Dean’s Chat Co-hosts, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey are joined by Dr. Jeffrey Baker, DPM, a podiatric physician and surgeon at the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute practicing in Lincoln Park, Chicago area.
Dr. Baker graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 1992 with his degree in Athletic Training and Cardiovascular Health and Exercise. Dr. Baker completed his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine at Kent State University- Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and went on to do his 3-year surgical residency at St. Mary Hospital in Hoboken, New Jersey. He completed a 1-year Fellowship in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at The Weil Foot and Ankle Institute in Des Plaines, Illinois.
During high school and college, he was a varsity soccer player and still enjoys playing with his German team! Tune in to hear his perspective on sports medicine and why Fellowship was important to him.
Dr. Baker is current faculty for the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Podiatric surgical residency program in Chicago, IL and the Regional Chief Medical Officer with Balance Health. Join us, as we discuss “all things podiatric medicine”, including discussions on student etiquette, awkward interactions or conflicts on externships, various business structures podiatrists can consider, as well as involvement with professional organizations such as the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Dr. Baker shares insights about his background in athletic training and podiatric medicine, including his educational journey and experience in surgical residency and fellowship programs. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Baker’s expertise in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute in Lincoln Park, Chicago area.
One of the key points discussed in the podcast episode is the trend toward more specialized fellowships in podiatry. Dr. Jeff Baker highlighted the importance of fellowships in providing opportunities for subspecialization within the field of podiatry. He mentioned that fellowships are a way to further specialize and gain additional training in specific areas of interest, such as research, reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, limb lengthening, and deformity correction.
Dr. Baker shared his personal experience of completing a fellowship in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at the Weill Foot and Ankle Institute. He emphasized how his fellowship training allowed him to subspecialize in deformity correction and limb lengthening, which has become his area of expertise. This specialized training has enabled him to provide specialized care to patients requiring these specific treatments.
Furthermore, Dr. Baker discussed the benefits of fellowships in podiatry, such as providing opportunities for in-depth training, exposure to advanced techniques, and access to specialized resources. He also mentioned that fellowships offer a pathway for podiatrists to enhance their skills, knowledge, and expertise in a particular area of interest, ultimately leading to better patient care outcomes.
Overall, the podcast episode highlighted the growing trend towards more specialized fellowships in podiatry, offering podiatrists the opportunity to subspecialize and excel in specific areas within the field. This trend reflects the evolving nature of podiatric medicine and the importance of continuous learning and specialization to meet the diverse needs of patients.
Dr. Jeff Baker also discusses the trend of podiatrists joining supergroups, highlighting the advantages of this practice. One significant benefit is the increased opportunities for insurance contracts. By being part of a larger group, podiatrists can negotiate better terms with insurance companies, allowing them to expand their patient base and increase revenue. Supergroups offer better marketing capabilities. By pooling resources and expertise, podiatrists in a supergroup can implement more effective marketing strategies to attract patients. This can lead to increased visibility in the community, higher patient volume, and ultimately, better financial stability for the practice.
Dr. Jensen, Dr. Richey, and Dr. Baker highlight how The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) plays a significant role in supporting students. ACFAS offers various opportunities and support for students, including funding for research projects and involvement in regional activities. Student members of ACFAS have the chance to receive financial support for their research endeavors. The regions within ACFAS provide financial assistance to students whose manuscripts or posters are accepted for presentation at the annual scientific conference.
Additionally, ACFAS encourages student engagement by providing opportunities to participate in regional activities. Students can benefit from networking with professionals in the field, gaining insights into the inner workings of the organization, and expanding their knowledge and skills. The involvement in regional activities allows students to interact with experienced foot and ankle surgeons, fostering mentorship opportunities and professional growth.