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. 2D AGO

    Ep. 315 - Ana Lam-Wilson, NYCPM 4th Year Student

    This episode features an engaging and insightful conversation with fourth-year podiatry student Ana Lam-Wilson, who shares her journey through podiatric medical education, leadership, and the residency match process. Joined by Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey, the discussion highlights the transition from student to future physician while offering practical advice and reflections for current and prospective students.Ana begins by describing her path into podiatry, noting that she initially considered traditional MD or DO routes before discovering podiatric medicine through a mentor. Drawn to its blend of hands-on care, surgery, and longitudinal patient relationships, she found the specialty aligned with her desire to both create and treat. Her background in teaching—working with elementary school students—played a formative role in shaping her understanding of how individuals learn differently.A major theme of the conversation centers on leadership and involvement. Ana reflects on her extensive participation in student organizations, including roles within APMSA and her institution, emphasizing that extracurricular engagement is what you make of it. She encourages students to be intentional with their time, noting that responsibilities expand to fill the time allotted, and that meaningful involvement requires genuine commitment rather than simply holding a title.The episode also highlights Ana’s role in launching the APMSA student podcast, “Straight from the Sole.” She discusses the collaborative process behind selecting topics, recording the inaugural episode at a national conference, and creating content that reflects authentic student perspectives. The podcast aims to address common questions across all levels of training while fostering connection within the podiatric community. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the residency match process. Ana provides a detailed look at her externship experience, offering practical advice such as mastering anatomy, understanding key classifications, and consistently showing up prepared and engaged. She emphasizes that early rotations are an opportunity to ask questions and build a foundation, while later rotations require refinement and confidence. Her structured approach—including maintaining a detailed spreadsheet to track program characteristics such as case diversity, culture, and logistics—demonstrates the value of organization in making informed decisions.Importantly, Ana underscores that residency selection is highly personal. She advises students to gather input from peers and mentors but to ultimately prioritize their own goals and circumstances. Factors such as mentorship, work environment, family considerations, and lifestyle all play a role. She also highlights the importance of staying present during the process—building relationships, networking across programs, and appreciating the shared experience among students nationwide.The conversation also touches on financial considerations, particularly scholarships. Anna strongly encourages students to apply broadly, noting that there is little downside and significant potential benefit.Throughout the episode, Ana’s perspective is grounded in a philosophy she describes as “bridging”—serving as a connector between peers, mentors, patients, and communities. This mindset reflects her commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and advancing the profession.The episode concludes with reflections on balance and future planning. As Ana prepares to begin residency, she prioritizes rest, travel, and personal time, recognizing the importance of recharging before the demands of training begin. Her story serves as both inspiration and a practical guide for students navigating the complexities of medical education and career development in podiatry.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhQFEqa-zQQ

    54 min
  2. 6D AGO

    Ep. 314 - Lyndon Mason, M.D. - "Insatiable Curisoity and growing through discomfort"

    In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Joanna Richey welcome Professor Dr. Lyndon Mason, an internationally recognized foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon based in the United Kingdom. The conversation offers a comprehensive look at his career journey, the structure of UK surgical training, and the foundational principles that have guided his success in clinical practice, research, and education.Dr. Mason, shares insights into his early path into medicine. Unlike the United States, where pre-medical education precedes medical school, Dr. Mason entered medical training directly at age 18. He outlines the UK system, which includes medical school, foundation years, core surgical training, registrar-level specialization, and fellowship.A central theme throughout the discussion is the profound impact of mentorship. Dr. Mason credits several key mentors with shaping his career trajectory, not only by providing guidance but also by challenging him to pursue opportunities beyond his comfort zone. He emphasizes that mentorship is not a short-term relationship but a lifelong influence, often continuing decades after initial training. These relationships also play a critical role in helping trainees navigate self-doubt and imposter syndrome—an experience Dr. Mason openly acknowledges as part of professional growth.Dr. Mason’s career has been marked by extensive international experience, including training and observerships in Australia, Germany, and the United States. These opportunities exposed him to high-volume, complex pathology and diverse surgical approaches. Importantly, he highlights that the greatest value of these experiences lies not just in learning surgical techniques, but in understanding how different systems and surgeons approach problem-solving and patient care.With over 300 publications and more than 50 awards, Dr. Mason’s academic productivity is driven by what Dr. Richey calls “insatiable curiosity.” He underscores the importance of questioning established practices, encouraging trainees to ask “why” at every step rather than accepting tradition at face value.The discussion also explores differences between the UK and U.S. healthcare systems, particularly in relation to industry collaboration. Dr. Mason explains that opportunities for device development and commercialization are more limited within the UK’s National Health Service, where intellectual property is often institutionally held. As a result, relationships with industry differ significantly from those in the United States.Education remains a cornerstone of Dr. Mason’s career. He describes a deep passion for teaching, especially at the level of early learners, and has developed numerous educational resources over time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a YouTube channel to make high-quality lectures accessible to trainees who might otherwise be restricted by paywalls. For him, teaching and curiosity are inherently linked—those who are driven to learn are naturally inclined to teach.Ultimately, Dr. Mason finds the greatest fulfillment in mentorship and the success of his trainees. He takes pride in seeing students progress through their careers, with the hope that they will surpass his own accomplishments. This long-term investment in others reflects his broader philosophy of growth, both personal and professional.The episode concludes with advice for students and early-career professionals. Dr. Mason encourages aspiring clinicians to question everything, work diligently, and pursue opportunities with persistence. He emphasizes that background does not define potential, and that growth often occurs in moments of discomfort. Hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone, he notes, are the keys to building a meaningful and impactful career.

    40 min
  3. MAR 31

    Ep. 313 - Kiana Karbasi, DPM - Balancing Practice, Family, and Purpose

    🔎 Episode OverviewIn this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jensen and Richey sit down with Dr. Kiana Karbasi, a dynamic podiatric physician practicing in Orlando and a graduate of NYCPM.Dr. Karbasi shares her journey from training in New York to building a thriving practice in Florida—while navigating life as part of a “podiatry power couple” alongside her husband, Dr. Tim Miller, and raising two children.This conversation goes beyond medicine—diving into work-life integration, entrepreneurship, and redefining success in modern podiatry.💡 Key Topics Covered• Transition from New York College of Podiatric Medicine to private practice in Orlando• Building and managing a successful podiatry practice• The realities of being a dual-physician household• Raising a family while maintaining clinical excellence• Time management strategies for busy professionals• The importance of support systems at home and at work• Redefining “balance” → it’s not perfect, it’s intentional• Advice for students, residents, and early-career podiatrists🧠 Leadership Takeaways• “Balance isn’t static—it evolves with your season of life.”• Success in podiatry is not just clinical—it’s personal sustainability• Surround yourself with people who understand your mission• You can build a career and a meaningful family life—with intention.👩‍⚕️ About Our GuestKiana Karbasi, DPM• Graduate of New York College of Podiatric Medicine• Practicing podiatrist in Orlando, Florida• Practice owner/operator• Focused on patient-centered care and efficient practice management• Advocate for physician wellness and work-life integration🎯 Who Should Watch• Podiatric medical students• Residents and early-career physicians• Dual-career couples in medicine• Practice owners or aspiring entrepreneurs• Anyone striving for better work-life alignment

    53 min
  4. MAR 27

    Ep. 312 - Michael A. Gentile, DPM, FACFAS - Leadership, ACFAS, AO NA, and Academic Impact

    Drs. Jensen and Richey welcome Dr. Michael Gentile to Dean’s Chat—a dual board-certified foot and ankle surgeon whose career spans private practice, academic leadership, fellowship training, and national organizational impact.From reconstructive surgery and limb salvage to resident education and leadership within the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Dr. Gentile brings a wealth of experience and perspective on what it means to build a meaningful and enduring career in podiatric medicine.🔎 Episode OverviewDr. Gentile shares his journey from graduating summa cum laude at the California College of Podiatric Medicine to completing a rigorous reconstructive residency in Denver, and ultimately becoming a leader in both clinical practice and surgical education.Now practicing with The Permanente Medical Group in San Francisco, Dr. Gentile reflects on his transition across practice environments, his passion for teaching, and his commitment to advancing the profession through research, mentorship, and organized medicine.💡 Key Topics Covered• Dual board certification and what it means for surgical excellence• Evolution from private practice to academic leadership and multi-specialty care• Building and directing a foot & ankle fellowship program• The role of mentorship in shaping the next generation• Leadership within American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons• Surgical innovation in trauma, reconstruction, and limb salvage• Integrating podiatry within orthopaedic and multi-specialty systems• Lessons learned across a 20+ year career in foot and ankle surgery🧠 Leadership Takeaways• “Great surgeons are built through repetition, mentorship, and accountability.”• Academic medicine provides a platform to multiply your impact beyond the OR• Leadership is less about title and more about consistent contribution• The future of podiatry depends on integration, education, and collaboration👨‍⚕️ About Our GuestMichael A. Gentile, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS• Dual Board-Certified: American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Foot & Rearfoot/Ankle Reconstruction)• Residency: HealthONE Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center, Denver, CO• Former Chief, Division of Foot & Ankle Surgery – Marshall University School of Medicine• Current Practice: The Permanente Medical Group (San Francisco, CA)• Faculty: AO North America• Section Editor (Trauma): Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery• Chairman, Surgical Skills Committee – American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons• Founder, Portland Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Fellowship• Multiple “Attending of the Year” awards and national recognition in surgical education🎯 Who Should Watch• Podiatric medical students and residents• Foot & ankle surgeons interested in reconstruction and trauma• Academic leaders and program directors• Physicians navigating private practice vs. academic careers• Anyone interested in leadership within organized medicine

    52 min
  5. MAR 24

    Ep. 311 - Shital Sharma, DPM, FACFAS - Leader, Educator, Business Strategist

    In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Richey welcome Dr. Shital Sharma, a physician-leader whose career spans clinical practice, residency education, healthcare business strategy, and emerging technology in medicine. Dr. Sharma brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of academic podiatric medicine, private practice growth, and healthcare innovation, with leadership roles in both hospital-based training programs and private-equity–backed practice models.She previously served as Chair of Podiatry and Residency Director at CarePoint Health, where she led departmental strategy, surgical education, and accreditation oversight. Her work in graduate medical education focused on building strong residency training environments while navigating the evolving landscape of hospital systems and reimbursement.Dr. Sharma currently practices with New York Sports & Joints, where she is involved in market expansion, credentialing, referral development, and operational strategy, helping scale modern multidisciplinary orthopedic and podiatric care models.In addition to her clinical and administrative work, she is pursuing a Master of Public Health at Yale University (expected 2027), with a focus on insurance systems, healthcare policy, and population health. Her academic work reflects a growing interest in how physicians can lead change in a healthcare system increasingly shaped by data, technology, and value-based care.Dr. Sharma is also recognized nationally for her leadership in:• Physician education and residency training• AI integration in clinical workflow• Alumni and professional governance• Practice growth within private equity–supported models Topics discussed in this episode• Transitioning from residency director to healthcare strategist• The future of podiatry in large health systems• Private equity and its impact on surgical specialties• How AI will change physician workflow• Why public health training matters for modern physicians• Leadership lessons from academic medicine• Advice for students, residents, and young attendingsThis conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, leadership, and lifelong learning as the profession continues to evolve.

    53 min
4.9
out of 5
29 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.

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