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.