Ep. 343 - Stephen Kominsky, DPM - Author, Educator

Ep. 343 - Stephen Kominsky, DPM - Author, Educator

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen welcomes one of the true pioneers of diabetic limb preservation, Dr. Stephen J. Kominsky.  A nationally respected surgeon, educator, researcher, and author, Dr. Kominsky reflects on a career that has helped shape modern diabetic foot care and influenced generations of podiatrists. The conversation explores Dr. Kominsky’s professional journey, from his surgical training and early years in practice to becoming an internationally recognized authority in diabetic foot management, Charcot neuroarthropathy, wound healing, and limb salvage. A major focus of the discussion is his role as Editor-in-Chief of the landmark textbook Medical and Surgical Management of the Diabetic Foot, first published in 1994. The book became an essential reference for podiatric physicians and helped define the multidisciplinary approach to diabetic foot care that remains the standard today. Dr. Kominsky also discusses: • The evolution of diabetic limb salvage over the past four decades. • Advances in wound healing, off-loading, and reconstructive surgery. • The importance of evidence-based care and multidisciplinary treatment teams. • Lessons learned from decades of teaching, research, and clinical practice. • Mentoring the next generation of podiatric physicians and surgeons. • His perspectives on the future of diabetic foot care and limb preservation. Throughout the episode, Dr. Kominsky shares stories from his remarkable career and reflects on how the profession has evolved—from an era when major amputations were common to today’s comprehensive limb preservation programs. This conversation is both a historical perspective and a forward-looking discussion with one of podiatry’s most influential leaders. About Dr. Stephen J. Kominsky Dr. Stephen J. Kominsky is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon whose career has focused on diabetic foot care, wound healing, Charcot reconstruction, and limb salvage. He has authored numerous scientific publications, lectured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, served in leadership roles across multiple professional organizations, and is widely recognized for advancing multidisciplinary diabetic foot management. His editorial leadership on Medical and Surgical Management of the Diabetic Foot established one of the profession’s defining reference texts. Key Topics • Diabetic foot management • Limb preservation • Charcot neuroarthropathy • Wound healing • Off-loading strategies • Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery • Medical education • Mentorship • History of diabetic foot care • The future of limb salvage

Ep. 342 - Muhammad Junayed Khan - Cultural aspects of Muslim Care, Reseach, Fellowships

Dr. Jeffrey Jensen welcomes Dr. Mohammad Junayed Khan to Dean’s Chat for a wide-ranging discussion on research, medical education, patient care, and building a fulfilling career in podiatric medicine. This episode sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association! Dr. Khan shares his journey through podiatry school and explains how mentorship with Dr. Scott Malay helped shape his passion for clinical research. Together, they discuss why research is an essential component of advancing the profession and how students and young physicians can become involved early in their careers. The conversation also explores Dr. Khan’s research on culturally sensitive healthcare for Muslim patients, emphasizing the importance of understanding patients’ backgrounds to provide compassionate, individualized care. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Khan discuss one of the cornerstones of the lower extremity examination—palpating pedal pulses—and the normal variability clinicians encounter in practice, highlighting the importance of combining physical examination skills with sound clinical judgment. Finally, Dr. Khan reflects on his role as an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine, mentoring future podiatrists while balancing the demands of patient care, research, teaching, and family life with his two children. In this episode: • Dr. Khan’s path into podiatric medicine • The impact of mentorship and research • Research on culturally sensitive care for Muslim patients • Clinical insights on pedal pulse examination • Teaching at the LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine • Balancing family, academics, research, and clinical practice • Advice for podiatry students, residents, and early-career physicians If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, like, and share with colleagues, residents, students, and anyone interested in the future of podiatric medicine. #DeansChat #Podiatry #FootAndAnkle #MedicalEducation #ClinicalResearch #WoundCare #EvidenceBasedMedicine

Ep. 341 - Western Conference - California Podiatric Medical Association 2026

Dean’s Chat traveled to The Western Conference, hosted by the California Podiatric Medical Association at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, to bring listeners conversations with some of the profession’s most influential leaders in clinical practice, organized medicine, advocacy, education, and industry. Throughout the conference, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen sat down with a diverse group of guests to discuss the issues shaping the future of podiatric medicine—from leadership and legislative advocacy to innovation, education, and patient care. Featured Conversations Dr. Michael Cornelison A discussion on leadership within podiatric medicine, the value of professional engagement, and the opportunities and challenges facing today’s practitioners. Dr. Arman Kirakosian Insights into clinical excellence, professional development, and the evolving landscape of foot and ankle care. Dr. Devon Glazer As Chair of this year’s Western Conference, Dr. Glazer shares the vision behind the meeting, highlights of the educational program, and the importance of bringing podiatric physicians together for collaboration, continuing education, and networking. Bob Sage As a member of the APMA Board of Trustees, Bob Sage discusses the priorities of the American Podiatric Medical Association, organizational leadership, and the initiatives designed to strengthen and advance the profession. Chad Appel representing APMA as legal counsel leading many of APMA’s advocacy efforts, Chad Appel provides an inside look at legislative advocacy, health policy, scope of practice, and the importance of protecting and advancing podiatric medicine at both the state and national levels. The Bako Diagnostics Team Dr. Jensen also visits with members of the Bako Diagnostics team, including Jasmine Bakert, to discuss the company’s continued commitment to diagnostic excellence, innovation in pathology and laboratory medicine, and its partnership with the podiatric profession. Episode Highlights • Highlights from the Western Conference at Disneyland Resort • Leadership perspectives from organized podiatry • The role of APMA in advancing the profession • Current legislative and advocacy priorities • Continuing education and professional collaboration • Innovation in pathology and diagnostic medicine • Building the future of podiatric medicine through education, leadership, and partnership Whether you attended the Western Conference or couldn’t make it this year, this special series of Dean’s Chat interviews provides a behind-the-scenes look at the people and ideas helping shape the future of podiatric medicine.

Ep. 340 - Elizabeth Piselli, DPM – From Stanford Lacrosse to Sports Medicine Leadership

Join Dean’s Chat hosts Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey as they welcome Dr. Elizabeth Piselli for a fascinating conversation about athletics, leadership, and building a successful career in podiatric medicine. This episode sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association.  A former Stanford University lacrosse player and member of the U.S. U19 National Team, Dr. Piselli shares how the discipline, teamwork, and competitive mindset developed through elite athletics helped shape her professional journey. From sports medicine and private practice to her evolving focus on non-operative care, Dr. Piselli discusses the experiences that have influenced her career and passion for patient care. In This Episode * Growing up as a competitive athlete and earning a spot at Stanford University * Representing Team USA on the U19 Women’s National Lacrosse Team * Lessons from elite athletics that translate to healthcare and leadership * Discovering podiatric medicine and pursuing a career in foot and ankle care * Building a practice focused on helping active patients return to the activities they love * The evolving role of sports medicine within podiatry * Transitioning from a surgical focus toward a more non-operative and conservative treatment approach * Balancing patient outcomes, lifestyle goals, and evidence-based care * Career development, mentorship, and professional growth Leadership Through AAWP Dr. Piselli also discusses her involvement with the American Association of Women Podiatrists and the importance of creating opportunities for mentorship, networking, and leadership development within the profession. She shares insights into how organizations like AAWP help support podiatrists at every stage of their careers while advancing the future of podiatric medicine. Key Takeaways * Athletic experiences can provide a foundation for leadership and resilience in medicine. * Successful careers often evolve over time as interests, opportunities, and patient needs change. * Non-operative treatment remains a critical component of comprehensive foot and ankle care. * Mentorship and professional involvement can have a lasting impact on both individual careers and the profession as a whole. About Our Guest Dr. Elizabeth Piselli combines a unique background in elite athletics, sports medicine, and private practice with a commitment to professional service and mentorship. Her journey highlights the many pathways available within podiatric medicine and the value of staying open to new opportunities throughout one’s career. About Dean’s Chat Dean’s Chat, hosted by Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey, explores the people, stories, and ideas shaping the future of podiatric medicine through conversations with students, residents, practitioners, educators, and industry leaders.

Ep. 339 - Audrey Diaz, AZCPM 4th Year Student – Lessons from the Clerkship Trail

Join Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey as they welcome Audrey Diaz, a fourth-year student at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, for an engaging discussion about life on clerkships and the transition from the classroom to clinical training. As Audrey travels across the country completing externships, she shares firsthand experiences from hospitals, residency programs, and clinical rotations. This episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at what fourth-year students encounter as they evaluate residency programs while programs evaluate them. In This Episode * The purpose and value of fourth-year clerkships * Life on the road during externship season * Adjusting to new hospitals, healthcare systems, and clinical environments * Working alongside residents and attending physicians * What makes a clerkship experience exceptional * Differences between residency programs and institutional cultures * Building relationships, professionalism, and networking during rotations * The challenges of travel, housing, and maintaining balance on the road * Advice for third-year students preparing for clerkships * How clerkships help shape residency decisions and future career goals Audrey’s Perspective Audrey reflects on the lessons learned from working with diverse patient populations, observing different practice styles, and experiencing the realities of residency training. Her insights offer valuable guidance for students approaching their own clerkship journey and provide a glimpse into the growth that occurs during this pivotal year of podiatric medical education. Why Listen? Whether you are a prospective student, current podiatric medical student, resident, faculty member, or practicing podiatrist, this episode offers an authentic look at one of the most important stages of professional development—the transition from student to physician. About Dean’s Chat Dean’s Chat is the official podcast of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, hosted by Dean Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey. Each episode explores the people, experiences, and opportunities that shape the future of podiatric medicine. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. #DeansChat #AZCPM #Podiatry #PodiatricMedicine #MedicalEducation #Clerkships #Externships #ResidencyMatch #FutureDoctors #MidwesternUniversity #MedicalStudents #HealthcareEducation