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06/30/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (THE FUTURE OF PODIATRY) - PART 1A
From: Brian Kiel, DPM
Dr. Tomczak’s letter was very thoughtful and a great deal of his opinions are valid, however, I think the major issue concerning our profession is that there is very little podiatry being taught or practiced any longer. The so-called leadership has decided that we are surgeons of the foot, not podiatrists. Too many find it demeaning to debride nails and lesions. Too many have no idea about how to treat patients with orthotics. Everything is surgery, surgery, and more extensive surgery.
I have practiced for over 50 years. I have done lots and lots of surgery, but patient satisfaction is also when an 8-year-old comes in with calcaneal apophysitis that no one else has helped and they come back to you in 3 weeks asymptomatic. It is when an MD allergist that you treat for an ingrown toenail says it must be so satisfying to be able to relieve pain immediately. We have lost ourselves. We need to re-institute basic podiatry and find a way for graduates to practice without a 3-year surgical residency. Don’t eliminate 3-year residencies, just keep them for the few who want and are capable of performing that type of surgery. Allow 1- and 2-year programs that teach what most of us see daily. This allows practitioners to be able to make a good living and also, by the way, reduce the pressure to cheat.
Brian Kiel, DPM, Memphis, TN
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