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If you really want to do this right, I’m genuinely glad you decided to break away from the old format. For years, there has been far too much negativity surrounding podiatry in those discussions, often driven by individuals who have not actively practiced in decades or who no longer represent the profession in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, that type of commentary creates a distorted picture of what podiatry is today and where it is headed.
What we need is a platform that highlights the many positive developments occurring throughout the profession. There are countless examples of podiatrists taking on leadership roles within hospitals and health systems, becoming department chairs, serving in executive positions, and helping shape the future of patient care. The profession has grown significantly, and opportunities continue to expand in both academic and private practice settings.
Students and prospective applicants should be hearing about the success stories. They should see the growing number of podiatrists being recruited by hospitals, large healthcare organizations, and private equity-backed groups. They should understand that there are excellent career paths available, strong earning potential, opportunities for specialization, and increasing integration within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. These are the realities of modern podiatry, yet they are often overshadowed by a small group of individuals who focus exclusively on negative experiences and outdated perspectives.
The profession cannot afford to allow its narrative to be controlled by people who no longer reflect the current state of podiatric medicine. Future students, residents, and young practitioners are paying attention to what they read online. When the dominant message is pessimistic, it discourages talented individuals from considering podiatry as a career and contributes to the challenges we face with student enrollment. Perception matters, and the way the profession presents itself has a direct impact on its future.
You have an opportunity to help change that. By creating a space that focuses on achievement, growth, innovation, leadership, and opportunity, you can showcase the profession in a way that is both accurate and inspiring. That does not mean ignoring challenges, but it does mean providing balance and ensuring that the many successes of podiatry are given the attention they deserve. If done correctly, this could have a meaningful impact on how students, residents, and the broader healthcare community view the profession, and it could play an important role in strengthening podiatry for years to come.
—Charles M. Lombardi, DPM, FACFAS