Over the next few months, Dean’s Chat will be providing bonus episodes interviewing students from the Schools and Colleges of Podiatric Medicine. This week we are joined by three students from Western University of Health Sciences – College of Podiatric Medicine (WUCPM), Denise Peraza-Martinez, Brian Wong, and Belinda Jimenez. Denise is representing the Class of 2024, and Brian and Belinda are both representing the Class of 2025. All represent the American Podiatric Medical Students Association (APMSA) within WUCPM.
Join our discussions each week on the podiatric journey our students are embarking on at the various schools. Students share their path to discovering podiatric medicine, to applying to what is now eleven schools and colleges of podiatric medicine, to the first and second year of didactics, Boards Part 1 and 2, and clinical experiences and opportunities. We do some professor shout-outs and discuss student services, extracurricular activities, and student life at each school.
Dr. Jeffrey Jensen interviews three students from the Western University of Health Sciences – College of Podiatric Medicine, and the students discuss their educational experiences and shed light on what podiatric medicine entails. The students also highlight the various specializations within podiatric medicine, such as sports medicine, surgery, biomechanics, and diabetic foot care. Tune in to gain insight into the educational pathway to becoming a podiatric physician.
In this episode, the students stress the significance of seeking help and utilizing tutoring and support services. They emphasize that there is no shame in asking for assistance and highlight that Western University offers tutoring, support, and learning skills resources to all students. The students encourage other students to take advantage of these resources to adjust and take care of themselves.
The students also mention the importance of reaching out for help and mention various avenues for assistance, including upperclassmen, the administration, and faculty members. The students emphasize that the professors at Western U genuinely care about the students’ success and are readily available to provide help and support.
Belinda and Brian both express their appreciation for professors who have positively impacted their education. Belinda specifically mentions Dr. Joseph Park, their instructor for PMP3, praising him for his ability to teach and care for patients. Denise gives a shout-out to Dr. Chandler Hubbard, who manages the student-run clinic at Western U, commending her knowledge, wisdom, compassion, and clinic management skills.
The students express gratitude for the professors who have positively influenced their education and training. Dr. Jensen and the students highlight the importance of fostering positive relationships with professors and recognizing their contributions to the learning experience.