinical training, while being very cognizant of the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and patients.