Dean’s chat hosts, Doctors Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey, interviewed long time Samuel Merritt College of Podiatric Medicine (SMUCPM) faculty member and sports medicine guru, Dr. Tim Dutra. Dr. Dutra attended the California College of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Dutra states, “I am a native of the Bay Area, I have always participated in a variety of sports; I enjoy exercise and recreational sports. I have over 20 years of coaching experience in youth sports (soccer, basketball, and baseball), as well as high school boys and girls tennis. I serve as a podiatric consultant for intercollegiate athletics for University of California at Berkeley and also was a former podiatric consultant for the Golden State Warriors Basketball Team. I have always been very active in my local community as well as in professional organizations. My educational background is in Kinesiology and Sports Medicine and I am a former collegiate athletic trainer. I did a AAPSM fellowship in Podiatric Sports Medicine after completing my podiatric residency program in Long Beach, CA.”
Dr. Tim Dutra is a fellow of the following organizations:
Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
American College of Sports Medicine
American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine
American Professional Wound Care Association
National Academies of Practice, Podiatric Medicine Academy.
In this episode, Dr. Dutra, Dr. Jensen, and Dr. Richey discuss the significant advancements in orthotics over the years. Dr. Tim Dutra highlighted the shift from traditional materials like leather to more modern and durable options such as polypropylene and graphite. These newer materials offer increased durability and moldability, allowing for more customized orthotic solutions for patients.
Dr. Tim Dutra highlights the importance of the Motion Lab at Samuel Merritt University in facilitating studies and research projects related to motion analysis. Equipped with essential tools such as force plates, a 10-camera system, balance machines, eMed systems, and PEDOR systems for in-shoe analysis, the center allows for a wide range of research possibilities, including studying gait patterns, pressure points, and balance in various populations.
Dr. Dutra emphasized the significance of involving students in research projects to enhance their understanding of biomechanics and its application in podiatric medicine. By engaging in studies conducted at the Motion Lab, students can gain hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, contributing to their overall learning and skill development.
The center’s multidisciplinary approach allows for collaboration across different disciplines, further enriching the research environment and providing students with exposure to diverse perspectives and methodologies.
Enjoy this interesting interview with one of the leaders in podiatric medicine, biomechanics and sports medicine!