Politics and Future of Podiatry

[HamiltonPOD]

So I've been researching podiatry as a career a lot lately and what I have come up with is that I like what they do a lot. What I am uncomfortable with is all the politics that go along with the profession. Just last night I watched a video of Dr. Block vs. Dr. McCord talking about the DPM degree getting converted over to the MD degree and it kept making me think that the profession may be in some trouble. The reasons for the degree change seemed to be mostly because of the politics behind podiatry(respect, reimbursement, priveleges, etc.). I have also been doing some reading on the possibility of a residency shortage in the very near future. What happens to the students who dont get a residency?? This should not be allowed to happen, I believe that if it does-the profession will take a very serious hit because future prospective students will have absolutely no interest in going into a profession that may leave them high-and-dry with 150k in debt. What are other peoples thoughts on these problems? Also on Vision 2015, this will almost certainly not come about if students are left stranded because they can't even get in a residency...I mean, that is terrible and I cant believe this would be allowed to happen. Again, I am very interested in podiatry as a career-I'm just worried about the future. Any comments?

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[Gryhu]

Straight from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Job prospects. Although the occupation is small and most podiatrists continue to practice until retirement, job opportunities should be good for entry-level graduates of accredited podiatric medicine programs. Job growth and replacement needs should create enough job openings for the supply of new podiatric medicine graduates. Opportunities will be better for board-certified podiatrists because many managed-care organizations require board certification. Newly trained podiatrists will find more opportunities in group medical practices, clinics, and health networks than in traditional solo practices. Establishing a practice will be most difficult in the areas surrounding colleges of podiatric medicine, where podiatrists concentrate.

As far as residency shortages, that happened back in the 90's and really scared a lot of people away from podiatry. The AACPM is making sure that won't happen again. Where did you read about the future residency shortage? I'm interested to see that....As far as politics, it exists in every profession. The best advice I can give you is study hard and make sure you really love the field that you choose, because you will be doing it for the next 30 years of your life.

If you're interested, AZPOD has a nice FAQ page about podiatry.

http://www.midwestern.edu/content/pr11.asp

Check it out.

 

[PureBlue]

Ya politics is in every field, even among MD's. I told a trauma surgeon about shadowing and orthopedic surgeon, and he told me to come up and watch them to see what real doctors do. You must realize that there are a lot of egos out there, just don't sweat it and do what you love. If you work hard and get good grades I doubt you will have a hard time finding a good residency spot; that is my plan. I am extremely happy with my choice of podiatry.

 

[Feli]

...If you work hard and get good grades I doubt you will have a hard time finding a good residency spot; that is my plan. I am extremely happy with my choice of podiatry.

You have to focus on the things that you can control.

 

[michk]

where did you see the video of Dr. Block vs Dr. McCord? Can I still watch it? I had never even heard of the possibility of the DPM degree switching over to MD, I am curious.

 

[krabmas]

where did you see the video of Dr. Block vs Dr. McCord? Can I still watch it? I had never even heard of the possibility of the DPM degree switching over to MD, I am curious.

http://associationstudios.com/Publisher_Main.aspx?PublisherId=92

is the link to the debate

 

[podoc123]

Thanks for the link Krabmas. A very interesting debate, both sides make some great points

 

[Paulywog]

I actually enjoyed the debate eventhough it was long. They both made points that I agree with and some that I don't agree with. I don't think I am a fan of adding MD to our title and taking extra courses and rotations. I think they would be unnecessary. If we are lacking in our training or education, then they could add that to podiatry school. If it will not help us become better foot specialists, then what's the point. I guess I won't fully understand the concerns until I actually become a podiatrist and deal with the issues personally. I just hope we get recognized more by insurance companies and state that we are specialists of the foot and are capable.

 

[michk]

Thanks for posting the link. I just finished watching the debate and I agree that both sides had points well made. I wonder if there can be a way to have the OPTION of DPM/MD. Many allopathic med schools have the option of MD/JD and some of the podiatry schools have the option of DPM/MPH or DPM/MBA. After your first year of school, you can apply to get the dual degree. Perhaps something like DPM/MD would be a good compromise. I am not sure if I personally would choose it, but I have to admit that I like the idea of having the option available to me.

 

[podoc123]

I actually enjoyed the debate eventhough it was long. They both made points that I agree with and some that I don't agree with. I don't think I am a fan of adding MD to our title and taking extra courses and rotations. I think they would be unnecessary. If we are lacking in our training or education, then they could add that to podiatry school. If it will not help us become better foot specialists, then what's the point. I guess I won't fully understand the concerns until I actually become a podiatrist and deal with the issues personally. I just hope we get recognized more by insurance companies and state that we are specialists of the foot and are capable.

Paulywog, you stated it pretty much how I feel. I think we need to continue working towards parity with the MD/DO's, but I don't think we need an MD/DO to do this. Also, since Azpod and DMU are integrated with DO schools, would they have to convert further if it was decided to get a MD along with the DPM? I say this because it was mentioned there is little point in getting a DO along with the DPM because it similarly has to be explained to the general public unlike an MD.

 

[MaseratiGT]

Watched the video last night.

I agree with Dr. McCord. It seems that IF a dual degree were ever to be birthed, students would consider going to pod school with the sole intention of becoming an OB/GYN, or an oncologist, or any other speciality.

Dr. Block argues that is would give us "unlimited scope." But there are no M.D.'s or D.O.'s out there that use an unlimited license. Can you imagine your GP waltzing into an operating theatre and performing neurosurgery? That's what we have residencies and specialities for. To stick with one area, focus on it, and know everything about it.

I think if it were ever to come to fruition, patients may want one-stop shopping with their podiatrists medically managing all of their systemic diseases, especially diabetics. It was my perception of Dr. Block's argument that that is the desired outcome of dual degrees.

I, for one, never planned on becoming an endocrinologist, or anything other than a podiatrist for that matter. I only want to work with the foot and ankle. If I felt that I could only do that, to the best of my ability, with an M.D. degree, I would've pursued the path to the "exhaulted M.D." and become an orthopedist.

 

[Snake Doctor]

I really think if there is more research in the field, then the respect will increase a lot more. I am currently attending a top research institution right now for undergraduate, and I can honestly attest to the fact that research is where all the money is at, along with the prestige. Perhaps the next step is to train some podiatric students to become scholars as well as practioners. I know Scholl has a program, but there should be more. There should be an incentive though, along the lines of MD/PhD programs or something of that sort. DPM/MS would seem to be more feasible. With the increasing epidemic of diabetes, podiatric researchers should fight for more of the pie in terms of federal funding. In the grand scheme of things, it's a win-win situation for everyone involved, especially the patients and the schools (medical breakthroughs for the patients and money for the school).

Just my 2 cents.

Actually, DMU has a dual degree program for DPM/MS.

 

[jonwill]

Watched the video last night.

I agree with Dr. McCord. It seems that IF a dual degree were ever to be birthed, students would consider going to pod school with the sole intention of becoming an OB/GYN, or an oncologist, or any other speciality.

Dr. Block argues that is would give us "unlimited scope." But there are no M.D.'s or D.O.'s out there that use an unlimited license. Can you imagine your GP waltzing into an operating theatre and performing neurosurgery? That's what we have residencies and specialities for. To stick with one area, focus on it, and know everything about it.

I think if it were ever to come to fruition, patients may want one-stop shopping with their podiatrists medically managing all of their systemic diseases, especially diabetics. It was my perception of Dr. Block's argument that that is the desired outcome of dual degrees.

I, for one, never planned on becoming an endocrinologist, or anything other than a podiatrist for that matter. I only want to work with the foot and ankle. If I felt that I could only do that, to the best of my ability, with an M.D. degree, I would've pursued the path to the "exhaulted M.D." and become an orthopedist.

Agreed.

 

[APMAHelp]

Podiatric medicine is a great career choice. Don’t be put off by the politics. The more you study each medical specialty, the more you will discover that politics is unavoidable. Unfortunately, it really doesn’t make any difference if you are a DPM, MD, or DO. Politics has infiltrated group practices, managed care, hospitals and certainly teaching institutions. In general, you seldom hear the vast majority of doctors complaining.

The MD/DPM debate can be viewed as something very positive for podiatric medicine. Clearly this debate has been fueled by the better education, training and experience of the podiatric physician. Some within the profession feel that DPMs have earned the right to make a degree change. Most podiatric physicians and surgeons, however, are proud of the DPM degree that they have earned and see a day, in the not too distant future, when the profession will achieve parity with allopathic and osteopathic medicine.
What is probably most important is the tremendous value that podiatric physicians and surgeons bring to our patients. We keep people mobile, independent, and pain free. We save limbs. In short, we make a difference in the quality of life of our patients.

The potential for a residency shortage is a concern, but it would be a more significant problem if no action were being taken. The profession is making an allout effort to ensure excellence postgraduate educational training for all graduates of colleges of podiatric medicine.

Also, in a very short time, a major study completed by the State University of New York at Albany will report in JAPMA that there will be a huge demand for podiatric physicians over the next few decades. This demand is being driven by many factors including the aging of Americans, and the epidemics of both obesity and diabetes.

Simple supply and demand economics points to a bullish future for DPMs.
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