Mentors are vital in any career because mentors can provide valuable guidance, support, and advice. They can help those with less experience navigate challenges, set goals, receive constructive criticism, and access a wider professional network, ultimately accelerating career development and personal growth. 

Many of our members have found that their work as podiatrists is gratifying and that there are different routes to explore within the profession.

Have you considered leveraging your experience and becoming a trusted resource as a mentor? Are you early in your career and could benefit from an experienced podiatrist?

PPMA caught up with Past President Sabrina Minhas about her mentoring experiences, including those as a mentor and mentee.

Dr. Minhas has had several mentors in her career thus far who have supported her goals. She states, "I am very fortunate to have had several mentors in my career, ranging from colleagues to employers to professional contacts. Dr. Joseph Pasquino of Pittsburgh mentored me early in my career as a podiatrist and helped me expand my professional networks with advice to manage work-life balance. Mr. Michael Davis, Retired Executive Director of PPMA, is one of the most important non-podiatric mentors that I have had; he taught me to give back to the profession and how to handle important state podiatric issues. He also helped me navigate business and practice questions that have come up in my career."

Minhas has been very involved in many organizations related to advancing and advocating for the profession. These experiences have positioned her to help others grow in their careers. She recently transitioned into a role as a professor at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM). In this role, she is ultimately viewed as a mentor to podiatric students learning the profession she influences over in her day-to-day responsibilities early on in their careers. As she transitioned her career to that of a professor at TUSPM, almost immediately, several students involved in clubs on the TUSPM campus reached out to her, requesting her to become an advisor. In doing so, she was able to build relationships, fully maximize her role at the podiatric school, and support students with their academic and professional goals as needed.

"It is essential to mention that I am both a female and a minority who has been placed in a leadership role. Many students appreciate this, inspiring them to work hard and strive to be their best. I can only hope that one day, they will have an opportunity to help others and that the positive cycle repeats itself. I hope that the podiatrists that I interact with regularly have had a positive experience while at TUSPM and that I have served as a good role model for them. To be a good leader, one has to lead by example, and I strive to be a good example. It does not mean I am perfect, but I try to be a good example and a trusted resource. In doing so, I provide sound advice and support to mentees. I am compassionate in dealing with them and their situations and try to help problem-solve with them by using innovative approaches while leveraging strong leadership skills," says Minhas.

We spoke with one of the students mentored at TUSPM to understand the outcome of Minhas' time investment. Netanya Flores is a student at TUSPM who has taken on a leadership role as TUSPM Chapter President of The American Association of Women Podiatrists. Flores and her group have benefitted from interactions with Dr. Minhas in that outcomes resulted in improvements to the club, adding its first "Women in Podiatry Day" and encouraging members to think beyond medicine while developing relationships and growing trust. Flores states, "Dr. Minhas has been an absolute blessing during my time at TUSPM. Since I met her during my second year as the new advisor for the TUSPM Chapter of the American Association of Women Podiatrists, she has never failed to give genuine aid and advice. Over time, she became a club advisor for me and someone I could trust for anything beyond podiatry. Whenever I consider what kind of podiatrist I want to be one day, I always think of her."

While DPMS from all backgrounds could benefit from a mentor, as work and home life evolve, Flores thinks that a female doctor has commonalities with other female doctors that make this matchup a win in learning how to balance challenges that come up along the way.

Mentors provide guidance, education, support, and experiences that can be appreciated. A DPM who has advanced their career by participating in networking opportunities and solving problems can pass along meaningful advice.

Minhas has found her role in helping others extraordinarily fulfilling and gratifying to guide young practitioners or students and help them in their careers. "It renews my passion for our profession and helps me enhance my leadership skills and my own goals for life-long learning. Giving some time and support to someone who will thrive from its benefits is enriching."

While Minhas's role at the school places her in direct contact with podiatrists who need development, she feels that podiatrists in Pennsylvania can either mentor another podiatrist or be mentored, depending on where the DPM is in their podiatric journey.

Minhas feels other seasoned DPMs can actively advance podiatry by mentoring less experienced DPMs in the beginning stages of their careers. She thinks creating opportunities to encourage these connections and build relationships is necessary for podiatrists to thrive.

In Dr. Minhas' opinion, seasoned podiatrists must collaborate to connect with other podiatrists in a formal mentoring program. Organizing and executing in-person and virtual events to connect mentors and mentees at the state level may support the need to get podiatrists involved as early as students. Our podiatrists throughout the state can be involved in this to help inspire and advance the profession.

Dr. Minhas lives, works, and plays in the Philadelphia, PA, area and is employed by Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. She is an active member of PPMA, a Past President of the organization, and currently serves on the Board of The Goldfarb Foundation.

PPMA members have supported the mission of Healthy Feet and Ankles at the Annual Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games for many years.
Unsurprisingly, the PA Fit Feet Team was back in action this June, supporting the Pennsylvania Special Olympics in University Park, PA.
Game participants are eligible for Wellness Screenings, which allow athletes to receive medical treatment on-site at the event. Screenings are available for those that include Foot and Ankle Care.
Our presence at a significant event increases brand awareness for the podiatric profession, as thousands of visitors, including participants, spectators, volunteers, and coaches, get a peak of our impact in the healthcare field.
Our work at the games is hard to go unnoticed. We broke previous years' records in screening 382 athletes and dispensed 319 pairs of custom-fitted innersoles, increasing the athletes' opportunity to have a positive game experience. With last year's games being canceled, it is safe to say our team came back in full force with its efforts.
These efforts could not have been achieved without the efforts of our members and their families, who donated their time to be on-site for days. The Fit Feet Team comprises nine podiatrists, two pedorthists , and two family members.
Several manufacturers and our association have supported the efforts of the PA Fit Feet Team. PPMA donated the shirts so our members could easily be identified and receive care as needed. Several manufacturers, including Apex, Bintz Co, Hanger Clinic, and PA Artificial Limb and Brace, donated heat-molded innersoles that directly impacted athletes.
Most of our members are likely familiar with the Olympic Games, which will take place in Paris in a few short weeks. It is understood that members may have seen these games televised but likely have not experienced a Special Olympics Event, which is very special and is modeled after the traditional games.
Athletes and their caregivers travel to State College and compete in extracurricular events. The events held during the Summer Games in Pennsylvania include Basketball, Equestrian, Golf, Gymnastics, Softball, Swimming, and Tennis. 
The events are extraordinary, as spectators and athletes enjoy watching the opening ceremonies. Many opportunities exist for everyone involved to create memorable moments. Athletes from every county in the state of Pennsylvania are represented.
Dr. Ziegler and I reminisced about a time just ten years ago when there were only two of us doing all the screenings. We are proud to watch our team grow in size.
Members have asked how they can get involved in volunteering their time for the 2025 Summer Olympic Games at State College. It is a commitment that includes both travel to State College and being on-site for several days at a time. Dr. John Zeigler is the PA Special Olympics Fit Feet Clinical Director and can be contacted at jzieglerdpm@windstream.net for further information.
The benefits of giving back your time to a cause like this and the experience you receive are too big to put into words. The relationships we have developed are strong, and we all look forward to enjoying a special dinner together to catch up on each other's lives.
Other opportunities to support The Special Olympics at events held in both Winter and Summer can be found online at https://specialolympicspa.org/become-a-volunteer.
In closing, the work our members do at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics is beyond special to all who receive care and volunteer their time to care for participants.

Group Photo Featuring: John Susz, DPM; Chris Hess, DPM; Dan Olson, DPM; Rick Tomassi, DPM; Kelsey German, BA and Rosina Generose, DPM; Chris German BOCO/CPed; Vraj Gokhale, DPM; Larry Assalita, DPM; Sydney Assalita; John Zeigler DPM PA Clinical Director; Tom Pokabla, DPM; Bilal Louzati, DPM; Michelle Sparks, DPM; Gill Rice, CO/CPed

The profession of Podiatry is becoming more and more difficult every day. Ongoing decreases in reimbursements by insurance companies, increasing regulatory and record-keeping requirements, encroachment by non-physician practitioners into fields that were traditionally controlled by Doctors of Medicine, Osteopathy or Podiatry all play a part in making our lives and jobs more difficult and making it more difficult to get quality students to consider Podiatry as a career.

In addition to student recruitment efforts, becoming a Mentor to help develop students, both undergraduate and podiatry, and even during residency and early careers will help ensure Podiatry has a bright future. There are both long and short-term benefits to Mentorship for the Mentee and Mentor. I'll cover a few of these in this brief article about how to become a Mentor:

1.   Introduction to the Profession:

Student recruitment is the first step. Much of this has been covered in meetings, articles, etc. Merely asking a student to consider Podiatry as a career isn't enough. That's where the aspects of Mentoring come in. Have them follow you and answer questions (preferably on a day that's not too busy that you can't focus on them at times). Pick a day with some interesting things coming in so they don't get the impression that Podiatry is only about at-risk foot care. Share the pros and cons about the profession. Be honest about the bad parts, but play up the good parts. If you can't find good parts, you should probably not go further in being a Mentor.

2.   Early Mentoring:

This is still close to student recruitment, but also has aspects of mentoring. Once a High School or early College student expresses an interest in Podiatry as a potential career, be available to answer questions. Maybe they're wondering about elective classes to sign up for that will help when they get into Podiatry school. I've wished I had taken some basic anatomy classes as an undergraduate rather than botany classes. I'm sure most of us have similar regrets for the parts of Podiatry school we found a bit more difficult. Passing that knowledge on to a pre-Podiatry student can help smooth their path to becoming a colleague.

3.   Mid Path Mentoring:

MCAT time! Help them prep for it. Give suggestions on study guides, etc. Some of us that have been out of Podiatry School for more than a few...well...decades are saying, "how will I know that" (I'll cover that shortly). Help keep their confidence up. Something as simple as making sure they have access to a quiet space to study (maybe your office for a few hours on the weekend) could be helpful.   Then it becomes time to pick a Podiatry School. Naturally, each and every one of us went to the BEST Podiatry School and we have a connection there. However, that school may not be the best for your Mentee. Help them carefully consider their school choice. They may do better in a school with family support nearby rather than the closest school to their undergrad school. Help them understand their choices. Merely talking it out with someone who has undergone the same things helps a lot in making their decision. 

4.   Late Path Mentoring:

This will probably be the most involved for you as a Mentor as it will involve both mentoring a new podiatry student and on to residency. This is the scariest time in the students' training. They will be covering things they may not have seen before or in much greater depth than they previously learned. This will likely be the time you get more questions more frequently. You may have to look things up to help them out. Their instructors, just as yours were, are pretty good at what they do, but sometimes having it explained in a different way makes it easier to understand.  

Suggest outside rotations that may lead to a better residency. Help them through the Match process. Once they become a resident, your job isn't done. They'll still have questions. They may want to seek alternate viewpoints. Never criticize the Attending, but offer your point of view if asked as a possible alternative. This will help very much with their professional development.    

5.   Early Career Mentoring:

Now your Mentee is ready to go out on their own. This is a scary time. Residency is ending. Time to get on insurance plans, and decide on a practice to join. Sadly, this is another issue that both Podiatry and Medical Schools seem to fall short on (from my personal experience). I think this is a great disservice to students in Podiatry School, and most hospital-based residency programs don't give them any training at all. This is where you will become what most people would call a 'True Mentor'. Give guidance on how to navigate the minefields of business. One of my better memories of Podiatry School was during a surgery rotation in the school surgery center with several of us that were late 4th year students. The attending had his patient cancel the surgery at the last minute, so he asks us: "I can do the lecture on hammertoe surgery, but you've already seen several...what do you want to talk about?" It wound up being an hour lecture on practice management, pros/cons of being a sole practitioner (he was at the time), having a partner (had one formerly), keeping an eye on your money (previous practice manager had been skimming cash), dealing with insurances, etc. It was probably the most practical lecture we had and all the students enjoyed it. Be available to answer questions on patient care and business-related questions. Your Mentee may now be your new Associate in your practice, be working for a competitor, or even working across the country. You are still tasked with developing a highly respected and successful colleague.   

6.   Sharing Mentoring:

This falls back on how to study for the MCAT as mentioned in #3. I'd find the newest resident or rotating student and get their opinion and pass that on. Never be afraid to tell your Mentee, "I don't know the answer to that", but always be willing to ask someone that may know. If your Mentee thinks they may want to do complicated reconstructive surgeries (as a student), but you don't do them, see if you can find a substitute Mentor that will let them watch some cases. Share the load and the knowledge. Be available to other Mentors to help their Mentees.

7.   Passing on the Mantle:

After your Mentee has been out of residency for a while, they probably won't need to ask questions anymore. That's the time to recommend to them that they begin the process with their own Mentee. If you've been a good Mentor, they will probably jump at the opportunity.

8.   Benefits for the Mentor:

See One, Do One, Teach One. The old adage from Medicine. It applies here. Some of us are associated with a residency program, but many are not.  
By teaching your Mentee, you actually learn and build your professional capabilities. If they ask a question you can't answer, you'll learn by helping them find the answer. If you've done a good job, you will have a well-respected Podiatrist colleague that will help to grow the profession.    

9.   Losing the Mentee:

It will happen. That new freshmen college student may decide he wants to become an engineer instead of a Podiatrist. Maybe you did such a good job that they get a perfect score on the MCAT and are recruited by Harvard Medical School. So what? It was not time wasted, as now there's a professional out there that understands the profession of Podiatry better, and that gains our profession more respect. You've still done a good job. Your job was never to force them into Podiatry, but to give them guidance when they needed it.

There are clear benefits to you as an individual doctor, such as developing yourself professionally and gaining respect from your colleagues. There are also clear benefits for our profession...having a new, well-trained Podiatrist can only help strengthen both other medical professionals and the public's views of our profession and allow Podiatry to be a viable profession well into the future.

Written by Gerald Gronborg, DPM

Originally shared in the May/June 2018 PPMA Newsletter 

Become a Mentor: What is that?

The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) explains on their website that they will make the connection between your practice and an interested student:

• “DPMs who volunteer their time to allow students to shadow their practice are a very valuable resource to the Network. As such, we expect DPMs to prepare for their shadowing experience, too.
• “Alert your staff to the visit, be familiar with the general admissions guidelines; speak neutrally about each college of podiatric medicine; and offer your specific experiences as narratives to what a new student might expect from becoming a DPM student. Request AACPM brochures as needed and be familiar with the information and materials available on www.aacpm.org and portal.aacpmas.org.
• “You may be asked to provide either a letter of recommendation or a letter of shadowing hours.
• “Mentorship may be a few hours per month or several times per year; it’s a flexible schedule that you set to meet your needs.”

Familiarize yourself with the available resources:

1. Go to www.aacpm.org and look at the resources available to you as a potential student recruiter. On that page, sign up to become a mentor. 

• Advances in the treatment of sports injuries coupled with the active lifestyles of the aging baby-boomer population have made podiatrists an important part of our healthcare teams.
• Podiatric medicine is an ideal career choice. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) enjoy a challenging work environment, rewarding patient interaction, and flexible hours.

2. AACPM Student Brochure:

• Prospective Student Reference Guide.

3. AACPM College Information Book:

• For more information about podiatry as a career and individual college requirements, see our College Information Book.

4. 2018 Podiatric Medicine Internship Programs 

• A list of the 2018 internship opportunities for undergraduates interested in exploring careers in podiatric medicine. 

Once you become a “recruiter,” spread your knowledge and experience: 
Each one of us graduated from a college that has a premed or science guidance program. Take a weekday and go back to your alma mater in order to meet with the guidance counselor or interested students. If your college is a long drive, then contact the guidance department of your local high school. Take a couple of hours and let them know what you do and how you became a podiatric physician. Use all of the material referenced in this article.  

This is the professional recruitment equivalent of a “grass-roots” political campaign. I heard an explanation from a TUSPM student when we were discussing recruitment. He said, “We grow up seeing a family physician, an optometrist, a dentist, or a nurse ... we never had to see a podiatrist.”    

This was a real wake up statement to me. Our profession is not a required “screen” for public education. So unless we had foot or ankle problems, we were never taken to a podiatric physician. It is no wonder that we need to engage in a grass-roots campaign. 

So I need each of you to do just that. BECOME INVOLVED in the future of our profession. It takes a small amount of time, but it is absolutely required if our future is to be as positive as out past has been. 

Written by Joseph Smith, DPM, PPMA Past-President 2013-2014

What a tumultuous time these past few months have been! Our entire world has seemingly turned upside down overnight. What better opportunity to revisit Charles Dickens and arguably the best opening paragraph ever written: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times …” Finding the silver lining in the cloud of losing the independence and freedom we have become accustomed to hasn’t been as difficult as I thought it would be. 

For years, I have fantasized about working at a less frenetic pace, carving more time to spend with the kids, getting in shape, and becoming more active in the community. With the imposition of ‘stay at home’ orders and social distancing, I now magically have time to do all those things. The irony is that it took a deadly pandemic to make it happen.  

FAMILY LIFE 
While it has been challenging to set aside my anguish for those more directly impacted by the COVID-19 infection, or the financial devastation of not being able to work, I have also become keenly aware of my own good fortune. I am so grateful that my family, friends, and coworkers so far have been spared. 

At home, I have one son in high school and one in college. Currently, they are both at home and taking their online classes.  It is a wonderful and completely unexpected blessing having them home and getting to spend more time together. We have been playing cards, board games, doing yard work, and just talking more. I cannot remember the last time we spent so much extended time in such close quarters, doing nothing more than just being a family.  

It has been fun connecting on a different level. It is so rewarding to leisurely watch my ‘little boys’ turn into the fine young men I had always envisioned. Their interest in what is going on in their world, as well as concern and compassion for those who are affected, has made me proud. I particularly enjoyed helping my youngest son start a GoFundMe account to raise money to deliver takeout lunches to our local first responders. The funds raised are for local restaurants to make and deliver lunches for EMS, police officers, fire fighters, doctors, and nurses. It helps the local restaurants stay open and retain staff, while also letting our local heroes know that the community is thinking about them and grateful for their sacrifice at the front line of this pandemic. These unique opportunities to serve would not have happened if not for the strange circumstances of the COVID -19 pandemic.    

PRACTICE LIFE 
At my seven-physician practice, we have remained open as we are considered "Essential."  All elective procedures have been postponed indefinitely or cancelled. Our schedules are limited to emergencies, post-op patients, diabetic ulcers, and acute problems.  The practice continues to see patients to prevent them from undertaking the risk of COVID-19 exposure at an Urgent Care Center or the hospital emergency department.  

Our schedules have shrunk significantly, and we are only seeing about a quarter of our regularly scheduled patients. This whole experience has generated mixed feelings. On the one hand, it feels great to help our patients while keeping them out of the hospital; but on the other hand, every patient encounter is fraught with the anxiety of possible exposure despite all manner of safety precautions having been instituted. 

Everyone always wears a mask, the waiting room is closed, patients are seen alone, and checkout procedures are non-existent. 

Despite the drastic reduction in the number of patients seen and decreased revenue, we have tried to maintain the employment hours of ancillary support staff by giving them other work.  For example, they have pitched in to scrub down the entire office every evening.  This sense of obligation to our staff has been foremost in our minds throughout this crisis. We know they are counting on us to keep them financially solvent. 

What has become abundantly clear is that we are all interdependent. Every once in a while, our need to work together and cooperatively find solutions and tackle crises becomes glaringly obvious. This is one of those times. This is apparent in every aspect of my life: as a business owner, physician, parent, son, and citizen.  Not only is our individual well-being important, but also that of our professional bodies and political organizations. 

PPMA DURING COVID 
During the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I have found myself more actively involved in the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association and the Goldfarb Foundation.  Both Boards meet weekly on ZOOM to discuss best ways to help the members and our profession get through these very lean and difficult times.  

The PPMA, under the able leadership of Mr. Michael Davis and President Sabrina Minhas (another fellow Temple graduate), has implemented several new initiatives, details of which are on the PPMA website and are sent out in email blasts weekly— 

• Membership dues for the first quarter of 2020/2021 have been waived.
• Information to apply for PPP loans and information about getting discounts on malpractice insurance during the pandemic have been disseminated.
• The procedures and guidelines to perform a Telemedicine visit has been explained so that doctors receive proper reimbursement.
• The PPMA has also worked with the State Board of Podiatry to make all CMEs available online during this license renewal year.
• At the Goldfarb Foundation, we have made plenty of Online CMEs easily available for all podiatrists through the Foundation website, including 24 online videos and 20.75 CE contact hours (link: https://www.goldfarbfoundation.org/Online-Lectures).

At this point, no one can accurately predict the extent of the damage caused by the pandemic. We worry about how we are going to pay our bills and about how we are going to keep ourselves, our families, patients, and staff safe. There are many unknowns. What is almost certain is that there will be permanent changes in the mode and methods of our medical practice. 

• Telemedicine may play a greater role in our day-to-day practice, at least for a subgroup of patients.
• Masks and social distancing could very well become the norm in the near future.
• Crowded waiting rooms and double booking may become outdated.
• Waiting rooms and patient-flow patterns would need permanent modifications in our practices and our clinics.

Perhaps this change to focusing on the individual patient is a welcome reminder of what is important, and we should start thinking about ways in which insurance companies and other payors can support these changes moving forward. One thing that I am certain of is that our small, but mighty, podiatric medical profession is resilient, and that we will adapt and come out stronger than we were before this pandemic. That is the American way.  We just need to continue to work together as a profession and be grateful for the little things.