Join us as Doctors Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey interview Dr. Ben Cullen! Dr. Cullen is currently the residency director for the San Diego Scripps Podiatric Surgical residency program. He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of California Santa Cruz with his Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Economics, and Psychology. He completed his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine at the California School of Podiatric Medicine- Samuel Merritt University in Oakland California in 2010. He then went on to complete his 3-year surgical residency training at Kaiser Permanente- Hayward Program.
On this episode of Dean’s Chat, host Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and co-host Jo are joined by Dr. Ben Cullen, a rising star in podiatric medicine. Dr. Cullen shares his journey from undergrad at the University of California, Santa Cruz to becoming the residency director for the Scripps Podiatric Surgical Residency Program in San Diego. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Cullen’s experiences and the insights he brings to the field of podiatric medicine.
Tune in as we discuss Dr. Cullen’s experiences in global health as a child as well as a resident. Listen as he talks about his experience as the 1st resident to get to travel with Dr. Weinraub on a medical mission trip to Vietnam and the value of mentorship that he received in his residency training. He discusses how this has shaped his own perspective on his interactions with his residents.
Join us as we talk “all things podiatric medicine” including community involvement in professional and political organizations. Dr. Cullen has been heavily engaged in his community serving in multiple leadership roles including President of San Diego County Podiatric Medical Society, Assistant Chairman for the Podiatry Institute conference which is held yearly in San Diego.
In the podcast featuring Dr. Ben Cullen, the discussion emphasized the significance of being actively involved in the community and political aspects of the podiatry profession. Dr. Cullen stressed the importance of participating in local societies and engaging in legislative advocacy to promote the advancement of podiatry and protect professional rights.
Dr. Cullen’s leadership in the San Diego County Podiatric Medical Society highlighted the value of connecting with local organizations. These societies provide opportunities for podiatrists to network, collaborate, and stay informed about industry developments. Through participation in meetings, workshops, and events, professionals can contribute to the growth and unity of the podiatric community.
Additionally, Dr. Cullen’s involvement in political advocacy, such as attending the legislative leadership conference in Sacramento, exemplifies the proactive approach necessary to safeguard professional rights. By interacting with lawmakers and advocating for podiatric interests, practitioners can influence policy decisions that impact the field. This engagement is crucial for ensuring that podiatrists have a say in shaping regulations and laws affecting their practice.
Dr. Cullen’s comprehensive involvement in various aspects of the profession, including academic, research, and political organizations, underscores the holistic approach required for the advancement of podiatry. By actively participating in community initiatives and advocating for legislative changes, podiatrists can contribute to the growth, recognition, and sustainability of the profession. Dr. Cullen’s dedication to these endeavors serves as a model for aspiring podiatrists to engage in community and political realms to drive positive change and progress in the field.
Dr. Ben Cullen shares his experience of being multilingual, primarily fluent in Spanish. Dr. Cullen emphasized the importance of speaking Spanish in his practice, particularly in San Diego, where a significant portion of the population exclusively speaks Spanish. He highlighted how speaking Spanish has been crucial in his interactions with patients who may not be proficient in English, facilitating better communication and understanding of their medical needs.