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01/17/2008
RE: Width of Margins For Excision of Malignant Lesions (Brent Rubin, DPM)
From: Brad Bakotic, DPM, DO, Jon Purdy, DPM For basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, narrow margins are used. In most instances 2-3 mm. will suffice. For melanoma in-situ of the acral surfaces 5 mm. is recommended (NIH). For melanoma away from acral surface 3-5 mm. are standard. Invasive melanoma less than 1 mm. in thickness require 1cm margins; while melanomas over 2mm require 2 cm. margins. Those between 1 and 2 mm. in thickness may be excised with 1-2 cm. margins. The only way to excise less than these standards is by using Moh's micrographic surgery. This technique allows for the excision of invasive melanoma with an average of 6-7 mm. margins. Brad Bakotic, DPM, DO, BBakotic@ameripath.com It can be up to 3 cm. margins depending upon the depth and location. I recently excised a 1.5 x 7cm. melanoma from the plantar surface of a gentleman. I first performed a punch to determine depth and later went in with the surgeon who performed node biopsy at the same time to determine if further resection was necessary. There are some pathology lab policies regarding melanoma handling. One of those is that no frozen section will be performed, so you might want to find this out in advance as you will not be able to rely on it for information. Below is a great article for reference.
http://www.emedicine.com/DERM/topic257.htm
Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA , podiatrist@mindspring.com
RE: Sweaty Feet & Cotton Socks (Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM)
From: Multiple Respondents
Supporting Dr. Steinberg's comments - it has been well established and accepted for years that synthetic fibers such as acrylic are better at wicking moisture away from the foot than cotton. Cotton is a great absorber but does not release moisture efficiently. This causes sweat to cool and dry next to the skin instead to transporting the moisture away into other layers of the sock or shoe lining. Cotton socks also tend to 'roll and pill' thus causing wrinkles which may cause blisters. There is even a coating process for natural cotton fibers to help the material's moisture management. With today's miracle fibers such as CoolMax on the market very few athletes, if any, wear cotton next to the foot - and who sweats more than an athlete?
Mel Cheskin MBS.,C.Ped., Boca Raton, FL, melcheskin@aol.com
I must agree with Dr. Steinberg. For those interested, some of the most extensive research has been done on Thorlo socks, which are padded and composed of synthetic fibers. This peer-reviewed, published research can be found at the Institute for Preventive Foot Health Web Site at: www.ipfh.org/research/summary_peer_research.php
Gene Ulishney, C.Ped, Parkland, FL, GUlishney@aol.com APMA Responds: The APMA Marketing and Career Development Committee regrets the error that was printed in the sample edition of the Winter Footprints newsletter. The information about cotton socks was an oversight that was detected by one of our alert APMA members when the online draft came out. Unfortunately, the sample copies had already been printed and could not be recalled. In the article in the APMA News on page 25 (January 2008) regarding the “Footprints” newsletter, there is a note at the bottom that indicates that there is an error in the article on socks. We have made a correction to the article on the PDF that can be downloaded from the website. However, since the “sample” newsletter was already printed before we could make that change, we wanted to still include the sample edition of the newsletter and let DPMs know that we’d made an error. The sample edition that was included in the APMA News was designed as a sample only, and we felt that our making the notation would allow doctors to know that we had corrected our mistake. There is a wealth of foot health information both on APMA’s website and from other sources. APMA is diligently working to update and ensure that all of their publications are accurate and consistent in message. We are happy to receive feedback from our members and will respond accordingly. Thomas C. Melillo, DPM, Chair APMA Marketing and Career Development Committee
Other messages in this thread:
04/06/2026
YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP
RE: Outrageous Shoe of the Day
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How to in"prism" a foot? (photo: Ian Murphy) |
Source: Andreia Chaves via Virtual Shoe Museum
04/06/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (PODIATRISTS AND BURNOUT)
From: Samuel Makanjuola, DPM
I find some things interesting after seeing the projected shortages for podiatrists by the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. First and foremost, their projection for 2026 right now is that there is a 2000+ podiatrist shortage. Surprising seeing how many grads are having trouble finding jobs where they are located.
Secondly, and more importantly, did anyone notice it said as part of "wider allied health shortages"? I did. So I double-checked the source. The MSN "article", if it can be called that, was AI-generated and has no link to the actual NCHWA information. No issue, I can just go directly to them. Upon doing so, I found that while they specify many different types of "physicians" in their analysis, they do not include podiatry in their physician category but rather as...
Editor's note. Dr. Makanjuola's extended-length letter can be read here.
04/06/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (AI)
RE: AI In Your Future?
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
In a recent Becker's Spine Review, there is an interesting quote which should cause concern. "AI is coming fast and being widely employed before it has been refined. AI slop is going to be a big problem. Patients are being guided by an AI agent that generates unrealistic expectations and creates confusion. The surgeon will have to find a way to get ahead of the conversation, but this will be challenging. AI billing agents are communicating with each other (from the practice and from the insurance companies). The result will be a drive to over-simplification, delay, and inaccurate reimbursement."
As one can see, while we as providers think we have the upper hand by using AI to ensure our charting and documentation adheres to the third-party payer policy, the insurance carrier is doing the same thing. Their systems may be more robust than ours, but perhaps not. The AI chatting going back and forth will no doubt, as the article states, create significant delays, inaccurate payments, and outright denials, even for clean claims.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Oceanside, NY
04/06/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENT (OBITUARIES)
I grew up in Rochester, NY and as a youngster, I became friends with David’s younger brother Richard. I kept in touch with Richard over the years, and when I established my podiatry practice in Ithaca, NY, I began to get to know David through professional meetings. I also practiced in nearby Cortland, NY with my then brother-in-law and still close friend Andrew Chernow, DPM. Podiatrists in that community did not have surgical privileges at the local hospital.
When I applied for surgical privileges at Cortland’s hospital, David made a special trip to Cortland to meet with the administrative staff and spoke to them on my behalf. Thanks to David Chazan, both Andy and I received surgical privileges at Cortland’s hospital.
My deepest condolences go to the Chazan family who have lost a beloved family member and to the Rochester community who will miss David’s valuable contributions and podiatric services.
Evan F. Meltzer, DPM (retired), Rio Rancho, NM
04/06/2026
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY
10 Things Every Practice Should Know About AI in Medical Practice
For physicians trying to separate the useful from the overhyped, the landscape of AI can feel overwhelming. These 10 points can help physicians navigate AI on their own terms.
6: Know who owns your patient data when you sign an AI vendor contract.
Many AI tools learn and improve by training on de-identified patient data. Vendor contracts vary widely in how they define de-identification, who retains data rights, and whether patient data can be used to train models that serve other health systems or clients. Have legal counsel review any AI vendor agreement before signing, with specific attention to data use and retention clauses.
Source: Austin Littrell, Physicians Practice [3/18/26]
04/06/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS
NY Podiatrist Discusses How Pregnancy Can Increase Foot Size
No two pregnancies are exactly the same and every person’s body reacts differently. That said, there are certain biological things that happen during this time that can lead to some common bodily shifts — including swollen feet. “During pregnancy, many patients notice that their feet become flatter and sometimes slightly longer or wider,” says Samantha Landau, DPM, an Assistant professor at Touro University New York College of Podiatric Medicine. “The arch often lowers because the ligaments that support the arch become more lax.”
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Dr. Samantha Landau |
All of these changes can result in needing a larger shoe size. “In my clinical experience, it is very common for women to increase by about half a shoe size, and some may increase by a full-size during pregnancy,” says Dr. Landau. “For many individuals, about half a size increase may remain even after pregnancy.”
Source: Bethany Heitman, NBC-TV [4/2/26]
04/06/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
TN Podiatrist is Hometown Healer
For Lindsay Foust, DPM, caring for patients in Henry County isn’t just a job. It’s personal. Born and raised right here in Paris, Tennessee, Dr. Foust grew up surrounded by the same community she now serves as a podiatrist at West Tennessee Healthcare Henry County Hospital. Today, many of the people who walk through her clinic doors aren’t just patients… they’re neighbors, church members, or familiar faces she remembers from growing up.
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Dr. Lindsay Foust |
Dr. Foust earned her podiatric medical degree at Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine. She later completed her residency training at Summa Western Reserve Hospital, gaining hands-on experience in both surgical and clinical podiatric care.
Source: West Tennessee Healthcare [4/3/26]
04/06/2026
PM NEWSS
The Voice of Podiatrists
Serving Over 21,008 Subscribers Daily
April 06, 2026 #8,241  Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD
A partner of Podiatry Management® https://podiatrym.com
E-mail us by hitting the reply key.
COPYRIGHT 2026- No part of PM News can be reproduced without the
written permission of Barry Block
04/06/2026
PM NEWS QUICK POLL RESULTS
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Results of last week's poll |
04/06/2026
PM NEWS QUICK POLL (SUBMITTED BY PM NEWS SUBSCRIBER)
Have you (or do you plan to) incorporate AI into your practice? |
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04/06/2026
MEETINGS & WEBINARS
04/06/2026
FROM PM's CURRENT ISSUE
Several times a week, PM News posts an entire article from a recent issue of our partner, Podiatry Management Magazine. Please note that the views expressed in Podiatry Management Magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of PM News or Barry Block.
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Today's featured article |
04/06/2026
FINANCIAL TIP OF THE DAY
10 Financial To-Do's for Spring
Spring is a great time to check in with your finances to make sure everything is in good order. Completing these 10 tasks might seem like a lot of work, but the payoffs are worth it.
5. Review your credit history
It's always a good time to check your credit score and make sure that no one has opened any credit card accounts in your name without your knowledge, especially if you plan on applying for a mortgage or home equity loan.
All three of the main credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, allow you to request one free credit report per year. Instead of asking for them all at once, consider staggering each individual request over the course of the year. You can request these credit reports online at annualcreditreport.com.
It's important to keep in mind that if you close credit card accounts, this could impact your credit score. That's because some credit reporting bureaus give higher credit scores to consumers who have many credit cards open at the same time, even if they're not actively used. As an alternative, you may want to ask these credit card issuers if they can place a freeze on your card to prevent unauthorized usage.
Source: David Jaeger, Kiplinger
04/06/2026
CLASSIFIED ADS - PRACTICES FOR SALE OR WANTED, EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 20,000 DPMs AND STUDENTS
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 20,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatricnews.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
PRACTICE FOR SALE - BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Busy, modern and successful. 80 new patients/ month and totaling 6500K visits/year. 2150 ft2. Established 1985. Near hospitals, surgery and wound care center. Digital x-ray, certified EHR, laser. DMEs, in-house billing. Accepting all insurances. Great opportunity and growth potential. Owner is willing to stay as long as necessary. Contact drwaw54@aol.com
ESTABLISHED very unique NON-SURGICAL PODIATRY PRACTICE AVAILABLE – CAMBRIDGE, MA
Well-established non-surgical podiatry practice available in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Excellent referral sources with a strong, stable patient base. 75% young population of foot & ankle pathology & 25% DM foot care. Low overhead and efficient office operations make this an ideal solo practice. Consistent patient flow with opportunity for continued growth. Perfect for a podiatrist seeking autonomy, lifestyle balance, and a turnkey practice in a highly desirable location. For more information, contact: emostone@aol.com
04/06/2026
CLASSIFIED ADS - ASSOCIATE AND FACULTY POSITIONS, AND FELLOWSHIPS
PM NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS REACH OVER 20,000 DPMs AND STUDENTS
Whether you have used equipment to sell or are offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 20,000 subscribers. For details, click here or write to: bblock@podiatricnews.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - VIRGINIA
Growing Podiatry practice is seeking a high energy associate interested in providing care to multi senior living facilities as well as the opportunity for working into a partnership. Compensation is personal productivity commission based, however, please do not let that deter you! This is a busy and well established practice where, once hired, you can start seeing patients immediately. There is a $1000 sign on bonus. Please respond to : DrBob272@AOL.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – ARKANSAS
DPM wanted for a thriving central Arkansas practice. Office location already well established. You will be a colleague, not an Associate. Immediate opening. Arkansas is STILL a great place to practice. Looking for a long-term arrangement. Email: raddpm@gmail.com with DPM position in the subject line.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - LAS VEGAS, NV
Full-time podiatrist position with well-established practice in Las Vegas. Any experience level is welcome. Competitive compensation and benefits. No mandatory call required. Text (847) 830-7378. E-mail CV to citadeljones@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW HAVEN COUNTY, CT
Well established multi-location podiatry practice seeking full time associate to join us in July 2026.Candidate should be personable, highly motivated and possess strong surgical and clinical skills. Competitive six figure salary and benefit package with bonus opportunities. Send CV to manager@milfordpodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTH TEXAS
Seeking highly skilled, motivated, & ethical Associate. With two established locations, our fast-paced, high-volume practice delivers exceptional patient care & continues to expand. Competitive salary, performance-based bonus structure, & comprehensive benefits. Candidates at all experience levels from experienced to upcoming graduates to be considered. Please submit CV to equach@mcallenfootcenter.com
ASSOCIATE OR NURSE PRACTITIONER POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Very busy, well-established, group practice is seeking to add a full-time associate. Candidate must be very hard-working and ethical with good surgical training and having completed a minimum of 24 month residency. Applicant must be at least board qualified. Competitive salary and benefits. E-mail CV to llfootankle@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - TEXAS
Well-established growing podiatry practice with multiple locations seeking to hire a full-time podiatrist in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Competitive salary with bonus opportunities, PTO, CME stipend, malpractice coverage, and sign-on bonus. Candidate should be aligned with our core values: God-honoring, excellence, integrity, innovative, community-impacting, respect, and kindness. Email CV to tania@turnkeymd.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - VANCOUVER, CANADA
Busy, well-established practice looking for motivated podiatrist with excellent clinical and people skills. 2 office locations. CASH PAY. Lots new patients monthly. Huge growth potential. Practice allows great work-life balance. NO CALLS. Competitive pay structure and sign-on bonus. Non-Canadian, new graduate, experienced DPM applicants welcome. Email CV to podiatryvancouver@gmail.com
FULL-TIME PODIATRIST – NEW JERSEY
Well-established, multi-location New Jersey podiatry practice seeks a motivated, compassionate full-time Doctor to join our growing team. We offer competitive six-figure compensation (minimum $215,000+), a sign-on bonus, end-of-year bonus, health insurance (medical, dental, vision), paid time off, paid malpractice coverage, and a 401(k). Excellent opportunity for both experienced podiatrists and recent graduates to thrive in a high-volume, office-based setting. Expand your clinical skills in a supportive, professional environment. Please send your CV. to DPMcareer@PodiatryCenterNJ.com
PT AND FT MOBILE POSITIONS- ORLANDO, TAMPA, FT. MYERS, JAX, PANHANDLE
Responsible DPM/NP/PA team players. Home visits, ILF/ALF/Rehab. Paid travel. No call. No ER. Half days or 9-5. Weekends optional. Autonomy. Potential commission up to $230K+/yr based on availability and performance. Serious FL licensed applicants email contact@PodiatristAtHome.com
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST – WESTERN NY
Join a thriving practice in Batavia, NY. We are seeking a dedicated podiatrist with surgical experience to join our growing practice. We offer a supportive environment, modern facility, a strong referral base and immediate volume. Competitive salary, health insurance, 401k, and malpractice coverage provided. Email CV to rdifilippo@bataviafootcarecenter.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – MARYLAND
Thriving podiatry practice with 3 office locations seeking highly motivated and reliable full-time associate. Candidate must be board eligible, residency with RRA preferred. Great work environment with strong support staff. Competitive compensation, benefits package, and generous sign-on bonus offered. Please email CV to: careers@mynewfeet.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - MANHATTAN PODIATRY OFFICE
Boutique, patient-centered podiatry practice on NYC’s Upper East Side seeks a board-certified/board-eligible podiatrist. Ideal for an early-career physician seeking mentorship, flexibility, and excellent work-life balance while providing high-quality foot and ankle care in a supportive environment. Seeking a personable, professional, and presentable doctor. Competitive compensation. Email: admin@airepodiatry.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN OREGON
Well established Southern Oregon podiatry practice of three surgeons is seeking an Associate Podiatric Surgeon with path to full partnership. Scope: Complete podiatric care, foot/ankle surgery, sports medicine, regenerative medicine, wound care, general podiatry. Modern clinic near a regional medical center. Competitive pay, incentives, mentorship, work-life balance. telwood@activefoot.org
ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST OPPORTUNITIES – MULTIPLE STATES
US Foot & Ankle Specialists (USFAS), the nation's largest podiatric group, is hiring! We have immediate and future openings in DE, PA, MD, MO, NC, OH, VA, WA, & WV—ideal for doctors ready now or upcoming graduates. Join a team committed to advanced technology, top-tier care, and long-term growth. Must be licensed or in process. Email cover letter and resume to: recruiting@us-fas.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – NEW JERSEY
Looking for a podiatrist, part-time or full time, to service nursing homes in NJ with possibility to work in office for the right person. looking to start ASAP. Please email resume to ghcp@globalhealthcarepartner.com. Days and Hours are flexible. Good compensation.
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SOUTHEST FLORIDA
Excellent opportunity for a well-rounded, surgically trained podiatrist to join a well-established, multi-faceted practice with over 35 years of service in sunny Southwest Florida. Our practice features multiple office locations and a collaborative team of four practicing podiatrists. Position offers a clear and attractive path to partnership, with senior partner(s) anticipating retirement within the next few years. A competitive salary, bonus structure, and comprehensive benefits package are offered. Interested candidates email: FOOTDOCFM@AOL.COM
ASSOCIATE POSITIONS – AL, AZ, CO, GA, IA, IL, KS, LA, MO, MS, NE, OK, TN & UT
Aria Care Partners is seeking Mobile Podiatrists to work 1-2 days/week in skilled nursing facilities. You will have autonomy and focus on clinical care while we take care of all scheduling and billing. Guaranteed daily base rate plus competitive compensation. Electronic charting and all equipment provided. Make a true difference in an under-served population. New graduates or experienced practitioners are welcome! Email CV to: kcampbell@aria.care
STEP INTO YOUR BEST CAREER YET! – NASHVILLE, TN
Tired of the same old grind? Join our thriving practice where we treat our team like family and our patients like VIPs. We’re looking for a rockstar Podiatrist who’s ready to heal soles and make a real impact. • Top-tier pay & benefits • Cutting-edge tech • Zero burnout culture. Ready to put your best foot forward? Apply now! Send CV to Hanyi@cefootandankle.com
FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE- COOKEVILLE, TENNESSEE
Seeking full-time BQ/BC DPM. Clinic based podiatrist position with privileges available at local hospital and surgery center. Well rounded practice with good referral base. Outdoorsy, family-friendly area situated between Nashville and Knoxville. Percentage based pay, health insurance stipend. Must be kind and an effective communicator. Email your CV to drweary@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION – SAN FRANCISCO EAST BAY
Join our multi-office practice. Must have great people skills, bedside manner, and positive demeanor. Must work well with staff and local medical community. Prefer private practice experience. California license required. Send CV and cover letter to: ebpod2008@gmail.com
ASSOCIATE POSITION - FT/PT - CHARLESTON, SC AREA
Multi-location podiatry group with excellent work life balance, ideal for family focused individual. FT Position – $150K or competitive PT position. Board Elig/Cert required. Please send letter of interest and CV to charlestonpodiatry@yahoo.com or text 803-614-0694.
ASSOCIATE POSITION - SAVANNAH, GA
seeking surgery BC/BQ podiatrist to join our team. The podiatry void in our rapidly growing area can maximize success for a motivated physician (four docs recently left the area). Email inquiry with CV to thomaslegacki@gmail.com, call or text at 276-620-4772.
FACULTY POSITION – NYCPM AT TOURO UNIVERSITY
NYCPM of Touro University seeks an Assistant Professor, Clinical Surgery for the Department of Surgery. Must be board certified, have a NYS license and a current DEA Certificate. This position teaches surgery and podiatric medicine to 3rd and 4th year podiatric medical students. Duties include patient care, student education, live lectures in classrooms and patient settings, including workshops, webinars and seminars. Candidates will participate in scholarly service activities within the College community and work collaboratively with faculty, students, staff and administration. Prior teaching experience strongly recommended. Salary range $114,240-$142,800. Complete application (including proof of board certification)
WOUND CARE FELLOWSHIP – NEW YORK
CPME APPROVED 12 month fellowship, located at St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Queens, New York. Hospital and clinic environment, with onsite hyperbaric medicine. The wound care fellowship position pays a 6 figure salary for the year, with benefits. Please contact or jtfootcare@gmail.com. EOE employer.
04/06/2026 Samuel Makanjuola, DPM
Burnout and Staffing Strain Hit Podiatry: NCHWA Projection
I find some things interesting after seeing the
projected shortages for podiatrists by the
National Center for Health Workforce Analysis.
First and foremost their projection for 2026 right
now, is that there is a 2000+ podiatrist shortage.
Surprising seeing how many grads are having
trouble finding jobs where they are located.
Secondly, and more importantly, did anyone notice
it said "as part of "wider allied health
shortages?" I did. So I double-checked the source.
The MSN "article" if it can be called that, was
AI-generated and has no link to the actual NCHWA
information. No issue, I can just go directly to
them. Upon doing so I found that while they
specify many different types of "physicians" in
their analysis, they do not include podiatry in
their Physician category but rather as allied
health professionals. Interesting.
There's been a lot of talk about what the future
of podiatry looks like. Some good ideas, some bad
ideas. What I've noticed is that there's almost no
comment from any of the young podiatric
physicians. How many of the "leaders" in podiatry
have actually looked at and assessed what the
outlook is from the young physicians viewpoint?
There's a lot more I, and many other young
"physicians" (quotations because per the NCHW
we're not that), could say; but at the end of the
day I believe that the problems podiatry faces
almost all have one root cause: We are not seen as
physicians nationally by everyone. This is what
you should all be aiming for.
Pay isn't good enough? "Physicians," as seen by
the payors, get paid better. Not seen as a viable
option for undergrad students who want to be a
physician? Perhaps a national bill or AMA joint
statement or something with some weight behind it
might change that.
Many of the young podiatrists that came in were
promised the moon; a parity bill passed (didn't
mention it only affected the VA), we're accepted
in hospitals, you can choose what you'd like to
'specialize' in, etc etc. Many of those statements
turned out to be recruiting BS. Luckily for me I
quite like the job as I knew I would, but liking
something doesn't mean you can ignore the
downsides. Many young podiatrists are learning
that now.
Do you guys want a future for podiatry? If so,
it's simple: national standardized minimum scope,
better than what we have now. Recognition of
physician status nationally. That's what the PACs
and Orgs should be fighting for instead of
fighting each other. Every other problem becomes
significantly easier to manage if you do these two
things. I know what I said, but I'm very aware
it's not actually easy. But that's why all of you
old heads need to be of one accord and push from
every single state; put pressure on every single
legislator, and get it done. You can argue over
board certs and non-surgical tracks and
recruitment efforts afterwards.
Samuel Makanjuola, DPM, Columbus, OH
04/06/2026 Samuel Makanjuola, DPM
Burnout and Staffing Strain Hit Podiatry: NCHWA Projection
I find some things interesting after seeing the
projected shortages for podiatrists by the
National Center for Health Workforce Analysis.
First and foremost their projection for 2026 right
now, is that there is a 2000+ podiatrist shortage.
Surprising seeing how many grads are having
trouble finding jobs where they are located.
Secondly, and more importantly, did anyone notice
it said "as part of "wider allied health
shortages?" I did. So I double-checked the source.
The MSN "article" if it can be called that, was
AI-generated and has no link to the actual NCHWA
information. No issue, I can just go directly to
them. Upon doing so I found that while they
specify many different types of "physicians" in
their analysis, they do not include podiatry in
their Physician category but rather as allied
health professionals. Interesting.
There's been a lot of talk about what the future
of podiatry looks like. Some good ideas, some bad
ideas. What I've noticed is that there's almost no
comment from any of the young podiatric
physicians. How many of the "leaders" in podiatry
have actually looked at and assessed what the
outlook is from the young physicians viewpoint?
There's a lot more I, and many other young
"physicians" (quotations because per the NCHW
we're not that), could say; but at the end of the
day I believe that the problems podiatry faces
almost all have one root cause: We are not seen as
physicians nationally by everyone. This is what
you should all be aiming for.
Pay isn't good enough? "Physicians," as seen by
the payors, get paid better. Not seen as a viable
option for undergrad students who want to be a
physician? Perhaps a national bill or AMA joint
statement or something with some weight behind it
might change that.
Many of the young podiatrists that came in were
promised the moon; a parity bill passed (didn't
mention it only affected the VA), we're accepted
in hospitals, you can choose what you'd like to
'specialize' in, etc etc. Many of those statements
turned out to be recruiting BS. Luckily for me I
quite like the job as I knew I would, but liking
something doesn't mean you can ignore the
downsides. Many young podiatrists are learning
that now.
Do you guys want a future for podiatry? If so,
it's simple: national standardized minimum scope,
better than what we have now. Recognition of
physician status nationally. That's what the PACs
and Orgs should be fighting for instead of
fighting each other. Every other problem becomes
significantly easier to manage if you do these two
things. I know what I said, but I'm very aware
it's not actually easy. But that's why all of you
old heads need to be of one accord and push from
every single state; put pressure on every single
legislator, and get it done. You can argue over
board certs and non-surgical tracks and
recruitment efforts afterwards.
Samuel Makanjuola, DPM, Columbus, OH
04/06/2026
AT THE COLLEGES
NYCPM Class of 2026 Holds Match Day in Times Square
The New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) Class of 2026 held Match Day at Touro University’s flagship location at 3 Times Square, the first time the ceremony took place outside the school’s Harlem campus. Eighty students participated in the Match, and all 80 secured residency positions, including placements at Yale New Haven Hospital, St. Mary’s, and Penn Presbyterian. Students sat with classmates and family members, envelopes sealed until they were opened together at noon. Each one contained the name of the hospital where the next three years will be spent.
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(L-R) Dean Sam Rubinstein, Kristen Perez, Drs. Michael Trepal and Ron Soave |
Before that, Dean Michael Trepal, DPM spoke about how training moves in stages, each one defined by the next goal. “When you’re in college, the prize is getting into medical school. When you’re in medical school, the prize is getting into residency,” he said. “And then when you’re in residency, the prize is ultimately where you’re going to be in practice. Sometimes we just focus on the destination, on the prize at the end, and don’t enjoy the trip. I hope you enjoyed your trip, as a medical student, to this moment.”
04/06/2026
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Happy Easter |
04/06/2026
NEED CME CREDITS FAST?
PODIATRY MANAGEMENT'S AFFORDABLE ONLINE CME
You can earn over 43 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) Online
Earn 15 CECH only $299 (NOTE: TOKENS EXPIRE 12/31/2027)
podiatrym.com/cme.cfm
All required credits can be taken online for AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, DE, HI, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA, VT, WV, and WI
Partial required credits can be taken online for AZ, FL, GA, ID, KY, IL, ID, IA, MD, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NY, NC, OK, PR, TN, TX, WA, and DC
Choose any or ALL from 25+ CECH Category-1 articles posted
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