Dean's Chat - All Things Podiatric Medicine

Dr. Jeffrey Jensen
  • 4.9 (29)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Dean's Chat, where we go inside the world of podiatric medicine. Your hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, highlight the organizations, leaders, and voices in the podiatry profession. Join me each week for discussions on all things podiatry including clinical, academic, research, administrative, and even politics within our great field. We will cover many topics in podiatry, raise some questions, find some answers, dive deep into some challenges, and shine a positive light on Podiatric Medicine's inner workings...and hopefully, get you involved in the podiatry field! Dean's Chat includes conversations with leaders in the podiatric profession including Deans, Residency Directors, Faculty, Researchers, and Entrepreneurs. The conversations include podiatric medical students, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year residents, and young practitioners. They convey the podiatry educational journey to students entering the field of podiatric medicine where they become physicians and surgeons treating the foot and ankle. So come along for the ride, follow us now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 352 - Mahsa Agha Jafari, DPM, Assistant Professor, Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine

    On this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jensen and Richey welcome Mahsa Agha Jafari, DPM, Assistant Professor at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine (AZCPM).Dr. Agha Jafari is a graduate of AZCPM and completed her three-year residency training at Creighton University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Following residency, she entered private practice in the Phoenix area, gaining valuable experience in the day-to-day clinical management of patients before returning to her alma mater to join the faculty.In this episode, Dr. Agha Jafari shares her journey from podiatric medical student to resident, private practitioner, and now academic faculty member. The discussion explores how her experiences in private practice have shaped her approach to teaching and mentoring the next generation of podiatric physicians.Drs. Jensen and Richey also discuss the transition from clinical practice into academic medicine, the rewards and challenges of working with students and residents, and the importance of strong clinician-educators in preparing future podiatric physicians.Topics include:• Dr. Agha Jafari’s path to podiatric medicine• Her experience as a student at AZCPM• Three-year residency training in Phoenix• Lessons learned from private practice• The decision to return to AZCPM as a faculty member• Transitioning from practitioner to educator• Teaching and mentoring podiatric medical students• Preparing students for residency and clinical practice• The evolving role of podiatric medical education• Advice for students and young physicians considering a career in academicsJoin us for a conversation highlighting the full-circle journey of an AZCPM graduate returning to help educate and inspire the next generation of podiatric physicians.

  2. 6d ago

    Ep. 351 - Jordan Frey, MD - Money, Medicine, and the Path to Financial Freedom”

    In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey sit down with Dr. Jordan Frey, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, microsurgeon, researcher, and creator of The Prudent Plastic Surgeon, to explore an often-overlooked component of physician wellness: financial literacy. Dr. Frey shares his unconventional path into plastic surgery, explaining how a last-minute elective during medical school introduced him to the creativity, complexity, and versatility of plastic and reconstructive surgery. His interest ultimately evolved into a passion for microsurgery, where he found the combination of technical precision, innovation, and problem-solving particularly rewarding.The conversation then shifts from the operating room to the financial realities facing physicians. Dr. Frey candidly describes reaching the end of his training with significant student and credit card debt, little savings, and a growing sense of burnout. He realized that much of his stress was connected to financial uncertainty and that developing a simple financial plan could provide a sense of control and improve his overall well-being. That realization became the foundation for The Prudent Plastic Surgeon, which began as a simple blog documenting his own financial journey and has grown into a platform dedicated to helping physicians understand personal finance and build financial independence.Dr. Frey discusses practical strategies for physicians at every stage of training, emphasizing that the goal for students and residents is not necessarily immediate financial freedom, but developing healthy financial habits early. He explains the power of compound interest, the importance of creating a budget, paying yourself first, managing debt, and gradually increasing savings—even starting with a small percentage of income. He also demystifies investing, discussing the benefits of simple, long-term strategies such as diversified index funds rather than attempting to predict the stock market or chase individual investments.Perhaps most importantly, the conversation examines the relationship between financial freedom, physician burnout, and autonomy. Dr. Frey explains how greater financial flexibility has allowed him to design his career around his priorities, including spending time with his wife and children and coaching his kids’ baseball teams. The ability to say “no” and create boundaries around work, he argues, becomes much easier when physicians are not completely dependent on their next paycheck.This episode offers an important message for students, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians alike: financial wellness is an essential component of professional and personal wellness. By taking action early, creating a plan, and aligning financial decisions with personal priorities, physicians can build not only financial security, but also greater freedom, autonomy, and fulfillment in their careers and lives.https://prudentplasticsurgeon.com/

  3. Aug 11

    Ep. 350 - Michael Cornelison: Moving Forward Together: Leadership and Collaboration in Podiatry

    In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. Michael Cornelison, former president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and current executive director of the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA), for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, mentorship, collaboration, and the future of podiatric medicine. Dr. Cornelison also offers a unique perspective as a father of three daughters, two of whom have followed him into podiatric medicine. He reflects on the importance of leading by example and allowing the next generation to discover their own reasons for choosing the profession. His daughters’ journeys have reinforced his belief that podiatry needs to introduce students to the profession much earlier and demonstrate not only the clinical opportunities, but also the fulfillment, flexibility, and diverse career paths available to DPMs.Dr. Cornelison shares his own circuitous path into podiatry, beginning with an interest in biomechanics and musculoskeletal physiology at UCLA. A chance recommendation from a pre-health counselor, followed by an unexpected connection with podiatrist and mentor Dr. Jeff Stone, ultimately led him to Scholl College and then to residency training at Inova. He describes how mentors, senior residents, and the culture of his training program helped foster his interest in leadership and reinforced the idea that podiatrists have an important role to play beyond the clinic and operating room.The discussion explores Dr. Cornelison’s leadership journey through ACFAS, including his experience navigating the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately serving as president. A central theme of his leadership philosophy is collaboration. He discusses his efforts to bring organizations including ACFAS, APMA, AAOS, and AOFAS together around shared priorities such as reimbursement, advocacy, and the advancement of podiatric medicine. He emphasizes that progress does not require having every answer in advance; sometimes leaders must be willing to remain open-minded, listen to different perspectives, and build consensus.Dr. Cornelison also discusses leadership development and the importance of creating pathways for individuals from all backgrounds and training programs to become involved. He highlights emerging leadership initiatives within ACFAS and APMA as opportunities to cultivate the next generation of leaders. His advice is particularly relevant to anyone seeking greater professional fulfillment: find a niche beyond the traditional nine-to-five clinical role, whether through leadership, advocacy, research, education, or another area of interest. By staying engaged, embracing collaboration, and focusing on what can be controlled, podiatrists can help move the profession forward while finding greater purpose and satisfaction in their own careers.

  4. Aug 7

    Ep. 349 - The SF Kaiser Residency Experience: Culture, Growth, and Surgical Excellence

    In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Johanna Richey sits down with residents from the Kaiser San Francisco Bay Area Podiatric Surgery Residency Program for an inside look at one of the nation's premier residency programs. Third-year residents Airam Caldera and Elena Ion, second-year resident Noah Brennan, and first-year resident Manav Beniwal share their unique journeys to podiatric medicine while offering candid insight into what makes the Kaiser training experience distinctive. Throughout the conversation, the residents emphasize that choosing a residency extends far beyond case numbers or reputation—finding a culture that aligns with your learning style, values, and career goals is equally important.The discussion highlights the program's collaborative culture, where mentorship, teamwork, and psychological safety allow residents to progressively develop autonomy while always knowing support is available. The residents describe a structured "buddy call" system that pairs senior residents with interns, fostering confidence, real-time teaching, and peer mentorship during the critical transition from student to physician. As responsibilities increase each year, residents gain experience not only in clinical decision-making but also in leadership, communication, scheduling, and teaching, preparing them for independent practice.The group also explores the program's educational philosophy, emphasizing surgical principles over procedural memorization. With broad exposure to trauma, reconstructive surgery, diabetic limb salvage, total ankle replacement, pediatric pathology, clubfoot management, and elective foot and ankle procedures, residents develop a well-rounded foundation while learning to critically evaluate multiple treatment strategies. They discuss how progressive responsibility, increasing call experience, and exposure to diverse patient populations across multiple Kaiser facilities create confident, adaptable surgeons prepared for virtually any practice environment.Academic development remains a central focus of the residency. The residents describe a structured curriculum featuring monthly didactics, hands-on surgical labs, journal clubs, and required research projects that encourage lifelong learning and scholarly contribution. The conversation also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in medical education, highlighting tools such as Open Evidence and Consensus as valuable resources for efficiently identifying literature and clinical guidelines while reinforcing the importance of critical appraisal and independent clinical judgment.Throughout the episode, recurring themes include growth mindset, resilience, communication, and earning trust through preparation, humility, and honesty. The residents reflect on how learning to become comfortable with uncertainty ultimately builds confidence, while mentorship from dedicated faculty creates an environment where mistakes become opportunities for growth. Whether discussing residency selection, research, leadership, or patient care, the conversation offers valuable insight for students considering residency and serves as a compelling example of how thoughtful training, strong culture, and collaborative learning prepare the next generation of podiatric surgeons.https://residency-ncal.kaiserpermanente.org/residency/podiatry/bayarea/

  5. Aug 4

    Ep. 348 - Lyndley Andrews "Courageous Conversations": Leadership Lessons Coming to APMA National

    In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Johanna Richey is joined by guest co-host Dr. Tim Miller. Together, they welcome Lyndley Andrews, President of the Maryland Healthcare Education Institute (MHEI), for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership development, communication, and the essential human skills that healthcare professionals need to thrive. Drawing on her background in psychology, human resources, and organizational development, Lyndley shares how her career evolved into helping healthcare leaders develop the competencies that are rarely taught in formal medical training but are critical for building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional patient care.The discussion explores the leadership gaps commonly seen across healthcare, emphasizing that clinical expertise and leadership require two distinct skill sets. Lyndley highlights three recurring challenges faced by healthcare professionals: navigating difficult conversations, leading and adapting to change, and fostering accountability. She explains how emotional intelligence, curiosity, thoughtful questioning, and self-awareness can transform conflict into productive dialogue while strengthening professional relationships. The group also discusses how burnout, stress, and unchecked ego can become significant barriers to effective leadership, reinforcing the importance of reflection, coaching, and continuous personal growth.A recurring theme throughout the episode is the value of understanding yourself before leading others. Lyndley introduces the DISC behavioral assessment, describing how personality frameworks can help individuals recognize their communication preferences, leadership tendencies, strengths, and potential blind spots. Rather than changing who they are, healthcare professionals can use these insights to adapt their communication, improve teamwork, and build stronger relationships with colleagues, learners, and patients. The episode also offers a preview of several leadership sessions Lyndley will present at the upcoming APMA National Scientific Meeting in Nashville, including topics on personality styles, courageous conversations, generational differences in healthcare, change management, artificial intelligence in leadership, and improving patient outcomes through advocacy and systems thinking. The hosts discuss how generational differences influence communication, expectations, and patient interactions, highlighting the importance of adapting communication styles while avoiding stereotypes. They also reflect on the growing need for leadership education within medicine and envision a future where coaching, leadership development, and simulation become routine components of physician training.The conversation concludes with an encouraging reminder that leadership is not defined by title but by intentional growth, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Whether leading a healthcare team, mentoring trainees, or caring for patients, the ability to communicate effectively, embrace change, and understand both yourself and others is what ultimately drives lasting professional success and better patient care.Career Lifeline Exercise: https://people-shift.com/articles/the-career-life-line-activity-a-reflective-career-development-tool/Legacy Mapping Exercise: Purpose through Passion: Charting A Career Through Legacy Mapping in Healthcare by Lael N. Coleman, MHA, CPHQ, Children’s National Hospital: https://chaiblog.childrensnational.org/purpose-through-passion-charting-a-career-through-legacy-mapping-in-healthcare/Difficult Conversations specifically in healthcare: Based on research from Crucial Learning and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): “Silence Kills 2.0: How Communication Failures Stifle Innovation and Harm Patients” – link: https://www.aacn.org/newsroom/cultures-of-silence-threaten-patient-safety-innovation

  6. Jul 31

    Ep. 347 - Karen Langone: The National in Nashville- Lead, Serve, Mentor: Building the Future of Podiatry

    In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. Karen Langone, a longtime leader in podiatric medicine, past president of the American Association for Women Podiatrists, former leader/past president within the American Association of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and active advocate through the New York State Podiatric Medical Association and APMA. Karen shares her journey into professional leadership, explaining how mentors and role models encouraged her to become involved and how years of volunteering ultimately led to opportunities to influence the profession at the state and national levels. She emphasizes the importance of giving back and recognizing that meaningful leadership often begins by simply raising your hand and doing the work.A passionate biomechanics and sports medicine specialist, Karen discusses her fascination with human movement and how that interest has evolved throughout her career. She reflects on the evolution of biomechanics from traditional approaches toward tissue stress theory and emphasizes the value of continually learning from colleagues and sharing the small clinical pearls that can improve patient care. Her clinical interests have expanded beyond sports medicine to include falls prevention, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and helping patients with neurologic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease maintain mobility and independence. She highlights the profound role podiatrists can play in preventing falls and preserving function throughout a patient’s lifetime.Karen also reflects on her involvement in the development of the Special Olympics Fit Feet program, describing the opportunity to provide biomechanical assessment, gait analysis, and foot care to athletes while helping establish a foundation for a program that continues to benefit patients today. The discussion explores the importance of serving vulnerable populations and the responsibility healthcare professionals have to address unmet needs.The conversation also examines the evolution of women in podiatric leadership. Karen shares her experiences as one of the early women involved in leadership within sports medicine and discusses how mentorship, representation, and strong female role models have helped create greater opportunities for women throughout the profession. She emphasizes that leadership is not about competing with others—excellence is not a zero-sum game—and that professionals can disagree respectfully, learn from different perspectives, and ultimately work together for the greater good.Finally, Karen discusses the changing landscape of podiatric practice and the evolving educational needs of today’s DPMs including some highlights of the upcoming National Conference in Nashville Tennessee, including sessions on leadership, employment models, contracts, RVUs, hospital opportunities, and work-life alignment. Her message to students considering podiatry is simple and powerful: podiatrists have the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients while helping them maintain the mobility that allows them to live their lives. This episode is a compelling conversation about leadership, service, biomechanics, mentorship, advocacy, and the many ways podiatrists can make a lasting difference.

  7. Jul 28

    Ep. 346 - Beyond the Scalpel: The Non-Technical Skills Every Surgeon Needs, Timothy Miller, DPM

    In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Johanna Richey is joined by Dr. Timothy Miller for an engaging discussion on a commonly overlooked aspect of surgical education: the non-technical skills that distinguish competent surgeons from exceptional ones. Using the NOTSS (Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons) framework developed by the University of Aberdeen and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh as a foundation, they explore how expertise extends far beyond technical proficiency. The conversation examines the four key domains of NOTSS—situational awareness, decision-making, communication and teamwork, and leadership—and how these skills influence patient outcomes, resident education, and professional development.Drs. Richey and Miller discuss how true surgical expertise is built through experience, reflection, and the ability to adapt when procedures don't unfold as planned. They emphasize that every operation requires continuous assessment, critical thinking, and the willingness to modify a surgical plan based on evolving clinical circumstances. Rather than simply teaching residents how to perform procedures, both educators focus on helping trainees understand why decisions are made, encouraging thoughtful reflection through guided questioning, psychological safety, and progressive autonomy in the operating room.The conversation also explores the importance of creating supportive learning environments where mistakes become opportunities for growth rather than sources of embarrassment. Dr. Miller shares practical strategies for fostering psychological safety within the operating room, including building respectful relationships with every member of the surgical team, using humor and music to reduce stress, and encouraging open communication regardless of hierarchy. Dr. Richey highlights similar principles in the classroom, emphasizing growth mindset, constructive feedback, and creating spaces where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning through failure.Leadership emerges as another central theme, with both guests challenging the notion that effective leaders must be the loudest voices in the room. Instead, they argue that authentic leadership is grounded in humility, consistency, service to patients, and a commitment to developing others. Drawing from their experiences as educators, they reflect on how leadership evolves by embracing individual strengths, mentoring future surgeons, and cultivating environments built on trust, collaboration, and accountability.The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion about the future of medical education in an era of artificial intelligence. While acknowledging that AI is rapidly changing how knowledge is accessed, Drs. Richey and Miller emphasize that technology cannot replace clinical judgment, emotional intelligence, communication, or the wisdom gained through lived experience. Ultimately, they argue that the future of surgical education lies not only in teaching technical excellence but also in intentionally developing the human skills that define outstanding surgeons and compassionate physician leaders.https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/career-hub/learning-resources/non-technical-skills-for-surgeons-notss

  8. Jul 24

    Ep. 345 - Ritika Surisetty and Kaylin Lam: More Than Medicine: How Two Students Are Shaping the Future of Podiatry

    In this episode of Dean's Chat, Dr. Johanna Richey welcomes Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine students Ritika Surisetty and Kaylin Lam for an inspiring conversation about discovering podiatry, navigating medical school, and shaping the future of the profession. Both students share the unique journeys that led them to podiatric medicine—from dance, neuroscience, and biomechanics to athletics, dermatology, and orthopedics—and discuss how curiosity about movement and lower extremity health ultimately became a passion for patient care. They reflect on Western University's integrated medical curriculum, highlighting the value of learning alongside osteopathic medical students while emphasizing the importance of treating the whole patient rather than simply focusing on the foot.The conversation explores the challenges of medical education, including balancing rigorous coursework, maintaining perspective, and developing resilience. Ritika and Kaylin also describe their involvement in Western's Student Ambassador Leadership Training (SALT) program, where they mentor prospective students, provide honest insight into podiatric medical education, and promote the profession through outreach to high school and undergraduate students. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of mentorship, transparency, and helping future students discover podiatry earlier in their educational journey.A central theme of the episode is diversity and representation within healthcare. Both guests share personal experiences as first-generation and underrepresented students, discussing why diverse perspectives strengthen the profession, improve patient trust, and create meaningful mentorship opportunities for future generations. They encourage students from all backgrounds to pursue careers in healthcare with confidence, emphasizing that authentic representation helps inspire the next generation of physicians.The episode also highlights the students' experiences at the Western Foot and Ankle Conference, where they assisted with educational sessions, interacted with leaders in the profession, and witnessed firsthand how innovation and lifelong learning continue to shape podiatric practice. Finally, the discussion turns to artificial intelligence and its growing role in medicine. While recognizing AI's potential to improve education, documentation, and administrative efficiency, the group stresses that technology should enhance—not replace—the human connection, clinical judgment, and compassion that define exceptional patient care.The episode concludes with heartfelt advice for future healthcare professionals: stay curious, embrace lifelong learning, avoid comparing your journey to others, prioritize self-care, and remain open to growth. Above all, the guests remind listeners that medicine is ultimately about serving people with empathy, humility, and a commitment to continual improvement.

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Welcome to Dean's Chat, where we go inside the world of podiatric medicine. Your hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, highlight the organizations, leaders, and voices in the podiatry profession. Join me each week for discussions on all things podiatry including clinical, academic, research, administrative, and even politics within our great field. We will cover many topics in podiatry, raise some questions, find some answers, dive deep into some challenges, and shine a positive light on Podiatric Medicine's inner workings...and hopefully, get you involved in the podiatry field! Dean's Chat includes conversations with leaders in the podiatric profession including Deans, Residency Directors, Faculty, Researchers, and Entrepreneurs. The conversations include podiatric medical students, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year residents, and young practitioners. They convey the podiatry educational journey to students entering the field of podiatric medicine where they become physicians and surgeons treating the foot and ankle. So come along for the ride, follow us now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.

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