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

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

Ep. 338 - AZCPM Class of 2029 - 1st year Done! Emery Wright, Iman Dasti, Grant Slye, Andrew Ross

Join Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey as they welcome four members of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine Class of 2029 following the completion of their first year of podiatric medical school. This episode is sponsored by APMA! This annual tradition provides a candid look at the transition from undergraduate education to the rigors of medical school. Students discuss the challenges, surprises, successes, and lessons learned during their first year, offering valuable insight for prospective students, current learners, faculty, and anyone interested in the journey toward becoming a podiatric physician. Guests * Emery Wright * Iman Dasti * Grant Slye * Andrew Ross In This Episode * Adjusting to the pace and expectations of medical school * Study strategies that worked during the first year * Managing time, stress, and personal wellness * Building friendships and finding support within the AZCPM community * Experiences with anatomy, basic sciences, and clinical exposure * Advice for students considering podiatric medicine * Reflections on completing the first year and preparing for year two The conversation highlights the resilience, growth, and determination required to succeed in podiatric medical education and showcases the supportive culture at AZCPM. 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, stories, and innovations shaping podiatric medicine and healthcare education. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. #Podiatry #MedicalSchool #AZCPM #MidwesternUniversity #PodiatricMedicine #DeansChat #FutureDoctors #HealthcareEducation #ClassOf2029 #MedicalStudents

Ep. 337 - Zachary Anderson and Isabel Bathke: Trust the Process: Love, Clerkships, and the Road to Residency

In this special Dean’s Chat episode, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine students Zachary Anderson and Isabel Bathke to discuss their journey through podiatry school, clerkships, and the exciting transition toward residency training. Members of the Class of 2027 and an engaged couple preparing for both residency and marriage, Zach and Isabel share how they first met during orientation and how a friendship built on shared goals evolved into a partnership that has helped them navigate the challenges of podiatric medical education together.  The conversation explores how each of them discovered podiatry and ultimately chose AZCPM. Isabel recounts her early exposure to the profession through a high school shadowing experience, while Zach discusses his interest in a specialty that uniquely combines surgery, wound care, diabetic limb salvage, and long-term patient relationships. Together, they reflect on the experiences that have shaped their development as future physicians.  A central theme of the episode is teamwork, accountability, and balance. Although they quickly realized they had very different learning styles, Zach and Isabel found ways to support one another throughout the demanding curriculum. From reviewing concepts over dinner and spending time in the cadaver lab to enjoying golf as a study break, they describe how maintaining balance and creating a sustainable approach to learning helped them succeed while strengthening their relationship.  The discussion also highlights preparation for Part I Boards and the value of ACPM’s integrated curriculum alongside osteopathic medical students. Both students reflect on how the foundational sciences learned in the classroom translated directly into clinical experiences during clerkships. As they encountered increasingly complex patients and collaborated with physicians from multiple specialties, they gained a deeper appreciation for treating the whole patient rather than focusing solely on the foot and ankle.  Now immersed in fourth-year clerkships throughout Florida and Arizona, Zach and Isabel discuss the process of selecting externships, evaluating residency programs, and balancing professional aspirations with the realities of planning a future together. Their experiences provide insight into the unique challenges and rewards of pursuing medical training as a couple, emphasizing the importance of communication, flexibility, and mutual support.  Throughout the episode, Zach and Isabel offer encouragement to students currently navigating the demanding years of podiatry school. Their message is one of perseverance and perspective: trust the process, embrace the challenges, and recognize that the long hours of studying and preparation are building the foundation for future success in patient care. As they look ahead to residency and the next chapter of their careers, their story serves as a reminder that professional growth, meaningful relationships, and personal fulfillment can all develop together through dedication, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose