Dean's Chat - All Things Podiatric Medicine

Ep. 328 - "Inside the Western: Innovation, Education, and Disney Magic" with Christy King & Devon Glazer

Welcome to Dean’s chat where we discuss all things podiatric medicine and surgery! In this episode, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome back Dr. Christy King and Dr. Devon Glazer for an exciting preview of the upcoming Western Foot and Ankle Conference. The discussion highlights the evolution of the meeting into one of the premier live podiatric education experiences in the country, blending cutting-edge lectures, hands-on innovation, and the unique energy of Disneyland. Dr. King shares insights into the planning process behind building the scientific program, including this year’s highly anticipated “Great Debate” featuring leading experts discussing complex flatfoot reconstruction topics. Dr. Glazer discusses the creative strategy behind the conference layout, sponsor hall, and Innovation Hub, emphasizing the importance of attendee engagement, tactile learning, and peer-to-peer collaboration. The conversation also explores the return and success of fully live conferences post-COVID, with attendance expectations continuing to grow after last year’s sold-out event. Both guests stress the value of networking, mentorship, and providing students, residents, and fellows with opportunities to present research and connect with leaders in the profession. New additions this year include integrated poster presentations within the exhibit hall, expanded debate-style lecture formats, emerging technologies for chronic pain management, and sessions focused on artificial intelligence in podiatry. Throughout the episode, the group reflects on the collaborative spirit, innovation, and sense of community that make the Western Foot and Ankle Conference a standout educational experience for podiatric physicians at every stage of practice. We hope to see you there!  https://www.thewestern.org/TheWestern/Register/TheWestern/Registration.aspx?EventKey=2026WFAC&hkey=c8f70f7a-2669-45f3-a9e9-8e954773b824

Don’t Get Burned: Melanoma in the Lower Extremity - DCLS S1E4

In this episode of the Dean’s Chat Learning Series, Dr. Johanna Richey welcomes Dr. Bela Pandit for an important discussion on malignant melanoma of the foot and ankle in recognition of Melanoma Awareness Month. Together, they explore why skin cancer deserves far more attention within podiatric medicine and how clinicians can avoid missing potentially life-threatening lesions. While melanoma is often associated with sun-exposed areas like the back or shoulders, the conversation highlights the unique and often overlooked risks involving the feet, soles, nails, and lower extremities—areas podiatrists examine every day. Dr. Pandit shares personal experiences from clinical practice where seemingly routine cases, including chronic wounds and presumed foreign body reactions, ultimately turned out to be melanoma. Join us as we emphasize how critical it is to keep melanoma in the differential diagnosis, especially for wounds or lesions that fail to heal as expected. Tune in, as we discuss the powerful impact of early detection, including moments where timely biopsy and referral likely saved a patient’s life. Listeners are also guided through the major types of melanoma, including superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma, and lentigo maligna, along with the classic ABCDE criteria for identifying suspicious lesions: asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter changes, and evolution over time. We discuss the importance of taking a thorough history, including prior skin cancer diagnoses, sun exposure, family history, and changes in lesions over time. Throughout the episode, we reinforce that podiatrists are uniquely positioned to detect melanoma early because we routinely evaluate areas patients often cannot see themselves. The conversation serves as both a practical educational review and a reminder that careful observation, thoughtful questioning, and timely biopsy can have life-saving consequences. The episode concludes with a call for clinicians and patients alike to take suspicious skin lesions seriously, practice good sun protection habits, and remember that early detection remains the key to improving outcomes in melanoma care. #podiatry #podiatricmedicine #podiatricdermatology #skincancerawarenessmonth #skincancerawareness #skincancer #melanoma #melanomaawareness #PICA #BakoDx

Ep. 327 - ACFAS - student leadership "what it's like serving in American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons student presidency"

Dean’s Chat is live on location at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons -Annual Scientific Conference in Las Vegas Nevada! Dr. Richey is joined by the ACFAS student leadership; Lily Cohen from Midwestern University, Fareeha Rafa from Temple University, Madeline Adkins from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Pierce Burke from Schol College of Podiatric Medicine. Join us as we discuss “all things podiatric medicine and surgery” including what its like to be a part of student leadership in the largest group of Foot and Ankle Surgeons worldwide. At its core, the ACFAS ASC is a large, multi-day conference focused on advancing surgical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional development in foot and ankle surgery. It brings together practicing surgeons, residents, and students from across the country. Listen, as we get the student experience inside the event.  The meeting is built around several key components: • Scientific education: Evidence-based lectures, panel discussions, and case reviews covering topics like trauma, deformity correction, sports injuries, and limb salvage.  • Research presentation: Surgeons and trainees present original research (posters and podium talks), highlighting new data and evolving techniques.  • Hands-on learning: Skills labs and workshops allow attendees to practice surgical techniques and familiarize themselves with new technology.  • Networking and mentorship: Opportunities to connect with leaders in the field, residency programs, and peers.  • Exhibit hall: Industry partners showcase implants, devices, and surgical innovations.  In practical terms, the ASC functions as one of the most important annual touchpoints in podiatric surgery, where new ideas are shared, standards of care are debated, and professional relationships are built. We hope you enjoy!

Ep. 326 - David Sipala, DPM, Residency Director, MPMA

On this episode of Dean’s Chat, host Dr. Jeffrey Jensen welcomes David Sipala, Residency Director at Boston Medical Center–Brighton and Board Member of the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Association. This episode is sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association! Dr. Sipala shares his perspectives on leadership, residency education, advocacy, and the evolving landscape of podiatric medical training. The conversation explores the critical role residency programs play in shaping future physicians, while also highlighting the importance of mentorship, professionalism, and creating strong clinical experiences for students during the clerkship process. Topics include: • Building and maintaining a high-quality residency training environment • What students should look for during clerkships and residency interviews • The importance of leadership development in podiatric medicine • Advocacy efforts within organized medicine and the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Association • Preparing the next generation of podiatric physicians for practice and leadership roles • Balancing surgical training, education, and mentorship in today’s healthcare environment Dr. Sipala also discusses the value of engagement within professional organizations and why advocacy remains essential to the future growth and recognition of podiatric medicine. A thoughtful discussion on education, mentorship, and leadership within the profession. #DeansChat #PodiatricMedicine #ResidencyEducation #MedicalLeadership #Clerkships #FACFAS #Podiatry #MedicalEducation #Advocacy

Ep. 325 - Ron Raducanu, DPM, Mission Work and Social Media

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. Ron Raducanu for a wide-ranging conversation about podiatric medicine, mentorship, mission work, online discourse, and building a meaningful career in the profession.  Originally from Montreal, Canada, Dr. Raducanu shares the unexpected story of how he discovered podiatry after literally colliding with a podiatrist on his way to class during his undergraduate studies at Concordia University. That encounter ultimately led him to the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and a lifelong commitment to podiatric education, surgery, and service. The discussion dives into the unique challenges Canadian students face when pursuing podiatric training in the United States, including visa hurdles, residency limitations, and immigration logistics. Dr. Raducanu reflects candidly on his own journey navigating student visas, residency sponsorships, and eventual U.S. citizenship while encouraging transparency and mentorship for future international students entering the profession. Dr. Raducanu also discusses his current private practice model in southern New Jersey, where a collaborative culture allows physicians to focus on their individual strengths while providing comprehensive patient care. The conversation highlights the importance of collegiality, specialization, and professional respect within podiatry, emphasizing how strong teamwork benefits both physicians and patients alike. The episode also explores Dr. Raducanu’s extensive commitment to academics and organized medicine, including his decade-long leadership role with the American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics. He reflects on building the organization from the ground up and the lessons learned from leading a national nonprofit largely through volunteer effort and determination. One of the most compelling portions of the interview centers on Dr. Raducanu’s mission work in Nigeria, where he has helped provide foot and ankle care in underserved communities while working to develop podiatric education pathways within the country’s medical system. He shares stories of cultural immersion, resource-limited surgical environments, and his vision for establishing long-term lower extremity care and training programs in West Africa. Finally, the conversation shifts to social media and Dr. Raducanu’s role as a moderator on Reddit’s podiatry forum, which has grown to over one million views annually. The group discusses the challenges of anonymous online discourse, the need for professionalism in digital spaces, and the importance of creating constructive forums for honest conversations about podiatric medicine. Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded of the power of mentorship, service, collaboration, and authentic dialogue in advancing the profession.