Dean’s Chat hosts, Doctors Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey, are joined by a legendary podiatric physician, Dr. Allen Jacobs. Join us for a trip down memory lane in podiatric medicine; from early residency training at Kern/Civic Hospital to opening up hospitals for podiatric privileges in St. Louis, to training residents for 4 decades. Dr. Jacobs is a true icon in our profession!
Dr. Jacobs highlights the value of personal interactions in healthcare by sharing stories from his own practice. He recounted instances where simple gestures, such as bringing a patient their favorite breakfast or giving them roses after surgery, made a significant impact on the patient’s experience and healing process. These acts of kindness and personalization not only enhanced the patient’s satisfaction but also contributed to their overall well-being and recovery.
Despite the increasing trend towards corporatization and reliance on AI in healthcare, Dr. Jacobs stressed the irreplaceable role of human connection in patient care. He expressed concerns about the potential loss of personal touch and empathy in modern medicine, where patients may feel like commodities in a system focused on efficiency and automation. Dr. Jacobs emphasized the importance of taking the time to sit down, listen, and engage with patients on a personal level, as these small gestures can have a profound impact on their perception of care and the healing process.
Dr. Jacobs is a 1973 Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his residency in surgery at Monsignor Clement Kern Hospital for special surgery in Warren, Michigan in 1975.
Dr. Jacobs is in private practice in St. Louis, Missouri. He is board-certified in reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. For 25 years, Dr. Jacobs served as a Director of Podiatric Surgical Residency Training; and has also served as a contributing editor to the Journal of Foot Surgery, Podiatry Today, Foot and Ankle Quarterly, and Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.
Additionally, Dr. Jacobs has served as the Scientific Chairman of the American Podiatric Medical Association, The Missouri Podiatry Society, and on the Journal Management Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He was the first podiatrist to receive the rank of Fellow by Temple University.
Dr. Jacobs was voted a Lifetime Achievement Award and to The Podiatry Hall of Fame. He has received numerous awards from the APMA and ACFAS for his dedication to podiatry and podiatric education, as well as recognition from the governors of Missouri, Arkansas, and Massachusetts.
Dr. Jacobs has published over 80 scientific articles in various publications and 17 chapter contributions in various textbooks and has presented over 1000 papers at podiatric and medical society meetings. He is a nationally recognized author, researcher, and a noted authority of surgery of the foot.
Reflecting on the stories and experiences shared by seasoned podiatrists like Dr. Jacobs, helps current and future podiatrists gain insights into the importance of building strong doctor-patient relationships, providing personalized care, and maintaining empathy and compassion in their practice. These historical anecdotes serve as valuable lessons that can guide podiatrists in navigating the evolving healthcare landscape while prioritizing patient-centered care and human connection.