Dr. Srinivas has a fascinating story that is not the traditional path to becoming a podiatrist.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Sindhu Srinivas completed her Master's Degree at Georgetown University. She worked for a few years before attending podiatry school at 26. 

She discovered podiatry while working as a healthcare consultant. Srinivas chose this profession because of the range of podiatry career options that include private practices, group practices, and multiple sub-specialties. She found podiatry to be unique in comparison to other fields. The podiatry profession allows podiatrists to focus on areas of interest at various stages. 

She attended podiatry school at Barry University in North Miami Shores, Florida. Dr. Srinivas has been appointed a leadership role at Geisinger Podiatry as Co-Chief in the residency program for 2022-2023.

"Residency is an enriching and challenging time. When compounded with a surgical residency, during a pandemic, it is a whirlwind," says Srinivas.

She has learned that it is essential to adapt but continue to put one's best foot forward. Srinivas is very thankful to attend a program that supports her growth during the different stages of her career. 

Dr. Srinivas's most recent accomplishment has been the opportunity to serve as chief resident for the upcoming year. Stating, "It has been one of my largest accomplishments because many of our attendings participate in the selection and their recognition of the quality of my work is an honor."

When asked how she thinks our state can increase the podiatry profession's brand awareness, Srinivas believes recruitment of podiatrists in PA must begin at engagement with resident physicians and students at an early stage. She goes on to state, "We need to focus on utilizing social media platforms and other non-traditional mediums in highlighting and creating young member seminars, local conferences, and membership benefits. We should try to advocate for students to explore and shadow different varieties of podiatry within our state at the early onset of their medical journey. I also feel like we have a unique opportunity to have a medical school within our state. I think by highlighting the growth and potential for our profession in PA at an early juncture, this will prompt students and residents to look into practicing here in the long term."

Srinivas regularly accesses PPMA's website (www.ppma.org) to learn more about growing in the podiatric profession, including reading PPMA newsletters to see what other members are discussing.

She also accesses The Goldfarb Foundation (www.goldfarbfoundation.org) website to access online lectures.

Dr. Sindhu Srinivas thinks that one of the things that podiatrists can do for the greater good of the profession is open practices and day-to-day activities to individuals ranging in age from elementary students to other physicians for mentorship and accessibility.

Srinivas thinks very few speak about our profession or allow students to visit. Many individuals do not know about podiatry or discover it quite late, just as she had. Having access to good mentorship can be difficult. She thinks that greater advocacy for our profession, beginning in local high schools to colleges and onwards, will highlight our profession. 

She is active on social media, initially starting a page to educate pre-meds of the opportunities and challenges present in podiatry and medicine. She used it as almost a residency diary. As Srinivas's social media presence has grown, she utilizes the page to provide mentorship and showcase the reality and importance of balance and life outside of medicine. 

PPMA members can look Dr. Sindhu Srinivas up on Instagram at @drskinandbones.