Footnotes - Winter 2024 - 16

The exposure from the show brought in a lot of new
patients. People saw the show, felt a connection, and
wanted to seek treatment. It has been a powerful tool for
reaching a broader audience and educating them about
podiatric care.
Initially, we signed on for six episodes, and my main
goal was to let people in the community know I'm here
so they would start coming to my practice. As the show
gained traction, I began to realize its broader reach. It
started with just six episodes and turned into five seasons,
being shown nationally and internationally. It was a big
surprise, and I started to think that maybe it could have a
larger impact on the field of podiatry as a whole.
In terms of the podiatry field, there is now more
awareness, although I wouldn't say it's fully mainstream.
The show targeted people experiencing foot pain or
those intrigued by unusual foot cases, and it's slowly
gaining traction, making people more able to distinguish
between podiatry and pediatrics. It's a slow process, but
the field is becoming more recognized, and people are
learning what a podiatrist does.
Q: What challenges did you encounter, and how did
they shape your professional path?
There have been numerous challenging cases, especially
since the show has brought in an audience intrigued by
various foot conditions. While I still see my fair share of
routine cases, many people come in with complicated
foot types and a history of surgeries. While there have
been great successes, sometimes the challenges arise
from those very successes. Patients often come in with
high expectations, not realizing the limitations of what
can be achieved surgically. It can be an emotional
experience when patients come in with significant
hope, and I have to explain that certain conditions are
inherent and beyond our control. Educating patients
about these limitations is crucial.
16
The show also has brought a unique dynamic to patient
interactions. Some viewers treat me more personally
than a regular physician, as if they know me from
inviting me into their homes. They might ask personal
questions or make comments about knowing details of
my life, and while it can be strange, I try to navigate it
professionally. I understand it comes with the territory
of being on television so creating boundaries is essential
even with the increased personal connection.
Q: What have been the most rewarding aspects of
your career?
A: For me, the most rewarding aspect is seeing successful
outcomes and having patients express their gratitude.
That's why I entered the field of podiatry in the first
place. Wins and losses are part of any career, but having
more wins than losses makes it truly fulfilling. When
patients are genuinely thankful for the positive impact
on their lives, it means the world to me.
There are instances not captured on TV that are truly
miraculous. For example, I had a patient in a wheelchair
with wounds on her legs due to vertical talus. By
addressing her condition, we were able to clear up her
wounds and prevent recurrent infections. While she
may not walk, she was immensely grateful that she no
longer had to keep rushing to the emergency room.
It's these seemingly small victories that mean the world
to patients, and the reality is often different from the
dramatized versions you see on TV.
It's essential to recognize that real-life victories are often
subtle and impactful, even if they don't get the same
attention as more dramatic cases. For instance, the show
might depict a seemingly downtrodden situation, but in
reality, patients experience significant improvements that
may not be visually dramatic. It's about celebrating the
smaller wins that make a genuine difference in people's
lives, and that's what truly matters in my practice.
WINTER 2024
Footnotes - Winter 2024

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