Dean's Chat - All Things Podiatric Medicine

Dr. Jeffrey Jensen

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. 1D AGO

    Ep. 309 - Lawrence Oloff, DPM, FACFS - Part 2! - Former CCPM Dean, Residency Director

    Drs. Jensen and Richey sit down with Dr. Oloff for a Part 2 interview! Dr. Lawrence Oloff is a highly influential podiatric surgeon, educator, and sports medicine specialist. The interview spans Dr. Oloff’s career, the evolution of podiatry, and his experiences at the highest levels of academic medicine and professional sports. This episode is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics!Join us as we discuss “All things podiatric medicine and surgery” including Dr. Oloff’s Career Path & Leadership. Dr. Oloff trained at Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, he served as faculty at multiple podiatric institutions, including the California College of Podiatric Medicine and was Dr. Jensen’s Dean when he graduated from Podiatric Medial School. Most recently, Dr. Oloff became full-time faculty at UCSF and remains the program director for St. Mary’s Hospital - podiatric residency program as part of the Department of Orthopedics. He now practices alongside orthopedic foot-and-ankle surgeons, operating equally within a top-tier academic medical center—an example of podiatry’s integration into mainstream medicine.He has chaired national academic boards and played a major role in advancing multi-year residency training and residency placement for graduates. A leader in the advancement of Podiatric Surgical Sports medicine, Dr. Oloff has served as team podiatrist for elite organizations including the San Francisco Giants (over 25 years), 49ers, Warriors, Stanford University, and others. He emphasizes: the importance of being a team player over asserting ego; Judicious decision-making, especially around return-to-play; Learning directly from trainers and real-world experience; The pressure, risk, and legal exposure involved in treating professional athletes.Throughout the interview, Dr. Oloff reflects on earlier decades when podiatrists had to “break down doors” to gain hospital privileges and professional respect. Compared to that era, today’s podiatry offers far greater opportunity, visibility, and integration, though challenges remain. He stresses that good surgery is not about technical skill alone, but about knowing when not to operate, understanding biomechanics, planning several steps ahead, and remaining humble.He credits mentors like Dr. Alan Jacobs and underscores the importance of rigorous academics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lifelong learning. Overall, this episode is a rich oral history of modern podiatry—highlighting its struggles, growth, and future potential—through the lens of one of its most accomplished leaders.

    48 min
  2. 5D AGO

    Ep. 308 - Dyane Tower, DPM, MPH, MS, CAE - Part 2 - Medical Director, American Podiatric Medical Association

    Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Dr. Dyane Tower to Dean's Chat.This episode is sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)!Dyane Tower, DPM, MPH, MS, CAE is a nationally recognized leader in podiatric medicine and healthcare administration, currently serving as Medical Director and Vice President of Clinical Affairs for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). With a unique blend of clinical training and executive leadership, Dr. Tower plays a pivotal role in shaping national clinical policy, professional standards, and advocacy efforts for the podiatric profession.She holds the degrees of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and completed her 3 year residency at the North Coloroado Podiatric Medicine Surgery program.Her background highlights advanced expertise in organizational governance, strategy, and healthcare leadership. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to bridge clinical practice, public health, and national-level professional advocacy.At APMA, Dr. Tower oversees:• Clinical policy and professional practice standards• Clinical education and evidence-based guidelines• Regulatory affairs and federal advocacy• Public health integration and interdisciplinary collaborationDr. Tower is widely respected for her strategic vision, clarity of communication, and deep commitment to advancing podiatric medicine at a national level. As a featured guest on Dean’s Chat, she provides expert insight into healthcare policy, clinical governance, professional advocacy, and the future direction of the podiatric profession.Beyond her executive leadership, Dr. Tower is known for her mentorship, national speaking engagements, and ongoing efforts to elevate the voice and visibility of podiatric physicians within the broader healthcare ecosystem. Enjoy!

    52 min
  3. MAR 10

    Ep. 307 - Madelin Ramil, DPM, FACFAS - Dean and Professor at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine

    Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey welcome Madelin C. Ramil, DPM, FACFAS, to the podcast. Dr. Ramil is Dean and Professor at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine (College of Health Professions & Medical Sciences) and a foot and ankle surgeon. She leads clinical education, accreditation and continuous quality improvement, curriculum and assessment, and student advising, retention, and board readiness, while expanding clinical training partnerships. This episode is spoonsorted by Bako Diagnostics!Dr. Ramil earned her DPM from Barry University. She completed residency training at Florida Medical Center North and Plantation General Hospital and pursued fellowship training at Hospital San Rafael in Barcelona, Spain, and in Rome, Italy, under Dr. Ronconi. She is licensed in Florida and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. With more than 25 years in practice, Dr. Ramil has trained residents and externs as an attending physician and served as Assistant Surgical Foot and Ankle Residency Program Director. She directed the Foot and Ankle Clinic at Plantation General Hospital and has held privileges in multiple Broward County hospitals. A wound care expert, she has provided care in hospital-based wound centers across South Florida. A national and international speaker, Dr. Ramil also teaches foot surgery in Spain. She served as Director of Research for the HCA Westside Hospital Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency Program, supporting clinically relevant scholarship and educational quality initiatives. A proud Barry alumnus, she participated for over 15 years in the Dr. Charles Southerland Yucatán Crippled Children’s Program, BUSPM’s sponsored medical mission.

    1h 7m
  4. MAR 6

    Ep. 306 - Arman Kirakosian, DPM - Foot & Ankle Surgeon | Residency Director | Team Podiatrist

    Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Dr. Arman Kirakosian to the Podcast!Dr. Arman Kirakosian is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon whose journey into podiatric medicine began after sustaining an injury while playing professional soccer at Titan Stadium in 1999. Originally from Armenia, Dr. Kirakosian immigrated to the United States at the age of 13 with his parents and younger brother, bringing with him the resilience and determination that would later define his career.This episode is sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association!He completed his three-year surgical residency at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco from 2007 to 2010. Following residency, he established private practices in San Carlos and San Bruno, earning recognition for his skill in complex foot and ankle pathology and contributing to the field through multiple peer-reviewed publications.In 2015, Dr. Kirakosian returned to the VA San Francisco as a staff podiatric surgeon. By 2017, he was appointed Director of the Podiatric Surgical and Medical Residency Program, where he currently mentors six residents and numerous podiatric medical students. A passionate educator, he taught Gross Anatomy at San Francisco State University from 2006 to 2024, blending academic teaching with real-world surgical experience.Dr. Kirakosian also serves as Team Podiatrist for the Sacramento Republic FC (USL) and was named Team Podiatrist for the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) in 2021. He has traveled internationally as the primary team doctor for the Armenian Women’s National Soccer Team during World Cup and Euro Cup qualifying competitions.Guided by mentors such as Dr. Thomas Chang, Dr. Kirakosian remains dedicated to teaching, advancing sports medicine, and giving back to the profession that once cared for him as a young athlete. Enjoy this podcast!!Dr. Arman Kirakosian, D.P.M. FABPM, FAAFASABPM Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Medicine Diplomate with Certification of Added Qualification in Sports MedicineResidency Director of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery | DVA San Francisco Medical CenterTeam Podiatrist | San Jose Earthquakes, Sacramento Republic FC, Armenian Women’s National Soccer Team AAPSM Fellow | American Academy of Podiatric Sports MedicineACSM Member | American College of Sports Medicine CPMA President | California Podiatric Medical Association

    50 min
  5. MAR 3

    Ep. 305 - Matine Mirsaidi, DPM - Mobile Podiatry

    Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Matine Mirsaidi, D.P.M to the podcast!This episode is sponsored by BakoDx! Dr. Matine Mirsaidi received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine of Midwestern University, receiving premium podiatric medical training from a didactic and clinical aspect in affiliated facilities across the country. Thereafter, he completed a three-year podiatric medical and surgical residency at Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. He was trained by numerous well renowned foot and ankle specialists across the valley in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions, with vast training in both conservative and surgical management.Dr. Mirsaidi’s diverse training spans across wound care, diabetic foot care and limb salvage, complicated lower extremity infections, sports related injuries, dermatological conditions of the lower extremity, heel pain, flat feet, and other foot and ankle ailments.Raised here in the valley, Dr. Mirsaidi has always emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that has given so much to you. He volunteers at multiple events biannually such as FitFeet affiliated with Special Olympics of Arizona.In his free time, Dr. Mirsaidi enjoys spending time with his loved ones, traveling, participating and following sports such as soccer, football, basketball, and playing the guitar.In addition to English, Dr. Mirsaidi is fluent in Farsi/Persian, with a background in Spanish and French as well.Enjoy the podcast!

    36 min
  6. FEB 27

    Ep. 304 - Lieutenant Commander Brittany Lovett, DPM

    Drs. Jensen and Richey welcome Lieutenant Commander Brittany Lovett, DPM, a native of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, to Dean's Chat!She began her military career in 2008. She enlisted in the Air National Guard in 2008 and readily embraced her MOS (108th Services) whilepreparing meals and providing hospitality to her fellow Airmen on McGuire Air Force Base. She was meritoriously promoted to Senior Airman and took her first leadership role over six other junior Airmen. While enlisted, she attended Rutgers University in Camden, New Jerseyand earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2010. LCDR Lovett was competitively selected for the Healthcare Program Scholarship, and commissioned as an Ensign in the Naval Reserves in April 2012.After completing her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine Degree from Barry in 2015, University in 2015, she was promoted to Lieutenant. In 2015, she completed Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island. LCDR Lovett then reported to Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where she was selected as Chief Resident. As the Chief Resident, she overseen 5 other junior residents, diligently taking call monthly, establishing clinical templates, and coordinating surgical schedules, while performingover 400 surgeries. LCDR Lovett successfully completed Residency in 2018, in addition to publishing an article Wound Management of a Pediatric Spina Bifida Patient Secondary to a Dog Inflicted Fifth Digit Amputation. She successfully completed a three-year foot and ankle reconstructive surgical residency, and became board certified in American Board of Podiatric Medicine. In 2018 she reported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland where she was competitively selected as the Department Head of Podiatry at the White House Medical unit and the Navy Command Legal Officer within her first year on board. Additionally, she was appointed as the Unit Budget Officer and National Capital Region Podiatry Deputy Product Line Chair where she developed best practices and ensured seamless coordination of and administrative support for 1,434 Officers and Sailorsassigned. As a result of her sustained leadership skills, she was hand selected as Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bethesda Division Officer where she ensured 100% medical readiness of 370 service members. She fulfilled a vital role while serving on the COVID 19 Vaccination Task Team. While touring at Walter Reed, LCDR Lovett’s passion for healthcare administration grew. In 2021, she graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana State University, earning a Master of Healthcare Administration degree. In 2022 LCDR Lovett reported to Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command, Jacksonville, FL. She serves as a Staff Podiatrist, Clinical Manager of Ophthalmology Department, Southeast Region Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Caregiver Operational Stress Relief Team Lead, Vice President of the Southeast Medical Service Corp Association, and a Member of the Climate Resiliency Team.In 2025, LCDR Lovett was hand-selected to serve as the Department Head of the Navy Manpower Analysis enter at NAS Jacksonville, leading initiatives to enhance warfighter optimization and fleet readiness. LCDR Lovett is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and is an active Federal Services member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Her personal awards include Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal , Humanitarian Service Medal, and numerous unitand service award.Enjoy this wonderful interview!

    51 min
4.9
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

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.

You Might Also Like