Dean’s Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, welcomes Dr. Peter Highlander, of Bellevue, OH and Dr. Calvin Rushing of Dallas, TX to the podcast. They discuss podiatric medical education, surgical residency programs, and practicing in different settings. Then, they delve into a host of other topics including, ideas for research, conducting research, writing papers, novel innovations, patents, and podiatric medicine as a career. An interesting discussion involving young, successful practitioners who initially studied at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine.
The episode kicks off with a discussion about how Dr. Highlander and Dr. Rushing were introduced to podiatric medicine, their time at Barry University, and their residency experiences. Dr. Jensen shares a story about successful doctors being like freight trains and expresses his pride in their achievements. Tune in for more insightful conversations on podiatric medicine.
In this episode, Dr. Jensen, Dr. Highlander, and Dr. Rushing emphasize the advantage of being a student with more time compared to those in practice who have to juggle family and other responsibilities. They stress the importance of utilizing this time to absorb knowledge and delve into topics related to their profession. They believe that as a student, it is crucial to give 100% effort and dedication to establish a strong foundation in their field. They also mention the significance of momentum, whether positive or negative and express gratitude for starting their studies with good momentum. This highlights the importance of taking full advantage of the available time as a student to learn and acquire as much knowledge as possible, laying the groundwork for a successful future career.
Another key point discussed in the episode is the value of building connections with patients and demonstrating genuine care to earn their trust and loyalty. They acknowledge that doctors can sometimes become overwhelmed with busy schedules and numerous patients, but they emphasize the need to prioritize the patient’s experience and make them feel valued. They highlight that when patients perceive a doctor’s genuine concern, they develop a natural intuition and are more likely to remain loyal. Even in the face of mistakes or challenges, patients who trust and feel connected to their doctor will stand by them and work through the difficulties together.
Dr. Jensen, Dr. Highlander, and Dr. Rushing also express the rewarding nature of their work in helping patients and witnessing tangible benefits. Unlike certain medical specialties where losses may be more common, they mention that their profession allows them to get patients back on their feet and improve their quality of life. They express gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and share anecdotes of receiving cards, gifts, and even monthly carrot cakes from grateful patients. Despite seeing thousands of patients each year, they believe that the impact they have on each individual’s life is something that will be remembered and cherished forever.