This situation occurs with plastic surgeons, oral maxillofacial facial surgeons, and ENT physicians. It is also seen with dermatologists and plastic surgeons, general surgeons, and highly specialized subspecialties within surgery. As podiatric physicians and surgeons, our primary focus is on diagnosing and managing our patients, particularly in the lower extremity. We lead by example, demonstrating our knowledge and dedication to providing the best possible care. The public has witnessed our capabilities, and it's crucial that we continue to excel in healing our patients, always putting their needs first. 

I explain to my patients that it is in their best interest to have a practitioner who sees nothing but the lower extremity manage their condition. I explain to them that our training is comparable to that of allopathic physicians, and our concentration is on the lower extremity. Yes, we didn't have training in gynecology, obstetrics, psychiatry, advanced cardiology, or managing rotator cuff injuries, but we have had much more training in biomechanics, lower extremity wound, care, etc. Let’s expect that we will always have other organizations feel threatened by us only because we will continue to excel in healing our patients. 

David T Weiss, DPM, Richmond, VA

Dr. Ribotsky brings up an excellent point about developing a cancer registry within our profession. What becomes very concerning to me is the point he brings up about the dangers of podiatrists and their assistants breathing in nail dust, a known carcinogen. With all the OSHA regulations medical practices must adhere to, regulations regarding inhalation of dangerous nail dust does not seem to be a concern of OSHA.