Podiatry: To the Max

When I first entered the field of podiatry, I was intrigued by the idea that someday someone could call me in the middle of the night to evaluate a patient in need that had sustained a broken ankle or someone suffering from an aggressive infection that was challenging the loss of their limb. And the first time this actually happened, the excitement and distinction that I felt was just as I had expected. These feelings I carried with me in the first several years of practice.

However, after marriage and the arrival of my first child, I became torn between what once had been a rush of adrenaline with the joy that I felt being around my family. My family eventually won out and I began to resent the late evening calls and the drives to the emergency room. Furthermore, it became difficult for my wife to understand why I had to leave at dinner, or why I had to leave in the middle of seeing a movie. I responded merely by saying, “Because it’s my job”. But even herein I still do not think that she understood completely. I think for an outsider “looking in” it is difficult for them to see the “full picture”. And although you may explain to others what your position entails they may never fully understand.

Nonetheless, it is important within your family to define the boundaries of your job and the obligations that you have taken in caring for people as a podiatrist. Again, they may not fully understand, but it establishes the premise that you may be asked to leave during inopportune times to see to the needs of a patient. Managing the expectations of your family reduces tension and resentment that your family may have towards your work. If they understand up front that you will be required to leave on occasion, or may be asked to miss a family celebration, it becomes easier to cope when these situations do arrive. And although for many the road to becoming a proficient and competent podiatrist may be long, the decision of how to practice often becomes a group decision when family is involved. For myself, my wife and I mutually decided that each of us would re-evaluate our job obligations in an effort to spend more time with our families and friends. This mutual decision further strengthens the support from family and for myself allows me to practice uninhibited without fear of neglecting my obligations as a husband and a father.

Career Goals Change

Along the course of my career, I also learned a little about myself, my career goals, and my future goals; after all, career ambitions may change throughout the stages of ones life. Initially, upon graduating from school, I had high ambitions to pursue a career in trauma and lower extremity limb salvage. As noted, however, my desire as my family grew shifted to a less aggressive outlook. With this being said, I think that it is important to manage your own expectations. Without being pigeonholed, consider what path you wish to take your career. If it is trauma that you wish to pursue, understand that this may involve an adjustment with your work-life balance. Conservative podiatric care will obviously allow for more flexibility in your schedule, but may become mundane for some. In this regards, it is important to manage expectations and desires within oneself.

Work < = > Life

For many, work becomes their life, and for others, work remains merely a means to access life. In both regards, work can be extremely fulfilling, and at times also overwhelming. When considering your career path, ultimately the only person capable of shaping your career path is you. Consider where you want to practice. Research the area and speak with podiatrists to understand the laws, regulations, and practice limitations. Once settled in an area, market yourself accordingly. If limb salvage is your specialty, let others know that this is the pathology which interests you. On the other hand, if you do not feel comfortable with complex wounds, you may choose to emphasize other areas of your practice; sports medicine, pediatrics, or geriatrics. Lastly, manage expectations. It is important for your family and friends to be understanding and serve as a proponent of your position rather than a source of stress. And likewise, set limits within yourself. Be honest with the way you practice and the way you feel comfortable practicing. By considering some of these simple aspects of practice, work may become financially rewarding, but more importantly enjoyable and gratifying.

Foot Pressure Mapping Seminar March 13 - Denver, CO  • April 16 - New York, NY  • May 16 - Chicago, IL See for yourself how to obtain foot pressure mapping data and make it more useful! Find out how to successfully integrate foot pressure mapping into your daily routine by learning how biomechanical parameters are revealed. See how before and after images document successful treatment.

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