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I saw this in the post about interview questions and it really got me thinking. I obviously know how I would answer the question, but I would like to know other people's stories and such. I'll start...
I think the best way to answer is "why not podiatry?".
It's
Now those were all of the aesthetic reasons, but podiatry just feels like a true calling. I have flat feet and I know the difficulties and pain that footcare patients routinely go thru. It literally sucks and I'd love to be given the opportunity to help others with their problems. When I shadowed the pod for the first time and especially in surgery, I really saw myself in his shoes and enjoyed every minute of it. What's funny is that I was still researching careers 6 months ago. I was looking at becoming a GP/FM/Internist. The hospitals around here have no shadowing experiences unless you know the doctor personally. I swear, I went to EVERY clinic in my town, and the closest ones in neighboring towns, (23 offices/clinics) and asked for the opportunity to shadow. Not just the three specialties I listed, I even went to OB/GYN, peds, derms, ortho. 16 said "no, too busy for that", 6 took my information, and 1 said they already had students shadowing and couldn't fit me in the schedule. I waited weeks for a call or email and nothing came and still hasn't came for that matter. I stumbled upon podiatry and got hooked. Researched for clinics in my area, the closest being 10 minutes away. I sent them an inquiry thru their website that night, detailing my interest in podiatry and literally the next morning, less than 16 hours, the office manager responded and said "the doctor would be glad to have you in the clinic." To me, that was the turning point. People may say feet are weird, but I find them fascinating; I wouldn't want to work with other body parts🙄. Sports medicine has always interested me, and there is no way in hell I could do, let alone would make it thru a 7-year ortho residency.
I truly think the greatest thing about podiatry is how humbling it is. You are clipping toenails. What can be more humbling than that? I mean really, most physicians would put off tasks like that for their "underlings". I really hate the whole arrogant doctor persona too. You are a healer, you shouldn't feel above anyone if you are doing such a generous service. Both of the pods I have shadowed are really nice, humble, down-to-earth, loving guys. Their patients love them and enjoy visiting them. They are active in their communities, especially with community health. I would be honored to emulate them in future.
I didn't expect to write this much. Haha it probably sounds like a PS, but this honestly how I feel about this great profession. They can say what they want for not going for an MD, but at least I am doing something I enjoy/love and will have a life outside of work. And please, enough with the Seinfeld jokes!
I would to love hear other's stories as well, please share.🙂
I think the best way to answer is "why not podiatry?".
It's
- less competitive,
- faster, specialized in 3 years
- IMO simpler (don't have to go thru OB/GYN or psych or other "useless" rotations that could be potentially unimportant in your career, i'm probably wrong here though.)
- you can do surgery!
- work with all age groups
- great hours
Now those were all of the aesthetic reasons, but podiatry just feels like a true calling. I have flat feet and I know the difficulties and pain that footcare patients routinely go thru. It literally sucks and I'd love to be given the opportunity to help others with their problems. When I shadowed the pod for the first time and especially in surgery, I really saw myself in his shoes and enjoyed every minute of it. What's funny is that I was still researching careers 6 months ago. I was looking at becoming a GP/FM/Internist. The hospitals around here have no shadowing experiences unless you know the doctor personally. I swear, I went to EVERY clinic in my town, and the closest ones in neighboring towns, (23 offices/clinics) and asked for the opportunity to shadow. Not just the three specialties I listed, I even went to OB/GYN, peds, derms, ortho. 16 said "no, too busy for that", 6 took my information, and 1 said they already had students shadowing and couldn't fit me in the schedule. I waited weeks for a call or email and nothing came and still hasn't came for that matter. I stumbled upon podiatry and got hooked. Researched for clinics in my area, the closest being 10 minutes away. I sent them an inquiry thru their website that night, detailing my interest in podiatry and literally the next morning, less than 16 hours, the office manager responded and said "the doctor would be glad to have you in the clinic." To me, that was the turning point. People may say feet are weird, but I find them fascinating; I wouldn't want to work with other body parts🙄. Sports medicine has always interested me, and there is no way in hell I could do, let alone would make it thru a 7-year ortho residency.
I truly think the greatest thing about podiatry is how humbling it is. You are clipping toenails. What can be more humbling than that? I mean really, most physicians would put off tasks like that for their "underlings". I really hate the whole arrogant doctor persona too. You are a healer, you shouldn't feel above anyone if you are doing such a generous service. Both of the pods I have shadowed are really nice, humble, down-to-earth, loving guys. Their patients love them and enjoy visiting them. They are active in their communities, especially with community health. I would be honored to emulate them in future.
I didn't expect to write this much. Haha it probably sounds like a PS, but this honestly how I feel about this great profession. They can say what they want for not going for an MD, but at least I am doing something I enjoy/love and will have a life outside of work. And please, enough with the Seinfeld jokes!
I would to love hear other's stories as well, please share.🙂
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