One especially unique experience was my attending this conference as a speaker, rather than just an attendee. As such, I’d like to thank the conference co-chairs Drs. Robert Frykberg and Harold Schoenhaus for inviting me and a special thank you to Drs. Alan Sherman and Michael Shore for creating and organizing the conference. I’ve given local lectures to small groups several times, but this was the first time I’ve spoken at a national-level conference. I have to say this was a nerve-wracking experience. But, like everything else, I made it through and wasn’t booed off the stage.

Conference Interviewer and OCPM Podiatry Student, Rene Hymel with Conference Co-Chair, Robert Frykberg, DPM, MPH		Conference Co-Chair, Harold Schoenhaus, DPM, addresses the Summit Audience

So, what was so special about this conference that you residents who didn’t attend missed out on? First, was the number of residents from around the country. One hundred eighty-five residents attended the conference. What a fantastic way to network with those in similar circumstances! Remember, podiatric medicine is a small specialty, and success in our profession is strongly motivated by whom you know. I can’t imagine a better way to network with our colleagues. Additionally, since seasoned practicing physicians as well as 70 residency directors and faculty attended the conference, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that some residents made a professional connection that will lead to a future job. That in itself would have been worth the trip.  I understand the total attendance was in excess of 400 people.  It really was a Summit of the podiatric residency education community.

Residents were challenged and excited during and after the Residency Rumble Competition.

High Tech, Professional and High Quality

To be honest, I was surprised at just how professional the conference appeared. Prior to this conference, I had never personally attended one of the conferences sponsored by PRESENT Courseware. I have had the opportunity to view lectures from these various conferences online through podiatry.com but it’s not the same as actually attending the conference. The reason I say I was surprised is because this was the first time this conference was held. The first time for anything usually has significant bugs that are worked out with time and experience. Think of your first surgical procedure as an example. But despite this being the first time, the conference appeared thoroughly professional and technologically advanced. It was easily on the same level as any ACFAS or APMA conference I’ve attended.

Lecture Tracks and Hands-On Workshops are the bread and butter of the Summit Conference.

OK, anyone who’s read this blog for any length of time knows I’m a pretty opinionated person. So, with that in mind I’d like to end with some suggestions. I have to use the word suggestions because I don’t have any critiques. The conference was just that good. In the future, I would love to see even more hands-on workshops, perhaps even some cadaveric workshops. That may only be possible for a limited number of people, because cadaver workshops are very expensive. I would also love to see the addition of resident poster presentations and displays. This would be a great way for residents to see the work done by others around the country as well as gain practice presenting to peers. I think the addition of a small group case workup activity in the style of case-based learning (a case is presented to a small group which is worked up with a faculty facilitator as a guide) would also be greatly beneficial for residents. It works very well for the students at Western University. I would also suggest to the PRESENT folks to make the lectures available online, so that those unlucky enough not to have attended can still benefit from this excellent material. (SEE PRESENT RESPONSE BELOW)

Podiatry legend, Dr. Stan Kalish, shares his knowledge during a breakout session.

I can’t state enough just how beneficial this conference was to those that attended. But don’t worry, those of you who didn’t attend. I understand they’re planning another Residency Summit in the future. When the next one comes, don’t miss it. If residency is about maximizing your education, then you can’t do that without attending this conference. You should've been there.

Keep writing in with your thoughts and comments. Better yet, post them in our eTalk forum.

Best wishes.

Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
PRESENT Practice Perfect Editor
[email protected]

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