Footnotes Summer 2024 - 20

with various conditions. The impact of early orthotic
treatment on children with Down Syndrome can
accelerate these goals and achieve their gross motor
milestones. These findings will help refine treatment
guidelines and promote early intervention strategies.
Are there any recent innovations in the treatment
of pediatric foot and ankle issues that you find
particularly promising?
There are many new surgical instruments, and I
encourage you to meet these companies at the ACFAP
conference, Recent innovations also include Little
Steps Orthotics by Roberta and I, which brings back
the concept of a deep UCBL rigid functional orthotic
to control the calcaneal motion and pediatric flatfoot.
Another recent invention are gait plates for kids through
Little Steps Orthotics. These tools are making a
significant difference in our treatment approaches.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing
pediatric podiatry in the next decade?
The biggest challenge is enhancing education in schools
and residencies. We need to integrate more pediatric
education and create CPME guidelines that ensure students
and residents are well-prepared to handle pediatric cases.
Collaboration with residency directors, educators, students,
and professional organizations like ACFAP on initiatives for
better pediatric education is crucial.
What changes or improvements would you like to
see in public awareness?
We need to dispel myths about growing pains and
the idea that children will outgrow certain conditions.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
Public education and better studies are essential to
improving awareness among both pediatricians and
the general public. Educating parents and healthcare
providers about the benefits of early intervention and
the effectiveness of orthotic treatments can lead to
better outcomes for children.
What advice would you give to medical students
or residents considering specializing in pediatric
podiatry?
Join ACFAP and participate in our conferences. Make
connections with top pediatric leaders, attend our
educational events, and collaborate with others in the
field. It's a tight-knit community full of enthusiastic
educators, and involvement will provide valuable
opportunities and insights. I also recommend listening
to my recent podcast with PICA for more insights on
the specialty and our collaborative approach.
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SUMMER 2024
Footnotes Summer 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Footnotes Summer 2024
