Practice Perfect 871
A Letter to Prospective Medical Students

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Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about marketing podiatry as a career, and it is easy for those of us who have been around a while to become jaded with the day-to-day grind of work life. It may be refreshing to many, then, to hear the perspective of a bright, young, motivated student-podiatrist currently in training. I’d like to introduce our Practice Perfect readers to student doctor Savannah Santiago, a fourth-year student at the Western University College of Podiatric Medicine. Student doctor Santiago is a good example of a trainee with a combination of unique traits and a background that may overlap others in our profession. She is an excellent student with a strong future, and I’m happy to host her as a guest editorialist this week.

"Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity" – Hippocrates, the father of medicine.

This quote, often seen hanging in doctor's offices gathering cobwebs, holds true for me after three years of podiatric medical school and what feels like a lifetime of studying to reach this point.

People enter the field of medicine for various reasons, but my motivation has always been my love for people and my innate desire to be a healer. Growing up, I witnessed my mother, an ER pediatric nurse, skillfully tending to every ailment that affected my brother and me. I was amazed by her love and care as she gently bandaged our scraped knees and responded calmly and swiftly in emergencies.

Within the field of medicine, numerous options and specialties are available to pursue to fulfill this innate need to help others. To find my path, I delved into various avenues by engaging in shadowing, volunteering, and research. This extensive exploration encompassed diverse areas such as nursing, physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, family medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, physician assistant, pathology, general surgery, and sports medicine. Amidst this exploration, the field of podiatry resonated with me on a profound level. Now, let me explain why I am overflowing with gratitude and enthusiasm as I embark on the journey of becoming a podiatrist, firmly convinced that it is the epitome of a fulfilling profession.

Podiatry caters to diverse interests. Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions and injuries. By specializing in podiatry, individuals can positively impact people's lives by alleviating pain, restoring mobility, and enhancing overall foot health. The field offers versatility and diversity, with podiatrists practicing in various settings such as private practices, hospitals, sports medicine clinics, or sub-specializing in areas like trauma, pediatrics, reconstruction, or diabetic wound care. This variety allows individuals to tailor their career paths to their unique interests and goals. Moreover, podiatry provides career security due to the increasing demand for podiatrists resulting from factors such as an aging population and the rising prevalence of diseases like diabetes. The job market for podiatrists is favorable, with ample employment opportunities and financial stability. U.S. News ranked podiatry as the #13 best paying job.¹ Additionally, according to a recent survey by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), the median salary for podiatrists in 2021 was $225,000, with small practice salaries between $120,000 to $150,000 and specialty practices between $300,000 and $500,000.² Podiatry offers a comfortable income, reasonable work hours, manageable stress levels compared to other medical professions, and a healthy work-life balance.

Contrary to misconceptions, podiatrists possess comprehensive medical knowledge beyond foot and ankle anatomy. They are medical professionals with a broad understanding of the entire body, specializing in the foot and ankle, much like any other medical specialist. During a wedding I recently attended, a medical emergency unfolded, and to my surprise, I found myself as the sole individual with any medical training. As an appeal for a medical professional went out, there was an eerie silence, with no one stepping forward. Despite being a third-year podiatry student, I swiftly responded to the situation, rushing over in my long bridesmaid dress and high heels. Taking charge, I promptly assessed the situation, evaluated the symptoms, and delivered initial care to the ghostly looking man on the floor until the arrival of the paramedics. I offered a detailed report to the paramedics, including the patient's medical history provided by his wife. The paramedics were astounded as they transported "my patient" away, and upon their further questioning, with quiet confidence, I informed them that I had only recently embarked on my clinical rotations as a 3rd year podiatry student.

My journey as an aspiring podiatrist has equipped me with a deep understanding of the human body, enabling me to unravel the complexities behind foot and ankle problems in patients. The podiatry curriculum I have pursued at Western University is integrated with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, while also specializing in podiatry through dedicated podiatry coursework. Overall, this provides me with a well-rounded medical education. This curriculum approach ensures that I possess the foundational knowledge shared by my DO/MD peers in other medical fields, also giving me a comprehensive medical background that solidifies my commitment to becoming a skilled foot and ankle surgeon. The experience at the wedding reaffirmed the value of my comprehensive medical training and instilled in me the confidence to step up and help others in need.

I understand the fears and self-doubt associated with applying to medical school. I almost didn't pursue it myself due to those very reasons. Enduring the challenges of medical school have pushed and tested me more than anything before. It hasn't become easier; rather, I've learned to adapt and overcome challenges more effectively, finding creative ways to cope. Despite the long hours of studying, shed tears, and the occasional gray hair, I am immensely grateful to be here and have the opportunity to be a fourth-year podiatry student. I promise you that you will look back and not regret that you overcame the fear of failing.

I love podiatry. I cherish the patients we serve and the daily opportunity I have to improve their well-being. The precision and meticulousness required in the operating room exhilarates me and something as simple as a diabetic foot check humbles me. Most importantly, I appreciate that podiatry offers a career of constant learning, growth, and personal development. While I acknowledge that these aspects can be found in various professions, I genuinely believe that podiatry is the ideal fit for me. I encourage more students to explore podiatry through shadowing or research to see if it resonates with them as well. It is my deep love for humanity that has driven me to podiatry, and I eagerly await the path this career will lead me on.

Sincerely,
Savannah Santiago
Western University of Health Sciences
Class of DPM 2024