For example, I sometimes have residents tell me that their non-podiatric surgical rotations were not very educational, because either the resident or attending did not welcome them in their case and treated them as an observer.  As a result, they did not feel part of the team and would therefore slide away from the rotation feeling that their absence would go unnoticed.  In the end, they would feel that the time spent was wasted.  We tend to allow ourselves be victimized by politics and avoid uncomfortable situation. In situations such as this, I encourage residents not to allow professional prejudices to prevent them from getting what they need for their education.  When you graduate unsatisfied with your education, there are very few people to blame.

Demonstrating persistence can pay off.  As a resident, prior to leaving University Hospital, I would peruse the operating room board searching for foot and ankle trauma cases posted by the orthopaedic trauma service.  I would enter their operating room, introduce myself and ask if the team needed an extra assistant in their surgical case or if I may simply observe. Even though I could detect that my presence was not welcome, I would still insert myself into the situation and act as part of the team, even though not invited.  I would pay attention to details of the case and begin preparing the post-operative note.  When the senior resident finished the case and prepared to write the orders or post-operative note, I would tell them it was competed and just needed their signature for approval.  Often they would look at me in surprise and then thank me for my help.  Though not invited, I demonstrated that I was still willing to help the team.  The next time I encountered the senior orthopaedic resident in the hallway, he called me by name and ask me to scrub their ankle trauma case because their team was understaffed and could use my help.  This is where more opportunity for learning opened.

Demonstrating persistence in adversity and willingness to pursue opportunities to learn will gradually erode barriers of preconceived notions and conditioned prejudices.  Do not be overwhelmed with uncertain situations.  Remember that your goal is not to change any person’s opinions about our growing and evolving profession.  But people’s opinions will be changed by demonstrating your interest in patient care, persistence for learning, attention to the responsibilities of the service while maintaining a posture of professionalism even if they do not.  You will not change everyone’s opinion, but you can start one person at a time. 

We tend to lean toward being comfortable - affording contentment and security - but without that uncomfortable stimulus, we also tend to be complacent and avoid challenges that could help us grow. 

As the old adages states, that which does not kill us makes us stronger.

Like anything in life, we respond to stimuli.  Whether it is good or bad, it forces us to do something.

Welcome the challenge. 

Please take our brief survey on the podiatric profession and as always, send us your thoughts and comments. They will be published in a future RI.

Dr. Steinberg,

I found your story about what the general surgeon said to be very interesting. I agree that Podiatry has and is coming a long way since its beginning. I only graduated recently and during my years of training I have seen the profession make some strides. In all honesty though, I would trade places with a general surgeon in a second or even less than a second. I know that most podiatrists that have been out there for 10-30 years are content with their profession and the lifestyle that they have. I know that we have all talked about various topics ranging from training to salary. I propose that we now talk about satisfaction to make this more interesting. I would be interested in knowing how many podiatrists would do it all over again if they could and also how many years they have been practicing. Would they choose another profession if they could do it all over again? Would they rather be a general surgeon or an orthopedic surgeon? This would be an interesting topic.

Sincerely,

—Dr. Ron Johnson, DPM