Episodes

Dr. Jeff Dikis is joined by Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, who shares his journey from track athlete to podiatrist specializing in sports medicine. As a sports medicine specialist, he has worked with athletes at various levels, including high-level Olympic athletes. He discusses the challenges of treating athletes and the importance of honesty and clear communication. Dr. Mendeszoon also talks about his experience owning a running shoe store and the significance of proper footwear in preventing and treati...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis gives a state of the podcast update and discusses recent presentations he gave on first MPJ fusions and posterior heel pain. He reflects on the growth of the podcast and shares his plans to potentially hire an intern. Dr. Dikis provides insights into the different techniques and hardware options for first MPJ fusions, emphasizing the importance of joint preparation and stability. He also explores various treatment options for posterior heel pain, including gastroc...

Dr. Jeff Jensen, the Dean of the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, joins the hosts to discuss his podcasting journey and the impact of podcasting on the podiatry profession. He shares his motivation for starting the Dean's Chat podcast and how it has helped increase visibility and recruitment efforts for the profession. Dr. Jensen also talks about his experience in patenting and developing medical devices, as well as his passion for academics and teaching. The conversation touches on the ch...

In this episode of Pod Patrol, Dr. Jeff Dikis and Dr. Leland Jaffe discuss various topics related to medical education and career progression. They cover the best time to start a family, how to select externships, recommended textbooks for rotations, how to achieve your dream residency and job, and considerations when transitioning from student to resident and then to attending. The hosts emphasize the importance of networking, continuous learning, and seeking mentorship throughout one's medical...

The Pod Patrol hosts are joined by Dr. Alan McGill, a podiatric surgeon and residency director, who discusses his journey to becoming a residency director and the challenges and rewards of the role. They also discuss the importance of joining professional organizations like the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and attending conferences for networking and continuing education.He also shares his experience as a triathlete. In the final part of the conversation, the speakers disc...

In this LIVE conversation, Jeff Dikis and Leland Jaffe discuss their experiences with hammer toe surgeries and the challenges they face. They touch on the topic of Cavus foot deformity and the different surgical approaches to treat it. They also briefly mention the use of tendon transfers in chronic ankle instability patients with Cavus foot deformity. In this part of the conversation, Dr. Dikis discusses the clinical implications and practical application of treating cavus foot deformity. He ex...

In this conversation, Dr. Jeff Dikis interviews Mohamed AbdelGilil, a fourth-year student at Des Moines University. Mo shares his journey to podiatry, including his interest in medicine from a young age and his exploration of different specialties. He also discusses his experience rotating at different programs during his fourth year and the importance of making the most of each rotation. Mo also talks about how he navigated his religious beliefs during his rotations and advocated for standardiz...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis interviews Dr. Nick Strasser, a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon with Vanderbilt University and formerly of the University of Oregon. They discuss Dr. Strasser's background in sports medicine and his passion for foot and ankle surgery. They also talk about his involvement with the AOFAS podcast, Orthopedic Indications and the importance of providing educational resources. They discuss the use of MRI and CT scans for diagnosis and the treatment options for osteoch...

Pod Patrol Dr. Lisa Levick joins the podcast to discuss her experience in podiatry and her work with Boards Blast, a study resource for podiatry board exams. She shares her journey from medical school to residency and the differences she observed between the West Coast and Midwest training programs. Dr. Levick also explains the motivation behind creating Boards Blast and how it aims to provide a standardized study strategy for podiatry residents. The conversation touches on the challenges of bo...

Dr. Ashley Dikis joins the hosts to discuss her role as an assistant professor in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University. We discuss her origins in the state of Indiana, where every soda pop is called "Coke" for some reason. The conversation covers topics such as commencement, academia, and the group dives into some interesting cases. The conversation covers a range of topics related to foot and ankle surgery, including preoperative documentation, surgical approac...

Jeffrey Belokin, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor jbelokin@wbs.us.com Wealth Building Strategies https://www.wbs.us.com/ On this episode of Pod Patrol, we are joined by Jeff Belokin, a financial advisor and we discuss the role of a financial planner in helping individuals manage their funds and achieve their financial goals. He emphasizes the importance of directing discretionary funds towards the right objectives. Jeff also shares insights on financial planning for medical professionals, inclu...

Dr. Sebastien Demoiny discusses his experience working in a multi-specialty group, his involvement in research and design of medical products, and the decision to bring on a physician assistant. In this conversation, Dr. Sebastien Demoiny discusses two cases: one involving a dowel peg technique for non-union fractures and the other involving a triple arthrodesis for a patient with neuropathy. He explains his surgical approach and the rationale behind his decisions. Dr. Demoiny also shares his th...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis and Dr. Ashley Dikis discuss the challenges and experiences of working in a school setting. They talk about the juggling act of balancing multiple responsibilities and the difficulties of being a part-time clinician. They also delve into a case study of a unique fifth metatarsal base fracture and the surgical approach to fixing it. In this conversation, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Ashley discuss unusual cases of ankle fractures and the challenges they face in the operating r...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis and Dr. Leland Jaffe discuss various topics related to podiatry. They discuss doing residency where you want to practice and the advantages it provides in terms of networking and job opportunities. They also talk about the importance of identifying as a podiatrist and not straying away from the term. They then discuss the pros and cons of renting vs. buying a house, emphasizing the need to consider the breakeven point and the length of time you plan to stay in a l...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis and Dr. Leland Jaffe discuss pediatric ankle fractures. We start out with the Salter Harris classification, the importance of CT scans in diagnosis, principles of growth plate management, and the use of fixation techniques. They also highlight the risk of premature physeal closure and the need for optimal alignment and fixation to prevent deformities. They cover topics such as treatment approaches, fixation methods, and the importance of respecting the growth plat...

Dr. Kevin Smith, the Dean of Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, discusses his journey to academia and the challenges of teaching in the modern era. He emphasizes the importance of engaging students through active learning methods and adapting teaching styles to meet the needs of different learning styles. Dr. Smith also highlights the impact of technology, social media, and changing attention spans on education. He shares insights on the benefits and drawbacks of re...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis and Dr. Leland Jaffe discuss the management of infections in patients, specifically focusing on antibiotic treatment. They talk about the challenges of antibiotic management, the importance of following guidelines, and the role of infectious disease doctors. They also discuss the future of antibiotic treatment and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between different specialties, such as vascular a...

Dr. Jeff Dikis, Dr. Ashley Dikis, Dr. Leland Jaffe The doctors discuss Achilles tendon injuries, sharing their experiences and insights. They discuss the importance of a thorough physical exam, the use of imaging (X-ray and MRI), and the differential diagnoses for posterior heel pain. They also explore the use of steroid injections for Achilles tendonitis and the associated risks of tendon rupture. The speakers share their perspectives on the use of PRP as an alternative to steroids and the imp...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis and Dr. Leland Jaffe discuss the match day experience and answer common questions about choosing the best job and residency for podiatrists. They emphasize that the best job and residency depend on individual preferences and goals. Factors to consider in choosing a job include location, autonomy, referral patterns, and practice setting. When it comes to residencies, the focus of the program and the size of the residency can influence the experience. Ultimately, it...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis interviews his wife, Dr. Ashley Dikis, about their journey as a couple in the field of podiatry. They discuss their experiences in residency, starting a family, finding jobs in the same area, and navigating a male-dominated orthopedic group. Dr. Ashley shares her thoughts on imposter syndrome and the importance of finding a positive working environment. In this conversation, Ashley and Jeff discuss the challenges and experiences of being in the medical field, part...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis and Dr. Leland Jaffe discuss ankle fractures and the management of trauma. They share personal stories and highlight the importance of classification systems (or lack thereof) in understanding and conveying information about fractures. They emphasize the need to consider the complexity of ankle fractures and the variety of injuries that can occur. The doctors also discuss the process of evaluating and planning for trauma, as well as the progression of knowledge an...

We are joined by Dr. Patrick Burns, the former residency director at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and current residency director of the new West Virginia University program. We discuss his background, experience building the UPMC program, and his current work at West Virginia University. He emphasizes the importance of teaching and mentoring residents and the value of consistency in surgical techniques. Dr. Burns also shares insights on starting a new residency program and the ch...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis and Dr. Leland Jaffe discuss financial and contract discussions in the podiatry field. They highlight the importance of financial literacy and understanding salary and contracts. They also provide insights into negotiating salaries and contracts, as well as leveraging job offers. The conversation emphasizes the need for physicians to take control of their finances and consider ancillary income opportunities. They cover various topics related to boosting salary and...

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis and Dr. Leland Jaffe discuss their roles as podiatric school clinical faculty and Dean of clerkship and residency, respectively. They dive into the residency interview and match process, including the importance of nonmeasurable skills and being professional and punctual. They also debate the merits of the Lapidus procedure versus the MIS head procedure for bunion correction in Foot and Ankle surgery. The conversation concludes with a discussion on patient request...