APMA News - July/August 2022 - 48

development update
Highlighting Today's Most
Outstanding Student Scholars: 10
Minutes with Lauren Julia Weisel
Each year, the APMA Educational Foundation awards scholarships to exceptional third- and fourth-year podiatric
medical students. In this issue, we sat down with Lauren Weisel, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
(TUSPM), class of 2023, recipient of the Merz Scholarship, courtesy of Merz North America, Inc.
Lauren Julia
Weisel
How did you get interested in podiatric
medicine?
Growing up as a gymnast, I had many ankle injuries
and was a frequent visitor to my local orthopedic
practice. The foot and ankle specialist there is a
podiatrist, and when I realized the field of podiatric
medicine included sports medicine and orthopedic
surgery, I immediately became interested. During
my gap year between undergrad and enrolling at
TUSPM, I shadowed at Chapel Hill Foot & Ankle
Specialists and loved both the private practice and
surgery aspects.
What do you want to accomplish with your
career?
I have always wanted to pursue a career in sports
medicine and surgery, given my athletic upbringing.
Countless physicians, including podiatrists,
enabled me to continue competing and reach
my goal of collegiate gymnastics at University of
North Carolina, and their support in my recovery
inspired me to pursue podiatric medicine. I would
be thrilled for an opportunity to work with athletes,
playing a crucial role in their treatment and helping
them reaching their own athletic goals and peak
performance.
Who are your heroes, and why?
My hero is my younger brother, a graduate of West
Point Class of 2020 and current First Lieutenant.
He has made many sacrifices throughout his military
service, and his commitment to faith, family,
and service over the years has been an inspiration.
He has continually encouraged me throughout
podiatry school, and I could not be more thankful
for his support!
What do you think is the most pressing issue in
podiatric medicine?
I think some pressing issues with podiatric
medicine are the lack of awareness for the need
of podiatrists and the misunderstanding of what
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JULY/AUGUST 2022
podiatry encompasses. With the rising prevalence
of diabetes in the US, there is a higher
demand for podiatrists. In addition, many aspiring
medical students are unaware of the field
of podiatry, and the vast subspecialities within
podiatric medicine. It has been rewarding to
advocate for the profession through the TUSPM
Social Media Team, lectures and presentations to
undergraduate students on podiatry, and serving
as a student ambassador.
Are you working on any medical projects or
research?
As the president for the Sports Medicine Club
(American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
Chapter at TUSPM), I have led and coordinated student
volunteers in the medical tents for the Boston
Marathon and Broad Street Run of Philadelphia.
This has been an incredible opportunity to treat
elite athletes and runners with their various needs
after the race.
How do you stay motivated?
I have stayed motivated as a student by having
a great support network of family, friends, and
colleagues. Whether it is late-night studying with
classmates, or catching up with my family and
friends, I have always had their encouragement.
This support has propelled me to continue reaching
my academic goals and providing my best
patient care in the clinic.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge while in school was having
our didactic courses transition from the classroom
to Zoom with COVID. It was difficult not being
able to interact in-person on a daily basis with
my classmates and course instructors. Despite
being virtual and remote, we had the benefit and
opportunity to learn and practice telemedicine
with standardized patients, which is a critical skill
that will help in our careers.

APMA News - July/August 2022

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