RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions (Vincent Gramuglia, DPM)
From: Bruce Krell, DPM
Well said, Dr. Gramuglia. As I recall, the Scholl College, class of 1987 had a difficult year in obtaining residency programs. Not one person, at any time, ever suggested to me that I would not become a fully functioning podiatrist, participate in a residency, perform surgery, become ABPS certified, and earn a living to provide for my family. I, like my classmates, made my own choices and efforts. Some got and some didn't. Some stayed and some didn't. I for one did what I had to do, and I made it work for me in this profession. I continue to do so today although sometimes it is a struggle.
I find the comments that Mr. Schwartz made are not commensurate with the current trend in the profession given the push towards foot and ankle surgery. However, as stated before, not everyone can be a reconstruction specialist or perform complex surgery. There is a great deal of decent podiatric medicine in an office setting to provide service for, and there should be no need to work at a shoe store to pay for student loans. I would be incredibly upset if I were in the situation that the 104 students find themselves. I hope the leaders who are responsible for this fiasco will step-up and make it right, resign their positions, or their Board of Directors have them fired.
Bruce Krell, DPM, Chandler, AZ, footdoc352@cox.net
RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions
From: Stanton C. Southward, DPM, Gregory B. Nellis, DPM
Dr. Ortiz's idea to split salaries is a way to partially fix the problem and is not new. In 1970, Alan Shaw, DPM and I were selected for the prestigious Highland-Alameda residency in Oakland. We split the stipend. Our wives worked and we made ends meet. I augmented my residency with a part-time preceptorship, thus getting an outstanding concurrent post-graduate experience.
Stanton C. Southward, DPM, Colorado Springs, CO, sbsouthie@comcast.net
I completely disagree with the idea about two-tier podiatrists. Surgical delineations will exist as they do in other areas of medicine. But to even imply that fundamental knowledge base differences could or should be built into the system is a step backwards that goes way too far. It under-appreciates the practice of medicine and the complexities of what we do.
How many times have you saved a limb or a life because of your knowledge as a podiatrist when several other doctors or specialists failed to pick up on what was obvious to you? If the goal is not to be a doctor, then create a different title or something. Don't tell me that some of us have excellent doctor knowledge and some of us just have the title.
Gregory B. Nellis, DPM, Gloversville, NY, gbndpm@yahoo.com
