Dean’s Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Karona Mason, DPM, currently the Vice Dean at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine. (SCPM) Dr. Mason has been a faculty member at the SCPM since 1999 after practicing in the San Antonio area after completing her residency. Dr. Mason has fulfilled many roles of the years including the Chair of the Department of Orthopedics and Associate Dean of Clinical Education. She has also performed clinical trials for diabetic foot ulcerations, venous leg ulcerations.
Dr. Mason did her undergraduate studies at Brown University and received her master’s degree in “Health Care Administration” from Central Michigan. She attended podiatric medical school at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and then completed her residency training in Philadelphia. She has been very active within the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine’s Council of Faculties and was instrumental in the formation of the Professions Curricular Guide.
Dr. Mason and Dr. Jensen discuss the “Feet on the Street” student recruitment initiative made possible by leading organizations within podiatric medicine, including the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM), Podiatry Insurance Company of America (PICA), American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS), American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM), the Podiatry Foundation (Ohio), and the Colorado Foot and Ankle Society! A great discussion with an educational leader and mentor to many in our profession!
In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen is joined by Dr. Karana Mason, Vice Dean at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. They discuss Dr. Mason’s extensive experience in the educational space of podiatric medicine and her role as the vice dean. Dr. Mason describes her position as a project manager at Scholl College. Tune in to learn more about the evolving educational system in podiatric medicine.
In the episode, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Mason discuss the shift in the emphasis of the educational system in podiatric medicine. Previously, the surgical aspect of podiatry was somewhat limited, and only a select few were able to pursue it. However, the focus has now shifted towards ensuring that all professionals in the field of podiatric medicine and surgery reach a certain level of competence. This means that all podiatrists must be proficient in surgical procedures and consistently perform at their best in the operating room.
This change in emphasis has also led to adjustments in the curriculum. The curriculum has been modified to reflect the new expectation that all podiatrists should receive training in surgery. While there may still be discussions about whether an individual wants to specialize in surgery, the expectation is that all podiatrists will acquire surgical skills.
Dr. Jensen and Dr. Mason discuss how this shift in the educational system is likely driven by the goal of unifying the profession of podiatric medicine and surgery. In the past, there may have been a division between those who focused on medicine and those who focused on surgery. However, the current emphasis is on the fact that podiatrists are both medical professionals and surgeons. This change has likely resulted in a more comprehensive and standardized education for all podiatrists, regardless of their specific interests or career goals within the field.