Dean's Chat - All Things Podiatric Medicine

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 collaboration Dr. 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!

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey welcome Madelin C. Ramil, DPM, FACFAS, to the3 podcast. Dr. Ramil is Dean and Professor at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine (College of Health Professions & Medical Sciences) and a foot and ankle surgeon. She leads clinical education, accreditation and continuous quality improvement, curriculum and assessment, and student advising, retention, and board readiness, while expanding clinical training partnerships. This episode is spoonsorted by Bako Diagnostics! Dr. Ramil earned her DPM from Barry University. She completed residency training at Florida Medical Center North and Plantation General Hospital and pursued fellowship training at Hospital San Rafael in Barcelona, Spain, and in Rome, Italy, under Dr. Ronconi. She is licensed in Florida and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. With more than 25 years in practice, Dr. Ramil has trained residents and externs as an attending physician and served as Assistant Surgical Foot and Ankle Residency Program Director. She directed the Foot and Ankle Clinic at Plantation General Hospital and has held privileges in multiple Broward County hospitals. A wound care expert, she has provided care in hospital-based wound centers across South Florida. A national and international speaker, Dr. Ramil also teaches foot surgery in Spain. She served as Director of Research for the HCA Westside Hospital Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency Program, supporting clinically relevant scholarship and educational quality initiatives. A proud Barry alumnus, she participated for over 15 years in the Dr. Charles Southerland Yucatán Crippled Children’s Program, BUSPM’s sponsored medical mission.

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Dr. Arman Kirakosian to the Podcast! Dr. Arman Kirakosian is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon whose journey into podiatric medicine began after sustaining an injury while playing professional soccer at Titan Stadium in 1999. Originally from Armenia, Dr. Kirakosian immigrated to the United States at the age of 13 with his parents and younger brother, bringing with him the resilience and determination that would later define his career. This episode is sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association! He completed his three-year surgical residency at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco from 2007 to 2010. Following residency, he established private practices in San Carlos and San Bruno, earning recognition for his skill in complex foot and ankle pathology and contributing to the field through multiple peer-reviewed publications. In 2015, Dr. Kirakosian returned to the VA San Francisco as a staff podiatric surgeon. By 2017, he was appointed Director of the Podiatric Surgical and Medical Residency Program, where he currently mentors six residents and numerous podiatric medical students. A passionate educator, he taught Gross Anatomy at San Francisco State University from 2006 to 2024, blending academic teaching with real-world surgical experience. Dr. Kirakosian also serves as Team Podiatrist for the Sacramento Republic FC (USL) and was named Team Podiatrist for the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) in 2021. He has traveled internationally as the primary team doctor for the Armenian Women’s National Soccer Team during World Cup and Euro Cup qualifying competitions. Guided by mentors such as Dr. Thomas Chang, Dr. Kirakosian remains dedicated to teaching, advancing sports medicine, and giving back to the profession that once cared for him as a young athlete. Enjoy this podcast!! Dr. Arman Kirakosian, D.P.M. FABPM, FAAFAS ABPM Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Medicine Diplomate with Certification of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine Residency Director of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery | DVA San Francisco Medical Center Team Podiatrist | San Jose Earthquakes, Sacramento Republic FC, Armenian Women’s National Soccer Team AAPSM Fellow | American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine ACSM Member | American College of Sports Medicine CPMA President | California Podiatric Medical Association

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen Richey, welcome Matine Mirsaidi, D.P.M to the podcast! Dr. Matine Mirsaidi received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine of Midwestern University, receiving premium podiatric medical training from a didactic and clinical aspect in affiliated facilities across the country. Thereafter, he completed a three-year podiatric medical and surgical residency at Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. He was trained by numerous well renowned foot and ankle specialists across the valley in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions, with vast training in both conservative and surgical management. Dr. Mirsaidi’s diverse training spans across wound care, diabetic foot care and limb salvage, complicated lower extremity infections, sports related injuries, dermatological conditions of the lower extremity, heel pain, flat feet, and other foot and ankle ailments. Raised here in the valley, Dr. Mirsaidi has always emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that has given so much to you. He volunteers at multiple events biannually such as FitFeet affiliated with Special Olympics of Arizona. In his free time, Dr. Mirsaidi enjoys spending time with his loved ones, traveling, participating and following sports such as soccer, football, basketball, and playing the guitar. In addition to English, Dr. Mirsaidi is fluent in Farsi/Persian, with a background in Spanish and French as well. Enjoy the podcast!

Drs. Jensen and Richey welcome Lieutenant Commander Brittany Lovett, DPM, a native of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, to Dean's Chat! She began her military career in 2008. She enlisted in the Air National Guard in 2008 and readily embraced her MOS (108th Services) whilepreparing meals and providing hospitality to her fellow Airmen on McGuire Air Force Base. She was meritoriously promoted to Senior Airman and took her first leadership role over six other junior Airmen. While enlisted, she attended Rutgers University in Camden, New Jersey and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2010. LCDR Lovett was competitively selected for the Healthcare Program Scholarship, and commissioned as an Ensign in the Naval Reserves in April 2012. After completing her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine Degree from Barry in 2015, University in 2015, she was promoted to Lieutenant. In 2015, she completed Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island. LCDR Lovett then reported to Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where she was selected as Chief Resident. As the Chief Resident, she overseen 5 other junior residents, diligently taking call monthly, establishing clinical templates, and coordinating surgical schedules, while performing over 400 surgeries. LCDR Lovett successfully completed Residency in 2018, in addition to publishing an article Wound Management of a Pediatric Spina Bifida Patient Secondary to a Dog Inflicted Fifth Digit Amputation. She successfully completed a three-year foot and ankle reconstructive surgical residency, and became board certified in American Board of Podiatric Medicine. In 2018 she reported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland where she was competitively selected as the Department Head of Podiatry at the White House Medical unit and the Navy Command Legal Officer within her first year on board. Additionally, she was appointed as the Unit Budget Officer and National Capital Region Podiatry Deputy Product Line Chair where she developed best practices and ensured seamless coordination of and administrative support for 1,434 Officers and Sailors assigned. As a result of her sustained leadership skills, she was hand selected as Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bethesda Division Officer where she ensured 100% medical readiness of 370 service members. She fulfilled a vital role while serving on the COVID 19 Vaccination Task Team. While touring at Walter Reed, LCDR Lovett’s passion for healthcare administration grew. In 2021, she graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana State University, earning a Master of Healthcare Administration degree. In 2022 LCDR Lovett reported to Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command, Jacksonville, FL. She serves as a Staff Podiatrist, Clinical Manager of Ophthalmology Department, Southeast Region Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Caregiver Operational Stress Relief Team Lead, Vice President of the Southeast Medical Service Corp Association, and a Member of the Climate Resiliency Team. In 2025, LCDR Lovett was hand-selected to serve as the Department Head of the Navy Manpower Analysis enter at NAS Jacksonville, leading initiatives to enhance warfighter optimization and fleet readiness. LCDR Lovett is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and is an active Federal Services member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Her personal awards include Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal , Humanitarian Service Medal, and numerous unit and service award. Enjoy this wonderful interview!

Drs. Jensen and Richey welcome Dr. Ryan Rigby to Dean's chat! An alum of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Rigby is a Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon who is originally from Logan, Utah and enjoys practicing in his home town. This episode is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics! He specializes in Minimally Invasive Surgery along with Arthroscopy and surgical repair of deformity and fractures. Dr. Rigby performed a Fellowship specializing in Total Ankle Replacement surgery. He also enjoys research and has authored many publications and textbooks. A PubMed link to his work can be found here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=rigby%2C+RB%5BAuthor%5D&sort=date Dr. Rigby also lectures both nationally and internationally. He has given over 400 lectures to Surgeons on leading techniques in Foot & Ankle surgery. He has served as the Chair of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. He is also a Section Editor for the Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery. Dr. Rigby enjoys working with Athletes and finding new techniques to help them return back to sports as soon as possible. In his free time he enjoys snowmobiling, boating and traveling with his wife and children.

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome a American Podiatric Medical Association student representative from the LECOMSchool of Podiatric Medicine! This podcast is sponsored by APMA, a tremendous supporter of podiatric medicine to students, residents, and practitioners alike! Brian Price joins us to discuss how they discovered podiatric medicine, his shadowing experiences, and things that have surprised them in school. He shares a great story on what led him to Podaitric Medicine. He also shares "professor shout-outs" and his role with APMSA! Enjoy this conversation with a student leader! #Podiatry #FootAndAnkle #Residency #MedicalEducation #Surgery #PodiatricMedicine #PreMed #HealthCareCareers #DeansChat

In this SAM Conference Part 2 episode - Drs. Jensen and Richey were at SAM in Orlando. We shared a booth with Bako Dx and interviewed leaders, conference organizers, residents, students, young practitoners, Deans, APMA leader, FPMA leaders! Enjoy!

300th episode "What we have learned from over 300 interviews!" Welcome to this special episode celebrating the 300th installment of Dean’s Chat! Join Drs. Jensen and Richey as they reflect on the insights, lessons, and recurring themes that have emerged from conversations with more than 300 individuals across the podiatric profession. This episode is sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association! Throughout these discussions, several powerful messages have consistently risen to the surface. One of the most common is that no career path is truly linear. While medical training often follows a structured and predictable framework, many guests emphasized the importance of recognizing opportunities, embracing change, and leaning into the aspects of practice that bring genuine joy. It has been especially inspiring to hear the wide range of ways podiatrists have found fulfillment—across medicine, surgery, education, leadership, and life beyond the clinic—by sharing their unique talents and expertise. Another clear theme has been the exceptional quality of our students. Today’s podiatric students are highly motivated, deeply engaged, and purpose driven, and they are helping to shape and advance the future of the profession. We are also continually reminded that our profession is rich with talent. From clinicians and educators to innovators and advocates, podiatry thrives because of the collective strength of its people. Our sponsors play a vital role in this ecosystem as well—supporting advocacy efforts, workshops, leadership development, and continuing medical education. No one succeeds alone, and together we are stronger. Finally, leadership has emerged as a central topic, defined by courage, integrity, and passion. We highlight the diverse ways our guests have demonstrated leadership and made meaningful contributions to the profession. We are grateful for this journey and deeply appreciative of you—our audience—for your time, enthusiasm, and thoughtful feedback. The future of podiatry is bright, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.

In this episode - Drs. Jensen and Richey were at SAM in Orlando. We shared a booth with Bako Dx and interviewed leaders, conference organizers, residents, students, young practitoners, Deans, APMA leader, FPMA leaders! Enjoy!

Dean's Chat was a sponsor for the "Sam After Dark" event at SAM in Orlando last weekend. Drs. Jensen and Richey did a few interviews at this event! Enjoy!

Dean’s Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey are joined by Jim McDannald, DPM, from Montreal, Canada. Dr. McDannald received his undergraduate degree from Augustana College and attended the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. This episode is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics! He did his three-year surgical residency at Portland Good Samaritan/Kaiser Permanente. Dr. McDannald practiced in Eugene, Oregon for several years, collaborating with his orthopedic colleagues, athletic trainers, and coaches in the care of high-level NCAA Division I and world-class athletes (University of Oregon and Oregon Track Club/Nike Oregon Project). Dr. McDannald is the founder of PodiatryGrowth.com. His services include Digital marketing strategy and services for private foot and ankle clinics, website planning, development, optimization, and delegation of tasks for maintenance. He also provides the digital foundation for efforts that align with overall organizational efforts. Podiatry Growth will Increase discovery of website and social channels by overseeing, managing, and measuring SEO, SEM & paid traffic campaigns. He can be contacted at jim@podiatrygrowth.com.

Hello everyone! In this episode of Dean’s Chat Drs. Jensen and Richey have an in-depth conversation with Dr. Lawrence Oloff, 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. 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.

Hello everyone! In this episode of Dean’s Chat Drs. Jensen and Richey interview Dr. Shane Hollawell, a podiatric surgeon, fellowship director, and national leader in foot and ankle surgery. Join us, as we discuss “All things podiatric medicine and surgery!” In this episode we discuss Dr. Hollawell’s background as a collegiate football player to podiatric medicine, his education at Temple University, his surgical residency in Philadelphia, and his current leadership roles in fellowship training, residency education, and professional organizations such as the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Tune in to our discussion as we discuss the strong crossover between athletics and medicine. Dr. Hollowell explains how football shaped his time management, resilience, discipline, and ability to adapt—skills he sees as directly transferable to surgical practice. Listen to the parallels between game preparation and surgical planning, emphasizing adaptability, mental preparation, and learning from setbacks. Join us for an in-depth discussion on fellowship training. As the Foot and Ankle Fellowship Director for the Orthopedic Institute of Central Jersey, Dr. Hollawell advocates strongly for fellowship education, noting that it enhances surgical confidence, clinical judgment, outpatient practice skills, business acumen, and overall career readiness. He explains how fellowships help graduates “hit the ground running,” often leading to stronger initial job offers and long-term career advantages. In this episode we get granular about guidance for residents and students on selecting fellowships, researching programs, networking at ACFAS events, and using the ACFAS website as a primary resource. Leadership and lifelong learning are recurring topics. Dr. Hollawell discusses leadership as leading by example, adaptability, collaboration, and mentorship at all career stages—from private practice to national organizations like the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, where he serves on the board. The panel agrees that the future of podiatric medicine lies in continued surgical and medical parity, specialization, and professional unity. Finally, we end with reflections on mentorship; Dr. Hollawell credits his residency training and senior attendings for granting autonomy and shaping his clinical confidence. He highlights learning not only from mentors but also from teaching residents and fellows. Beyond medicine, we discuss his community service, including his involvement with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, and his interest in surgical innovation and device development driven by practical clinical experience. We hope you enjoy! https://www.acfas.org/professional-resources/fellowship-resources https://www.acfas.org https://oibortho.com/orthopaedics/foot-ankle/

Welcome to the APMA News Takover, Part 2! Hosted by APMA's Dr. John Garnett, this is the Part 2 interview with Jeffrey Jensen, DPM and Johanna Richey, DPM. 📌 Episode Overview In this special APMA Takeover episode of Dean’s Chat, we sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, advocacy, education, and the evolving identity of the podiatric profession. This episode is sponsorted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)! This episode pulls back the curtain on how APMA, academic leadership, and frontline clinicians are working together to strengthen podiatric medicine—at a time when visibility, unity, and strategic messaging matter more than ever. 🧠 Key Topics Covered 1) Why APMA matters now more than ever How organized medicine and unified messaging shape the future of podiatry. 2) The role of leadership in uncertain times What deans, association leaders, and clinicians must do to protect and advance the profession. 3) Education as advocacy How podiatric medical education intersects with public perception, policy, and student recruitment. 4) Telling the podiatry story better Why podiatric medicine struggles with visibility—and how that can change. 5) Students, residents, and the pipeline problem Honest discussion about enrollment, engagement, and the responsibility of leadership. 6) APMA’s evolving role From legislative advocacy to student outreach and national branding. 🔑 Notable Takeaways • Leadership in podiatry is no longer optional—it’s required at every level. • The profession must control its narrative or risk being defined by others. • Collaboration between APMA, colleges, and clinicians is the only sustainable path • Students are watching—and leadership behavior sets the tone for the future. 👣 Why This Episode Matters This conversation isn’t just about policy or administration—it’s about identity. Where podiatric medicine has been, where it is now, and where it’s headed. Whether you’re a student, resident, practicing DPM, or academic leader, this episode challenges you to think bigger about your role in shaping the profession.

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcime the current American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Dr. Alan Nd, to the podcast! This episode is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics - a leader in student, residency and physician education and hands on training! A Denver native, Dr. Alan Ng went to Chicago and Texas for his medical training and surgical fellowship, as well as a short stint in practicing podiatric surgery, before eventually moving back to his hometown to join Advanced Orthopedics. Dr. Ng specializes primarily in Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery and Trauma. Outside of his own practice, he is heavily involved in the world of podiatric medicine, serving as a past President of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and is currently president elect American College of Foot and ankle Surgeons. Dr. Alan Ng is also heavily involved in designing surgical equipment and consulting for multiple surgical companies to enhance patient outcomes and to use new technology to improve surgical techniques. He currently consults and designs surgical devices for Stryker Foot and Ankle/Sports Medicine, Restore 3D, Orthosolutions, Medline Unite, Organogensis, Anika Orthopedics, Lifenet, Sinaptic, and Paragon 28/Additive Orthopedics. Education • Residency: Foot/Ankle Surgery/Fellowship – Harris County Podiatric Surgical Residency Program, Houston, TX • Medical School: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine – Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Chicago, IL • Undergraduate Degree: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO Board Certifications • American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery – Reconstructive Rear Foot/Ankle Surgery and Foot Surgery Memberships & Organizations • Continuous Certification Committee and Exam Oversight Committee- American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery • Highlands-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Podiatric Surgical Residency Program (Committee Member) • Board of Directors, President - American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • Fellowship Director – Rocky Mountain Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Fellowship • Residency Committee – Highlands/Presbyterian St. Luke’s Podiatric Surgical Residency Program Interests & Hobbies • Skiing • Golf • Martial Arts (Karate & Muay Thai Kickboxing) Enhoy thgis conversatin with a true leader in podiatric surgery!

Dean's Chat hosts Drs. Jensen and Richey are joined by Dr. Larissa Schmidt and Dr.Tim Miller to preview the Florida Podiatric Medicine Association's SAM conference in Orlando, FL. The conference will be held January 28 - February 1, 2026. See you there!!

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome the American Podiatric Medical Association student representatives from William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine! This podcast is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics, a tremendous supporter of podiatric medicine to students, residents, and practitioners alike! Emaan Khawaja and Hanna Shawabkeh join us to discuss how they discovered podiatric medicine, their shadowing experiences, and things that have surprised them in school. They also discuss things that have inspired them, and a series of "Rapid Fire" questions! They also share "professor shout-outs" and their roles with APMSA! Enjoy this conversation with student leaders! #Podiatry #FootAndAnkle #Residency #MedicalEducation #Surgery #PodiatricMedicine #PreMed #HealthCareCareers #DeansChat

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome the American Podiatric Medical Association student representatives from Des Moines University, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. This podcast is sponsored by the american Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), our lead in advocacy, education, and collaboration withing the profession! Kenneth Hall-Johnson and George Mikhail join us to discuss how they discovered podiatric medicine, their shadowing experiences, and things that have surprised them in school. They also discuss things that have inspired them, and a series of "Rapid Fire" questions! They also share "professor shout-outs" and their roles with APMSA! Enjoy this conversation with student leaders! #Podiatry #FootAndAnkle #Residency #MedicalEducation #Surgery #PodiatricMedicine #PreMed #HealthCareCareers #DeansChat

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jensen and Richey sit down with Luke Seuffer, a fourth-year student at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine (AZCPM), who is currently in the heart of his clinical clerkship year. Luke shares a candid, boots-on-the-ground perspective of what life looks like during fourth year—rotating through diverse clinical settings, managing increasing responsibility, and preparing for residency while still learning every day. From adapting to new hospitals and attendings to refining clinical decision-making and patient communication, Luke offers an honest look at the growth that happens during this pivotal year. We discuss: • 🩺 What surprised him most about clerkships • 📚 How AZCPM prepared him for real-world clinical expectations • 🧠 Lessons learned from different attendings, residents, and healthcare teams • ⚖️ Balancing long clinical days with residency preparation • 🔮 Advice for third-year students heading into clerkships Luke’s reflections highlight the transition from student to clinician, the importance of adaptability, and the value of strong mentorship. His experience underscores how fourth year isn’t just about proving what you know—it’s about learning how to think, act, and grow as a future podiatric physician. Whether you’re a pre-medical student, a current podiatric student, or simply interested in how physicians are trained, this episode offers an authentic and informative look at the clerkship experience through the eyes of someone living it right now.