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. 2 DAYS AGO

    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
  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    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
  3. 24 MAR

    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. 17 MAR

    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
  5. 13 MAR

    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

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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