04/24/2026    Allen M. Jacobs, DPM

PODIATRIC MUSINGS (H. David Gottlieb, DPM)

If it is true that completion of a research
project is required for the completion of
residency training, it does not appear certain
that ENFORCEMENT of that requirement is
maintained. In addition to publication, research
may be presented as a poster exhibit at podiatric
or non-podiatric scientific seminars. Research may
be presented as a formal presentation at a
scientific program, again, which may be non-
podiatric. While publication in a peer-reviewed
journal is easily reviewed, other methods of
reporting research may be more difficult to
confirm.

Publications and research would enhance the
desirability of a student for residency selection,
or a resident for fellowship selection, or a
resident or fellow for future employment in a more
desirable position, particularly in the academic
arena. Residency directors should provide
instruction in research methodology as a part of
the core values of their programs. They should
actively encourage research.

Unfortunately, much of the "research" now
published in podiatry, and in medicine globally,
is industry supported. The potential for bias in
such studies is significant. Studies have shown
that industry sponsored research is almost four
times more likely to yield a positive benefit for
the drug or device being evaluated. Students and
residents and fellows learn quickly that a
positive end result when testing a product can be
associated with significant financial reward, and
increased "status" within the profession. When a
student or resident or fellow observes that their
mentor has been "bought and sold", and is rewarded
for less than objective reporting to the
profession regarding research outcomes, they
assume this is acceptable and adopt a similar
frame of ethical reference.

All of us maintain a responsibility to contribute
in some manner to the advancement of this
profession, each in their own manner. Legitimate
research enhances our decision making and patient
care capabilities. Podiatry should be as a
profession leaders, not followers, in the
provision of foot and ankle care. Legitimate
research is one such manner. In my opinion,
residency and fellowship directors must set the
appropriate academic standards, and insist upon
and provide a suitable environment for legitimate
research with no corporate bias or sub rosa
agenda.

Allen M. Jacobs, DPM, St. Louis, MO

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