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. 334 - James Whelan: Leading beyond the operating room: Fatherhood, Leadership and Purpose

    In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. James Whelan, attending faculty with the OSF St. Catherine Residency Program, Chair of the APMA Education Committee, Wisconsin Podiatry Examining Board Chair, and an emerging leader in the podiatric profession. The conversation explores Dr. Whelan’s journey into podiatry, his passion for resident education, and the leadership lessons he has gained through clinical practice, organized medicine, and family life.Dr. Whelan shares how a chance opportunity to shadow multiple surgical specialties as an undergraduate student led him to podiatry. While the procedures themselves were fascinating, it was the podiatrist’s professionalism, kindness, and interactions with patients and staff that ultimately inspired his career path. From there, the discussion shifts to residency education, where Dr. Whelan reflects on the profound responsibility of training future physicians. Drawing from both positive and challenging experiences during his own residency, he discusses the importance of creating psychologically safe learning environments, fostering confidence, and using coaching principles to help residents overcome obstacles and achieve their potential.The conversation highlights the evolving culture of medical education and the balance between maintaining high expectations while supporting learners through constructive feedback. Dr. Whelan shares practical examples of how individualized coaching and mentorship can transform struggling residents into confident future colleagues. He also discusses the unique privilege of working with residents and how teaching continually sharpens his own clinical skills and perspectives.Beyond residency training, Dr. Whelan offers insights from his service on the Wisconsin Podiatry Examining Board, where he reviews licensure and disciplinary matters. He emphasizes that many complaints stem not from poor clinical care but from breakdowns in communication, documentation, and professionalism—valuable lessons for practitioners at every stage of their careers.In recognition of Father’s Day, the discussion concludes with a meaningful conversation about balancing leadership, clinical practice, and family. Dr. Whelan reflects on how becoming a husband and father reshaped his definition of success, emphasizing that professional achievements are important, but relationships and presence with loved ones matter most. His thoughtful perspective on mentorship, leadership, and service offers valuable lessons for students, residents, and experienced practitioners alike.This episode is a powerful reminder that excellence in medicine extends far beyond clinical skill—it is built through kindness, coaching, advocacy, lifelong learning, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

    53 min

  2. 4d ago

    “Diagnostic miscues in podiatric dermatology” - with Dr. Leland Jaffe, DCLS S1E5

    In this episode of the Dean’s Chat Learning Series, Dr. Johanna Richey welcomes podiatric dermatology expert Dr. Leland Jaffe for an in-depth discussion on diagnostic miscues, biopsy decision-making, and the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis in podiatric medicine. Drawing from his experience teaching dermatology and working extensively in wound care, Dr. Jaffe shares how his threshold for performing biopsies has significantly lowered over the years as he recognized how many serious conditions can masquerade as common foot and ankle pathology.The conversation explores how chronic wounds, nail disorders, inflammatory skin conditions, and even routine “ingrown toenails” can occasionally hide malignancies or autoimmune disease. Dr. Jaffe emphasizes that when a patient fails to improve with appropriate standard-of-care treatment, clinicians must pause and ask, “What am I missing?” rather than simply repeating unsuccessful therapies. Through several compelling clinical examples, including wounds later diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and autoimmune-mediated lesions, he highlights how biopsy can completely alter a patient’s treatment trajectory and, in some cases, save lives.Dr. Jaffe also provides practical insight into biopsy technique selection, discussing when he prefers punch biopsies, shave biopsies, or excisional biopsies depending on the suspected diagnosis. He explains why inflammatory conditions often require full-thickness punch biopsies, while suspected melanomas may warrant more nuanced excisional approaches to ensure accurate staging. Importantly, he reassures clinicians that “some biopsy is better than no biopsy,” encouraging providers not to let uncertainty or fear prevent them from obtaining tissue when something feels atypical.A major theme throughout the episode is collaboration. Dr. Jaffe and Dr. Richey discuss the value of working closely with dermatopathologists, oncologists, dermatologists, and wound care specialists to optimize patient outcomes. They stress that diagnosing a concerning lesion is not the end of the clinician’s role, but rather the beginning of a team-based process that benefits both patients and providers.#podiatry #podiatricmedicine #podiatricdermatology#skincancerawarenessmonth #skincancerawareness #skincancer #melanoma #melanomaawareness#PICA #BakoDx

    35 min

  3. 6d ago

    Ep. 333 - Graduation Season! AZCPM Reflections on the Class of 2026!

    Preparing the Next Generation: The Class of 2026 Journey to ResidencyOn this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey reflect on the incredible journey of the AZCPM Class of 2026 as students transition from podiatric medical education into residency training.From awards banquets and graduation celebrations to clerkships, research, leadership development, and board preparation, the discussion highlights the many moving parts involved in preparing future podiatric physicians for successful residency placement and long-term careers.Topics Discussed• Reflecting on the accomplishments of the Class of 2026• The importance of residency preparation throughout all four years• Clerkships and how students build professional relationships during externships• Research, scholarship, and academic productivity in modern podiatric medicine• Faculty mentorship and advising• Professionalism, communication, and work ethic during clerkships• Awards banquets and celebrating student excellence• Graduation week traditions and milestones• Board preparation and the transition into residency• The emotional and professional evolution from student to physician• Lessons learned from this year’s residency placement cycleKey Takeaways• Residency preparation begins long before fourth-year clerkships• Relationships and reputation matter during externships• Research and leadership continue to distinguish applicants• Teamwork, resilience, and professionalism remain critical skills• Graduation is not the finish line — it is the beginning of residency training and lifelong learningAbout Dean’s ChatDean’s Chat features conversations on podiatric medical education, leadership, residency training, professional development, and the future of the profession with Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey.#DeansChat #PodiatricMedicine #Residency #AZCPM #MedicalEducation #PodiatrySchool #Clerkships #Graduation #Research #FuturePhysicians

    38 min

  4. Jun 5

    Ep. 332 - Student Recruitment, Marketing, and the Future of Podiatry - Drs. Pascarella and Andersen

    Student Recruitment, Marketing, and the Future of Podiatric MedicineFeaturing Dr. Gene Pascarella and Dr. Jane AndersenDrs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. Gene Pascarella, Executive Director of The Podiatry Foundation, and Dr. Jane Andersen, Chair of the Foundation for Podiatric Education, for an important and timely discussion on the future of student recruitment in podiatric medicine.As healthcare education faces increasing competition for talented students, the profession is taking a coordinated and strategic approach to attracting highly qualified undergraduate students into podiatric medicine. This episode explores the current landscape of recruitment, national marketing initiatives, and the collaborative efforts underway to strengthen awareness and interest in the profession.Topics include:• The mission and evolving role of The Podiatry Foundation• Current recruitment trends across colleges of podiatric medicine• National marketing strategies aimed at increasing awareness of podiatric medicine among undergraduate and pre-health students• Challenges facing the profession in today’s competitive healthcare education environment• Messaging strategies that resonate with prospective students and families• The importance of storytelling, mentorship, and visibility in attracting future podiatrists• The role of social media, digital campaigns, and student ambassadors in modern recruitment effortsThe conversation also highlights the upcoming June 9 stakeholder meeting, where leaders from across podiatric medicine—including educational institutions, professional organizations, residency leadership, and industry stakeholders—will gather to discuss coordinated next steps and long-term strategies for recruiting the next generation of podiatric physicians.Drs. Pascarella and Anderson share their perspectives on collaboration, innovation, and why this moment represents a critical opportunity for podiatry to redefine and strengthen its national recruitment efforts.This episode is essential listening for educators, students, practitioners, and anyone invested in the future growth and sustainability of podiatric medicine.About Our GuestsDr. Gene PascarellaDr. Gene Pascarella serves as Executive Director of The Podiatry Foundation and has long been recognized for his leadership in podiatric medical education, organized medicine, and student recruitment initiatives. He continues to play a key role in advancing collaborative efforts focused on strengthening the future of the profession.Dr. Jane AndersenDr. Jane Andersen is Chair of the Foundation for Podiatric Education and a respected leader in podiatric medical education and professional development. Her work has focused extensively on educational advancement, mentorship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the visibility and future of podiatric medicine.

    36 min

  5. Jun 2

    Ep. 331 - "From Student to Surgeon" - The Inova Residency Experience with Drs. Rose and Anjum

    In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome two third-year residents from the Inova Health System podiatric residency program: Hozaifa Anjum, an alumna of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, and Gregory Rose from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. The conversation offers an inside look into one of the nation’s premier residency programs while also highlighting the personal journeys that led both residents into podiatric medicine. The discussion centers heavily on residency training, externships, and the transition from medical school to surgical practice. Hozaifa and Greg provide thoughtful advice for students preparing for clerkships, emphasizing humility, enthusiasm, personal accountability, and the importance of balancing confidence with professionalism. Both residents stress that success during externships is less about grades or class rank and more about work ethic, reliability, curiosity, and engagement. They also reflect on how quickly residency passes and encourage students to actively document cases, study surgical approaches, and develop habits of reflection early in training.Listeners also gain a detailed overview of the Inova residency structure, including inpatient management, surgical exposure, orthopedic trauma rotations, overnight call responsibilities, and the program’s strong academic culture. The residents highlight the breadth of surgical experience available at Inova, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to complex reconstructions and trauma care, as well as the program’s emphasis on evidence-based medicine, cadaver labs, research, and multidisciplinary training. Particularly impactful are their stories about orthopedic trauma call at the Level I trauma center at Inova Fairfax Hospital, where residents manage high-acuity cases and gain significant hands-on experience.As the episode concludes, both residents discuss their next career steps. Hozaifa will pursue advanced fellowship training with Dr. Brian Burgess (a pripor guest on Dean’s chat Ep.320), while Greg will remain at Inova as a faculty attending, continuing his passion for education and residency mentorship. Throughout the conversation, both express deep gratitude for the mentorship, investment, and guidance they received from the Inova faculty and reflect on how residency has shaped not only their surgical skills but also their professional identities. This episode provides invaluable insight for podiatry students preparing for externships and residency while showcasing the culture, rigor, and mentorship that define high-level surgical training

    43 min

  6. May 29

    Ep. 330 - Patrick DeHeer DPM, FACFAS — APMA’s 100th President

    Dr. Patrick DeHeer— APMA’s 100th PresidentDrs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. Patrick DeHeer, the newly inaugurated 100th President of the American Podiatric Medical Association, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, advocacy, and the future direction of podiatric medicine.Fresh off his historic inauguration during the March 2026 APMA House of Delegates in Washington, DC, Dr. DeHeer reflects on the significance of becoming the profession’s 100th president and the responsibility of helping guide podiatry into its next century. The discussion explores themes of unity, visibility, advocacy, and leadership as APMA navigates several pivotal initiatives affecting podiatric physicians nationwide. Topics include:• Dr. DeHeer’s inauguration and vision for APMA’s next 100 years• Current advocacy efforts surrounding the Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act (“Diabetes Shoe Bill”) and its implications for patient access and limb preservation • The evolving conversation around ACGME integration and what it could mean for podiatric residency training and hospital alignment• Development of podiatric assistant and radiography educational pathways to strengthen office efficiency and workforce support• Legislative priorities, federal advocacy, and the importance of political engagement within organized podiatry• Building leadership pipelines for the next generation of podiatric physicians• Maintaining unity within the profession during a period of rapid healthcare transformationDr. DeHeer also shares personal reflections on servant leadership, mentorship, and why he believes podiatry’s future depends on continued engagement from practitioners, educators, residents, and students alike.This episode offers a timely look at organized medicine, healthcare policy, and the strategic priorities shaping podiatric medicine in 2026.About Our GuestDr. Patrick DeHeer is a nationally recognized foot and ankle surgeon, educator, and healthcare advocate from Indianapolis, Indiana. In March 2026, he was inaugurated as the 100th President of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in leadership, residency education, legislative advocacy, and advancing the visibility and influence of podiatric medicine nationally.

    48 min

  7. May 26

    Ep. 329 - Naomi Schmid "Physician Coaching and the Art of Realignment"

    In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. Naomi Schmid for an open and personal conversation about medicine, burnout, coaching, and finding alignment in both career and life. Dr. Schmid shares her journey into podiatric medicine after discovering the profession during a gap year following college, and reflects on how meaningful patient relationships became a defining theme throughout her career. The discussion also highlights the influence of mentorship in shaping generations of podiatrists across decades of training.The heart of the episode centers on Dr. Schmid’s transition into physician coaching after experiencing overwhelm herself while balancing clinical practice, leadership responsibilities, and family life. She candidly describes the moment she realized she needed support and how working with a coach transformed her perspective on success, fulfillment, and personal well-being. Together, we explore themes that resonate deeply within medicine: people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, work-life alignment, and the pressure many physicians feel to constantly achieve more while neglecting themselves in the process.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Schmid discusses how coaching helps physicians reconnect with their core values, identify what truly brings them joy, and make small but meaningful shifts that create lasting change. The group reflects on how external definitions of success can leave even highly accomplished professionals feeling unfulfilled, and why self-awareness, boundaries, and intentional decision-making are critical for sustainability in medicine. The episode also dives into differences in how men and women often experience medicine, leadership, and self-expectation, touching on topics like imposter syndrome, societal conditioning, and the challenge of saying “no.” Dr. Schmid emphasizes that coaching is not about “blowing up your life,” but rather making thoughtful, aligned changes that help physicians build careers and lives they genuinely enjoy.Blending humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, this episode offers an honest look at the realities of modern medical practice while reminding listeners that meaningful growth often begins with small shifts, self-reflection, and the willingness to ask for support. We hope you enjoy!Website: naomischmid.comLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-schmid-dpmFacebook: Dr. Naomi Schmid CoachingInstagram: drnaomischmidcoaching

    50 min

  8. May 22

    Ep. 328 - "Inside the Western: Innovation, Education, and Disney Magic" with Christy King & Devon Glazer

    Welcome to Dean’s chat where we discuss all things podiatric medicine and surgery! In this episode, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome back Dr. Christy King and Dr. Devon Glazer for an exciting preview of the upcoming Western Foot and Ankle Conference. The discussion highlights the evolution of the meeting into one of the premier live podiatric education experiences in the country, blending cutting-edge lectures, hands-on innovation, and the unique energy of Disneyland. Dr. King shares insights into the planning process behind building the scientific program, including this year’s highly anticipated “Great Debate” featuring leading experts discussing complex flatfoot reconstruction topics. Dr. Glazer discusses the creative strategy behind the conference layout, sponsor hall, and Innovation Hub, emphasizing the importance of attendee engagement, tactile learning, and peer-to-peer collaboration.The conversation also explores the return and success of fully live conferences post-COVID, with attendance expectations continuing to grow after last year’s sold-out event. Both guests stress the value of networking, mentorship, and providing students, residents, and fellows with opportunities to present research and connect with leaders in the profession. New additions this year include integrated poster presentations within the exhibit hall, expanded debate-style lecture formats, emerging technologies for chronic pain management, and sessions focused on artificial intelligence in podiatry. Throughout the episode, the group reflects on the collaborative spirit, innovation, and sense of community that make the Western Foot and Ankle Conference a standout educational experience for podiatric physicians at every stage of practice. We hope to see you there! https://www.thewestern.org/TheWestern/Register/TheWestern/Registration.aspx?EventKey=2026WFAC&hkey=c8f70f7a-2669-45f3-a9e9-8e954773b824

    29 min
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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.

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