09/10/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS)
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80 (Robert Bijak, DPM)
From: Ron Raducanu, DPM
We ARE the foot and ankle experts. No medical profession comes close to the level of what we learn and can do within the foot and ankle - medically or surgically. Our training is far superior in the management of the lower extremity than that of any other medical professional - again, both medically and surgically. If one chooses not to be a surgical practitioner, there is plenty of pathology and plenty of feet to go around.
Questioning the above is what's wrong with podiatry. There is no question, only a failure to realize who and what we are, and what it is we can do with our training.
Ron Raducanu, DPM, Philadelphia, PA, kidsfeet@gmail.com
09/07/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS)
RE: I Want to Work as a Podiatrist (Bryan Markinson, DPM)
From: Michael Forman, DPM
As usual, Dr. Bryan Markinson's analysis of our profession is right on. I have learned from my younger colleagues and my friend Michael Turlik that our medical decisions should be based on evidence rather than anecdotal stories. However, I would like to give you my anecdotal opinion which unfortunately is not evidence-based.
1. Our schools cannot train a student to be a podiatrist.
2. In my opinion, a minimally competent (accent on competent) podiatrist should at least be trained to do...
Editor's note: Dr. Forman's extended-length letter can be read here.
09/06/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 2
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80 (Michael Metzger, DPM)
From: Ron Raducanu, DPM
Dr. Metzger, do you really believe that this situation has to do with insecurity? How interesting. I thought it had more to do with proficiency and forward motion.
Ron Raducanu, DPM, Philadelphia, PA, kidsfeet@gmail.com
09/05/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 2B
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80 (Ron Raducanu, DPM)
From: Amram Dahukey, DPM
Thank you Dr. Raducanu for your comment. We have come a long way from the time we had only one year of training; that is called progress. I do not know of any specialty of medicine or surgery that has one year of training. Perhaps the difference is in our perception of the specialty of podiatric medicine and surgery. I believe in more training to adequately prepare graduates for the private practice reality, though many may disagree with this notion.
Amram Dahukey, DPM, Tucson, AZ, drd@premiersurgeons.com
09/04/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS)
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80 (Amram Dahukey, DPM)
From: Ron Raducanu, DPM
I want to take issue with the statement Dr. Dahukey made. "We" is all of medicine. The states that require one year of training before they issue a license as a requirement do so for ALL medical professionals. We are not being singled out, which is a good thing. This is what we want, but then to not offer a single year of "internship" or enough residencies for all is the major problem here.
I don't think anyone wants to "reduce requirements for licensure" or has even suggested that at all. The goal is that...
Editor's note: Dr. Raducanu's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/30/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 3
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80
From: Michael Z. Metzger, DPM, MBA, Philip Seeber, DPM
Ain't this so neat. We work to lobby states to require new grads to do a residency and then don't have the decency to have that residency available to them.
Michael Z. Metzger, DPM, MBA, Lewisville, TX, mzmetzger@comcast.net
I am a former director and I have seen this happen before. The CPME has been appointed as the watchdog group by the government. Your local senators should be informed. I believe the schools are stealing from the students. If there are 100 students short this year, look at the next 3 years. There could be 300 students short of residency programs. A legal course of action may pay off the students' debt, and make sure this never happens again.
Philip Seeber, DPM, Rockford, IL, drseeber@yahoo.com
08/28/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 2
RE: I Want to Work as a Podiatrist (Sarah Montgomery, DPM)
From: Philip Larkins, DPM
I offered a medical assistant job to Sarah here in San Diego, and unfortunately it couldn't be arranged. I truly hope that this doctor gets into the podiatry field soon, as I told her in my e-mail. I truly feel saddened and have a kindred heart with this colleague. Sarah, you were wronged by your profession and the proletariat group that formed this cluster of nonsense that is known as "podiatry residency standard". This is obviously a group of intellect devourers living and dining in a white, ivory tower.
You and the rest of the unmatched podiatry graduates have been long coming, and I am sorry that no administrator or educator or fellow student warned you of...
Editor's note: Dr. Larkins' extended-length letter can be read here.
08/28/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 1
RE: I Want to Work as a Podiatrist (Brian Kiel, DPM)
From: Ron Raducanu, DPM
Dr. Kiel does not seem to really be "in the loop" with these poor colleagues of ours who have been left out in the cold. First, this year, there was an overflow of 59 graduates re-entering the residency hunt. This is extremely taxing on the system we've implemented. Invariably, some get programs, while others don't.
Those who don't get a program are faced with a situation where they are no longer immersed in the academia of podiatry, and in many cases they can't even practice because...
Editor's note: Dr. Raducanu's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/27/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 3
RE: I Want to Work as a Podiatrist (Brian Kiel, DPM)
From: Jeff Kittay, DPM
Did I really just read another post from an established doctor blaming an unmatched graduate for her "failure" to gain a residency slot after three years? Maybe he's right, just as all rape victims have themselves to blame for their failure to resist their attackers. The circumstances are different but the analogy is the same. Greedy DPMs who have lobbied state legislatures to pass laws preventing legitimate qualified graduates from practice unless they have the holy 3-year certificate are to blame, colluding with self-serving deans of unnecessary tuition-driven podiatry schools.
Dr. Montgomery is not to blame; the leaders of our profession are. They have perpetuated the myth that more and more DPMs are needed, so more and more schools have been created. Any economist can tell you that when supply exceeds demand, someone suffers. As Dr. Deutsch stated clearly, lawsuits, on a class-action level, may be the only solution. There will be pain and embarrassment enough for all, but the purposeless treadmill of graduating more students than the economy can handle, and who cannot work because of the absurd restrictions placed on them, must be shut down.
Jeff Kittay, DPM, Boston, MA, twindragons2@verizon.net
08/27/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 1A
RE: Residency CONCLAVE Cancelled (Bret Ribotsky, DPM)
From: William Deutsch, DPM
I must say that reading the AACPM response to the proposed conclave wasn't very reassuring. The response itself was very impressive in securing the signatures of so many organizational representatives content to continue the status quo. Perhaps the same effort could be put to a more constructive purpose.
There are at least 80 podiatrists who are unable to practice because the unforeseeable occurred. The economy zigged instead of...
Editor's note: Dr. Deutsch's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/27/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 4
RE: I Want to Work as a Podiatrist (Sarah Montgomery, DPM)
From: Robin Myers, DPM
Do I feel bad for this young person who can't get a residency? Sure. But she should get in line! For 2 years during my senior year and after, I attempted to get a surgical residency unsuccessfully. This was 14 years ago. I felt at that time that getting a surgical residency, ANY surgical residency, was critical to my being able to perform at my maximum capacity as a podiatrist. I felt cheated that there were any of us who wanted a surgical residency and were not able to get one, but that year there were somewhere around 90 people who were unable to get
a surgical residency. A friend had been trying for 3 years to get a surgical residency.
I have struggled ever since! Most of the job opportunities state they want a 2-3 year surgical residency-trained applicant. Many of the hospitals require...
Editor's note: Dr. Myers' extended-length letter can be read here.
08/23/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 1A
RE: I Want to Work as a Podiatrist (Sarah Montgomery, DPM)
From: Meeta S. Pancholi, DPM
Sarah's story should horrify all of us. Times have indeed changed. Training is everything. Apparently, even banks know this. We should keep in mind that the unmatched are not just for this year, but are from past years as well.
The schools have sold false hope, and the students deserve a refund. Perhaps a year unplaced should mean a year refunded.
There are many of us willing to help, but creating training options is unappealingly challenging. There needs to be a better pathway to create residencies.
Meeta S. Pancholi, DPM, Palmerton, PA, acpwc@ptd.net
08/23/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 1B
RE: I Want to Work as a Podiatrist (Sarah Montgomery, DPM)
From: Michael J Marcus, DPM
I carefully reviewed Dr. Montgomery's story - actually a plea. It's all very sad for the profession, for the system, and especially for the individuals involved - DPMs and their supporting families. Much has been written and proposed. But what's being done to prevent this from happening again?
An article appeared this mornings in the LA Times regarding law school admissions. Law school grads are finding it difficult to obtain jobs. The law schools have decided to reduce their enrollment in order to adjust to their apparent situation. It seems logical to me that maybe we should consider similar methods. We should also increase the requirements for acceptance to be more selective and to ensure a residency position for every graduate.
In the meantime, I know a graduate, now a DPM, who like Dr. Montgomery is concerned about his future. What can we do now to help these individuals within our practices? How can we put them to work? How can we guide them? Any ideas (besides starting a new residency program at our local hospital)?
Michael J Marcus, DPM, Irvine/Montebello, CA, ftmed@aol.com
08/21/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS)
RE: Unmatched Graduate of the Day
From: Michael J. Schneider, DPM
Kudos to PM News for putting faces and personal stories/requests on this site with regard to the unmatched graduates. I believe that it will strike at the hearts of all podiatrists who read the stories and makes a solution to this issue more urgent than ever. Thank you.
Michael J. Schneider, DPM, Denver, CO, podiatristoncall@gmail.com
08/13/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS)
RE: Podiatric Residency Conclave (Bryan Markinson, DPM)
From: Bret Ribotsky, DPM
Here's an update on the proposed CONCLAVE to deal with the residency crisis. I sent invitations to all of organized podiatry on August 1st. I have received over 150 email responses, many from concerned DPMs offering suggestions, 3th and 4th year students, and many of the 80+ graduates without any programs. I have not received a single response from any of the stakeholders. Why has APMA, ACFAS, ABPS, ABPM, ASPS, COTH, AACPM, CPME, NPME, and all the rest remained silent?
I see two major issues that need to be dealt with: 1) what changes can be done NOW for the 80+ without training opportunities and the 150+ next year 2) how do we fix this problem from EVER happening again. I again ask everyone to ask the leaders of our profession, what's being done, and why have you remained silent about having an open discussion with everyone invited (organized, of course) to work on this issue?
Kudos to Alan Sherman, DPM as he is taking the first steps to progress by taking a few hours from his PRESENT Residency Summit in August to have an discussion with over 50 residency director, and to Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association's Executive Director, Michael Davis, JD for offering to assist with the logistics of my proposed CONCLAVE. If you have an idea or suggestion, please send it to PodiatryConclave@gmail.com
Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL, ribotsky@gmail.com
08/08/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 2
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80
From: George Pattis, DPM
1) The dental profession gives reciprocity for dentists licensed in any of 46 states. Why doesn't podiatry have multi-state reciprocity for a DPM licensed in one of 46 states? (hint - under cover of protecting the public - the real meaning is to restrict licenses.)
2) Can anyone explain to me why a NP or a PA can treat multiple non-surgical common podiatric problems with a 2-year Masters degree and a 4-year DPM graduate cannot?
3) Why can a nail tech with a 6-week course legally trim diabetic nails with...
Editor's note: Dr. Pattis' extended-length letter can be read here.
08/05/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 2B
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80
From: Richard J. Miller, DPM
I have been avidly following the plight of those graduates who have not been placed into a residency program and share my colleagues' dismay at this situation. Perhaps my concern is more personal, since my son is starting podiatry school this year and we have an obvious stake in this debacle.
I have read numerous opinions about the solutions, but am most upset that the APMA has not communicated thoroughly or at all with the general membership on what they are proposing or actually doing to help these graduates in the short-term and solve the crisis in...
Editor's note: Dr. Miller's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/05/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 2A
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80
From: David E. Samuel, DPM
This was a horrible thing that was perpetrated on these students. They were duped out of their money and will not be able to pay back loans and practice to make a decent living without a program. This is going to happen again next year and the year after, unless we stop the talking and get to the source. Starting new programs for those without a slot is a great idea, if and only if they are strong programs that have volume and appropriate workload to put out good fully trained surgeons. To throw programs together that do not have the volume or the diversity is only going to weaken our product. .
Overloading existing programs with more residents is less hands-on for the ones there. Again, less quality training. New programs are maybe a start, but not going to help soon enough. Ask a simple question. After opening the new colleges...
Editor's note: Dr. Samuel's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/03/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 1B
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80
From: Richard Gosnay, DPM
One consistent sentiment seems to run through all of the comments regarding the large number of new podiatrists who have not moved on to post-graduate training this year. The students, current podiatrists, retired podiatrists, and educators who have written about the subject are uniformly appalled. Obviously, our new colleagues who are living this nightmare are frustrated and angry. I hope that they get some measure of comfort from knowing that a great many of us do care about their situation.
There have been many suggestions about what should be done. These suggestions vary widely. Many seem to be illogical and born more out of frustration than of critical analysis of what is possible. I hope that we, as a profession, will...
Editor's note: Dr. Gosnay's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/03/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 1A
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 80
From: William Deutsch, DPM
When I graduated in 1976, there were 5 schools of podiatry with class sizes of 50-60 or so students, and there was still a residency shortage. The difference was that there were only a smattering of states that required residency for licensure, and the ability to do surgery or gain hospital privileges depended upon your ego, chutzpah, and whom you knew. You could still make a living without surgery or even accepting insurance if you were a good salesman and had average skills. Surgery on a see-one, do-one basis was still possible, and if you had average luck, you could avoid an untoward event for several years.
Obviously, lack of residencies for graduating students is only part of the problem. Incoming podiatry students still don't know what...
Editor's note: Dr. Deutsch's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/02/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS)
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86
From: Jeanne M. Arnold, DPM
Once again the 'leadership' of this profession has proven itself to be as spineless as ever. Sweep the problem under the rug, hope nobody notices, then hide when they do. When the residency crisis first surfaced, there was a flurry of activity and some hope that the unmatched graduates could be accommodated into programs so they could obtain licenses and become practicing podiatrists. A few slots became available, but then nothing.
Most of us work-a-day; in the trenches podiatrists are pretty much helpless to do anything. Back to business as usual for those who can change things. Meanwhile, there are 86 people whose future is...
Editor's note: Dr. Arnold's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/01/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 1B
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86
From: Unmatched Podiatric Graduate (KSCPM2)
I completely agree with the comments that my colleague who is in the same dilemma as me made about enforcing the 3-year residency program. I entered podiatry school to become a podiatrist, not an MD. I did not intend to do much surgery, although I believe I can be very good at it after having spent much time in the OR for the last 2 years.
Why were these changes made in the field of podiatry in order to be on par with orthopedic surgeons? There are multiple fields in allopathic medicine that do not require surgical options, so why can't graduates have a choice to do what they like? If I had known that this...
Editor's note: this extended-length letter can be read here.
08/01/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 1A
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86
From: Unmatched Podiatric Graduate (KSCPM1)
I am also one of the unmatched graduates from the class of 2013 who has been waiting since March to see what happens with this long-brewing and self-created debacle. Nearly everyday, I have been reading the posts that have poured into PM News to gather any bit of information that could have helped me. Needless to say, there was a lot of "finger pointing", "now is not the time to blame anyone" and "we must work together."
I applaud programs who have taken an extra resident or two, or three in the meantime. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg. The vast majority of those without a program are still unmatched and waiting for answers. Here is my take on...
Editor's note: This extended-length letter can be read here.
08/01/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 2
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86 (Jeffrey Kass, DPM)
From: Randall Brower, DPM
I agree we're becoming disjointed. "Disjoin" a podiatry school that should never have been started, Western in California, for instance. Who cooks a hot dog without available buns? Who makes spaghetti noodles without the sauce? Why in the heck would our podiatry establishment, the "powers" that be, authorize a school without the surety of available residency spots?
I'm tired of people telling hardworking podiatrists that it is our fault for not creating more residencies and giving back, when the blame squarely lies with those who created a school knowing full well that there were not enough residency spots.
If the powers that oversee residencies are separate and different from the powers that okay school creation, then that explains the problem. When the FBI and CIA didn't talk, 9-11 happened. If the powers that create residencies and schools DO talk, then we have a class action because a school was created knowing full well it was taking tuition money from students who could not practice with the degree that was given them.
The federal government should tie student loan assistance to guaranteed residency positions that they also fund. Doing this would stop the unnecessary creation of schools, because without government assistance and guaranteed residency spots, many students could not afford tuition. This keeps private colleges honest.
Randall Brower, DPM, Avondale, AZ, footdoctor33@yahoo.com
07/31/2013
RESPONSES /COMMENTS (RESIDENCY SHORTAGE CRISIS) - PART 1B
RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86
From: Unmatched Podiatric Graduate
Podiatry is turning into a complete joke. As students, we have been told that Vision 2015 will make us “equivalent” to our MD counterparts. It is the biggest BS that I have ever heard in my entire life. We are not equivalent because we do not act like future professional doctors.
The APMA is a joke for coming into our schools and telling our students that they hope “the students that don’t match will stop applying one day.” Our board exams lack transparency. The students will never know their raw scores or...
Editor's note: This extended-length letter can be read here.
