I had a great experience last week when my friend Megan Gallagher invited me to speak about podiatry to students at Upper Dublin High School.
I’ve been blessed to have alot of experience with public speaking from QVC to podiatry conferences, but from some reason, I was very nervous about speaking to a group of 16-18 year olds.
I thought about when I was 18 years old at Archbishop Wood High School and the last thing I wanted to do was look at people’s feet all day! How would I deliver a message to myself at 18 that would hit home. Why did I become a podiatrist?
It was simple: To Help People.
I told the students my background, about medical school, my residency, a couple showstopper stories (maggots and other unique experiences) but I decided to pushed the “why” of our profession. (I love this TED talk in the link)
Podiatrists have the ability of preventing and treating problems that can be life changing. Most patients will see their podiatrist more often than any other doctor because of their periodic appointments. It is at these appointments that we may either treat a problem or direct them to the proper physician.
“You know doc, I’ve been dizzy” or “You know doc, I’ve been falling alot.” These passing statements need to be acted on to prevent worse issue.
So when I was talking to the students, I explained to them that it is not always about the feet, but in my practice, it’s about treating the PERSON.
If anyone has been my patient, I joke that sometimes their appointments are more like a SOCIAL HOUR than a doctor’s appointment. It’s that friendly approach that allows my patients to be comfortable, open up and discuss their lives.
So remember students, Podiatry is a specialty that focuses on care of the feet, but more importantly, it’s about the care of the PERSON.
Have a problem, give us a call and set up an appointment!
484.681.9485 or visit us at
www.barkingdogspodiatry.com
I think its so cool that there is a doctor dedicated specifically to the feet! I’ve had a lot of foot issues all growing up playing every sport under the sun, and its nice to know that there is a specialist who can help fix any foot problems. I really like that you said podiatry isn’t just being a foot doctor, but its about the care of the person! I think that’s a great way to look at any job!