The Good, The Bad and The Ugly !

I am on the 1pm Amtrak Acela train headed from Washington DC to New York City for a talk at NYCPM. The iPod is playing and the laptop is going, but I can’t keep from looking out the window and thinking about the amazing contrast that this type of trip can illuminate. By this I mean the real world neighborhoods out my window that put the multimillion dollar homes just a few minutes ride from the inner city's desolate and abandoned row-homes in perspective. The same ride also puts the man made environmental wasteland not too far away from some of the country’s cleanest parks and waterfronts. It might be a stretch, but I think these contrasts are not too far from examples of what you can do with your DPM degree.

We all have heard the horror stories of classmates who graduate from podiatry school and residency, only to not have things materialize the way they expect in practice. While I’m sure there are some isolated cases where the chain of events was not the fault of the individual, I really take issue with those who fail and then blame the ‘system’ or the profession. In reality, the cause of most individual’s practice difficulties seems to be a misconception of what today’s medical professional world demands. Many graduate into practice without the realization of necessary business skills and assistance which can enable their financial security. Our medical and surgical specialty is in the best condition and position it has ever been in. We are making strides forward on the big picture, while at the same time we are paying better attention to those everyday pieces that add up so quickly.

Next time you hear one of those horror stories that people love to tell, ask yourself (or them) what were the likely causes that led to that person taking up another profession. Chances are that it really had nothing to do with their school, their degree, their loans, or their residency director…

Oh, and by the way, if you are looking for cheap gas, I just noticed that NJ pump prices are about 20 cents per gallon below DC!

Any stories, feedback or questions about the experiences that you've had in your residency program?  Let's make this forum more interactive. We're not looking for gems here...just the sharing of your personal experiences.  Please share your comments by sending a note to jsteinberg@podiatry.com

John S. Steinberg, DPM
Editor, PRESENT