Dean's Chat - All Things Podiatric Medicine

Dean’s Chat: Is Podiatry Facing a Workforce Shortage? Drs. Andrew Meyr and Jeneen Elagha on the Data!A new workforce study projects a shortage of 1,810 podiatric physicians in 2025—growing to 4,680 by 2035—with the largest projected gaps in Texas, California, Florida, and Georgia.Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome study authors Drs. Andrew Meyr and Jeneen Elagha to discuss how federal workforce projections, CMS data, and podiatric education trends shaped these estimates. They also explore what the findings could mean for patient access, student recruitment, training, and where podiatric physicians choose to practice.Study: Meyr AJ, Elagha J. “2025 podiatric physician workforce analysis based on Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) projections.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Published online September 6, 2026. Read the abstract on PubMed.Topics: Podiatric workforce • Patient access • HRSA projections • Podiatric medical education • Student recruitmentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dustin Prins, DPM, Director of Clinical Education at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Podiatric Medicine.Dr. Prins shares the professional journey that ultimately brought him to one of podiatric medicine’s newest academic programs. His path has been anything but linear—beginning with residency training, moving through private practice and military service, taking him to Guam, and eventually leading to his current role at UTRGV.In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Prins reflects on how the lessons gained in each phase of his career have shaped the way he approaches patient care, mentorship, clinical decision-making, and the education of future podiatric physicians. He also discusses the transition from practice to academic medicine and the importance of creating meaningful clinical experiences for students as they develop their professional identity.In This Episode• The early influences that led Dr. Prins into podiatric medicine• Lessons from residency and the transition into private practice• His military experience and how service shaped his leadership and clinical perspective• Practicing in Guam and the unique professional opportunities and challenges of that chapter• Why he made the move into academic medicine• His current role as Director of Clinical Education at UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine• Building strong clinical education experiences and relationships for podiatric students• The value of mentorship, adaptability, and saying yes to unexpected career opportunities• Advice for students, residents, and young physicians considering the many possible paths within podiatryWhy This Episode Matters:Dr. Prins’s story is a reminder that there is no single blueprint for a successful career in podiatric medicine. Private practice, military service, work in unique practice environments, and academic leadership can each add perspective and purpose. For students and young physicians, this episode offers an honest look at how varied experiences can prepare someone to educate, lead, and contribute to the future of the profession.About Dean’s ChatDean’s Chat is a long-form educational podcast hosted by Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey. Conversations feature leaders, educators, clinicians, residents, and students discussing podiatric medicine, medical education, residency training, leadership, research, and the future of the profession.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

APMA Leadership, Advocacy, and the Future of the Profession — Drs. Leslie Campbell and James HannaDean’s Chat hosts Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome APMA Board of Trustees members Dr. Leslie Campbell and Dr. James Hanna for a compelling conversation about leadership, service, and the future of podiatric medicine.Drs. Campbell and Hanna share the experiences, mentors, and defining moments that shaped their professional journeys and ultimately led them to national leadership within the American Podiatric Medical Association. Their stories demonstrate that leadership is rarely a straight path—it develops through involvement, relationships, a willingness to accept responsibility, and the courage to step forward when the profession needs you.The discussion highlights the remarkable work accomplished by APMA during the past two years under the leadership of Executive Director and CEO Meghan McClelland. Through an intensified focus on advocacy, education, communication, and member engagement, APMA has created significant momentum and strengthened its ability to represent podiatric physicians at the national level.The group also explores an exciting vision for the future of APMA meetings: a dynamic LAB format—Leadership, Advocacy, and Business. This model would broaden the traditional meeting experience by combining high-quality clinical education with the leadership skills, advocacy tools, and business knowledge podiatric physicians need to succeed in today’s healthcare environment.Additional topics include:The personal and professional growth that comes through organizational involvementThe importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and creating opportunities for othersHow emerging leaders can begin contributing at the local, state, and national levelsThe responsibility of current leaders to identify and develop the next generationBuilding an APMA culture that encourages engagement, innovation, and meaningful servicePreparing podiatric physicians to lead within their practices, institutions, communities, and professionThis episode is ultimately about more than holding a title. It is about developing people, creating opportunities, and building a sustainable leadership pipeline for podiatric medicine. Drs. Campbell and Hanna offer an honest and inspiring look at what it means to serve—and why the continued growth of the profession depends upon leaders who are willing to learn, engage, advocate, and bring others along with them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dean’s Chat comes to you from the road! Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey sat down with educators, clinicians, industry leaders, residents, and other influential voices from across the profession for a special series of conversations recorded at the Bako Diagnostics booth.This interview includes: Dr. Warren Joseph, Dr. Madalin Ramil, Dr. Jennifer Skolnik, Dr. Sari Priesand, Lindley Andrews, and Dr. Nicholas Argerikis.These rapid-fire conversations highlight the people, ideas, organizations, and initiatives shaping the future of podiatric medicine. From education and residency training to professional leadership, industry leaders Bako Diagnostics, clinical practice, advocacy, and the evolving opportunities within the profession, this special APMA series provides an inside look at podiatry from the individuals helping move it forward.A special thank-you to Bako Diagnostics for hosting Dean’s Chat and providing the space for these conversations at APMA National.Whether you are a prospective podiatric medical student, current student, resident, educator, or practicing podiatrist, this series offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from leaders throughout the professionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Interdigital web space infections may seem like a routine podiatric complaint, but the underlying diagnosis can be far more complicated—and potentially serious—than it appears. In this episode of the Dean’s Chat Learning Series, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey welcome Dr. William Scherer, Senior Podiatric Medical Advisor and clinical consultant for Bako Diagnostics, for an in-depth discussion on the diagnosis and management of interdigital web space infections. The conversation challenges the common assumption that every macerated, painful web space represents tinea pedis and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing fungal, bacterial, mixed, and noninfectious causes.Dr. Scherer discusses the differential diagnosis, with particular attention given to high-risk patients, including those with diabetes, neuropathy, or compromised vascular status, in whom a seemingly minor web space problem can progress to cellulitis, hospitalization, or even amputation. The discussion highlights how diagnostic testing can help move clinicians away from empiric treatment and toward more precise, evidence-based therapy.The episode explores newer PCR-based diagnostic technology and how a simple superficial skin scraping can help identify bacterial, fungal, or mixed infections and provide organism-specific information. Join us, as we discuss evidence based data to influence treatment decisions and why identifying bacterial infection early is particularly important. Throughout this discussion a common theme arises of “diagnose first, then tailor treatment to the actual pathology.” By applying evidence-based medicine, appropriate diagnostic testing, and a thoughtful decision-tree approach, podiatrists can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes while continuing to advance the role of podiatry in dermatologic and infectious disease care.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.