We at PRESENT e-Learning Systems are pleased to introduce to you a new member of the PRESENT Team, New Doc on the Block Editor Jordan Stewart, DPM. Jarrod Shapiro, who founded the New Doc concept, is still with us and has graciously agreed to share the spotlight with Dr. Stewart, in order to provide a richer learning experience for you, [firstname] and all our readers. In order to accommodate a 2nd contributing editor to New Doc on the Block, we have cleverly changed it's name to New Docs on the Block.

Why a 2nd editor ? Dr. Shapiro represents the career path taken by most podiatrists today...after completing his residency training, he took a job. Dr. Stewart has followed a rarer, more ambitious, exciting but risky career path...he has started his own practice. Following the trials and tribulations of these two prototype young podiatrists will serve as excellent mentorship for the thousands of podiatry students, residents and young podiatrists in practice around the country who receive PRESENT online publication. Our two contributing editors have graciously agreed to share their new lives and career adventures with you, in order for you to benefit by their experiences, both good and bad, during their first years of practice. We hope you enjoy their column, which we will continue to broadcast and archive on the podiatricresidency.com website every Tuesday evening.

The Final Year of Residency

by Jordan Stewart, DPM
Timonium Foot and Ankle Center
Established July 2006
Timonium, MD

Finally, it is here. Six longs years of hard work, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. This will be the best year of residency. You are the chief, you are not on call all the time, the juniors have to answer to you, and best of all, you get to do all the cases you want. You have reached the top of the mountain, but before getting too comfortable, take that huge resident salary, buy a comfortable pair of shoes and get ready to keep hiking, because unfortunately, you are only half way there.

I can honestly say my legs are hurting after the long uphill hike I have been on during the past year. My name is Jordan Stewart and I am happy to announce that I will be joining the PRESENT staff and current PRESENT Editor Jarrod Shapiro as a columnist for the weekly e-zine publication “New Docs on the Block”. I recently graduated a 3-year residency program at the University of Maryland and Mercy Medical Centers in Baltimore, MD. After interviewing for a handful of jobs, I bit the bullet and started my own practice. I am excited to share my experience with you as you approach the FINAL YEAR!

This is the one of the most exciting and nerve wrecking times of your life, and I promise it will change you. You will learn things about yourself and other people that will make you a stronger person.

One of the biggest things you need to be aware of in the final year is to be just that: BE AWARE! I hope to open your eyes and let you see the advantage of being prepared for the job process and entering into the working world.

In order to get started, you need to get organized. Organization makes life easier. Grab a pen and a pad of paper and make a checklist of all the tasks you will need perform in the next 12 months

Now that you have something to start with, take some time to think about how you are going to complete those tasks. Get ready and get excited to tackle this final year head on.

By the way, I came upon a remarkable video clip that was sent to me as an inspirational emailing with the SUBJECT: Amazing Woman and the message "At any time when you think taking care of your child is difficult, think of this woman." It turns out the piece is of particular interest to foot care professionals and well worth watching...I'll say no more.

This program is supported by an education grant from
Dermik Laboratories.