09/29/2025 Lawrence Rubin, DPM (AI Augmented)
Three Cheers for Dr. Scholl?
I think that for most "old timer" DPMs like me,
when we hear, the name "Dr. Scholl" mentioned,
this evokes memories of pharmacy aisles filled
with cushioned insoles and foot care products. But
behind this familiar brand was a genuine
visionary, William Mathias Scholl, whose
contributions to the profession of podiatry extend
far beyond simple arch supports. His timeless
lessons in education, public awareness, and the
marriage of technology with expert care hold a key
to podiatry's future, offering a blueprint for
navigating a rapidly evolving healthcare
landscape.
A Legacy of Learned Care: When William Scholl
founded the Illinois College of Chiropody and
Orthopedics in 1912, (Later the Illinois College
of Chiropody and Foot Surgery and now the Scholl
College of Podiatric Medicine.) foot care was
often considered a trade, not a medical science.
By creating a curriculum that mirrored allopathic
medicine, Scholl elevated the field, mandating
that his students receive a rigorous education in
clinical sciences. He understood that true
credibility was built on a foundation of
professional training.
Today's podiatrists can lean into this legacy by
further integrating their training with allied
health professions. This means not just preventing
and treating foot and ankle issues in isolation,
but collaborating with primary care physicians and
vascular surgeons for limb salvage in diabetic
patients, or with endocrinologists to manage
systemic conditions. By embracing
interprofessional education, modern podiatry
reinforces its position as an integral—and
indispensable—part of a patient's overall health
journey.
From Shops to Smartphones: Educating the Public:
Scholl was a tireless public relations expert,
promoting foot health through his "Foot Comfort
Shops" and the annual "Foot Comfort Week". He
educated the masses on common foot ailments,
positioning himself and his brand as the solution.
This blend of public outreach and professional
expertise was a recipe for success.
In today’s digital world, podiatrists have an even
larger platform for public health education. AI-
powered apps, telemedicine, and social media can
be used to monitor patients with chronic
conditions remotely and increase access to care in
rural areas. While over-the-counter products are
more abundant than ever, podiatrists can emphasize
the crucial difference between a quick retail fix
and the specialized, personalized care—and custom
orthotics—that a DPM provides. The modern Dr.
Scholl isn't just selling products; they are
selling specialized expertise.
Where Technology Meets the Human Touch: Scholl's
journey began with a simple yet groundbreaking
product: a patented arch support. But his business
model was not just about the product itself; it
was about the expertise of his trained staff, who
provided proper fitting and a personalized
experience. He understood that technology was only
as good as the professional guiding its use.
This synergy between technology and expert
application is more powerful today than ever. The
modern podiatrist can use advanced tools like 3D
printing to create highly customized orthotics,
moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.
Similarly, data from wearable technology and
health apps can be leveraged to create better,
more personalized treatment plans. This approach
empowers patients and allows them to take an
active role in their own care, a concept Scholl
would have heartily endorsed.
Conclusion: Footsteps to the Future: I agree with
AI that William Mathias Scholl's greatest
contribution was not just the products he created,
but the blueprint he left behind: a combination of
rigorous professional education, tireless public
outreach, and the masterful integration of
technology and personalized care. By embracing
these principles, modern podiatry can continue to
honor his legacy while innovating for the future.
The next generation of DPMs can prove that true
foot comfort comes not just from a product, but
from a trusted professional who puts patient
health first.
I think that for most "old timer" DPMs like me,
when we hear, the name "Dr. Scholl" mentioned,
this evokes memories of pharmacy aisles filled
with cushioned insoles and foot care products. But
behind this familiar brand was a genuine
visionary, William Mathias Scholl, whose
contributions to the profession of podiatry extend
far beyond simple arch supports. His timeless
lessons in education, public awareness, and the
marriage of technology with expert care hold a key
to podiatry's future, offering a blueprint for
navigating a rapidly evolving healthcare
landscape.
A Legacy of Learned Care: When William Scholl
founded the Illinois College of Chiropody and
Orthopedics in 1912, (Later the Illinois College
of Chiropody and Foot Surgery and now the Scholl
College of Podiatric Medicine.) foot care was
often considered a trade, not a medical science.
By creating a curriculum that mirrored allopathic
medicine, Scholl elevated the field, mandating
that his students receive a rigorous education in
clinical sciences. He understood that true
credibility was built on a foundation of
professional training.
Today's podiatrists can lean into this legacy by
further integrating their training with allied
health professions. This means not just preventing
and treating foot and ankle issues in isolation,
but collaborating with primary care physicians and
vascular surgeons for limb salvage in diabetic
patients, or with endocrinologists to manage
systemic conditions. By embracing
interprofessional education, modern podiatry
reinforces its position as an integral—and
indispensable—part of a patient's overall health
journey.
From Shops to Smartphones: Educating the Public:
Scholl was a tireless public relations expert,
promoting foot health through his "Foot Comfort
Shops" and the annual "Foot Comfort Week". He
educated the masses on common foot ailments,
positioning himself and his brand as the solution.
This blend of public outreach and professional
expertise was a recipe for success.
In today’s digital world, podiatrists have an even
larger platform for public health education. AI-
powered apps, telemedicine, and social media can
be used to monitor patients with chronic
conditions remotely and increase access to care in
rural areas. While over-the-counter products are
more abundant than ever, podiatrists can emphasize
the crucial difference between a quick retail fix
and the specialized, personalized care—and custom
orthotics—that a DPM provides. The modern Dr.
Scholl isn't just selling products; they are
selling specialized expertise.
Where Technology Meets the Human Touch: Scholl's
journey began with a simple yet groundbreaking
product: a patented arch support. But his business
model was not just about the product itself; it
was about the expertise of his trained staff, who
provided proper fitting and a personalized
experience. He understood that technology was only
as good as the professional guiding its use.
This synergy between technology and expert
application is more powerful today than ever. The
modern podiatrist can use advanced tools like 3D
printing to create highly customized orthotics,
moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.
Similarly, data from wearable technology and
health apps can be leveraged to create better,
more personalized treatment plans. This approach
empowers patients and allows them to take an
active role in their own care, a concept Scholl
would have heartily endorsed.
Conclusion: Footsteps to the Future: I agree with
AI that William Mathias Scholl's greatest
contribution was not just the products he created,
but the blueprint he left behind: a combination of
rigorous professional education, tireless public
outreach, and the masterful integration of
technology and personalized care.
By embracing these principles, modern podiatry can
continue to honor his legacy while innovating for
the future. The next generation of DPMs can prove
that true foot comfort comes not just from a
product, but from a trusted professional who puts
patient health first.
Lawrence Rubin, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
