APMA News - September/October 2023 - 54

development update
Highlighting Today's Most
Outstanding Student Scholars:
10 Minutes with Valentina Clinton
Each year, the APMA Educational Foundation awards scholarships to exceptional third- and fourth-year
podiatric medical students. In this issue, APMA and the APMA Educational Foundation are proud to feature
Valentina Clinton, Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, Class of 2025, the winner of the 2023-
2024 APMA-PICA full-tuition scholarship.
How did you get interested in podiatric
medicine?
Valentina Clinton
I have always had an interest in health care and in
serving others. Throughout my undergraduate
years, I was never sure of which field I wanted to
pursue. It wasn't until I met a friend whose mom
was a podiatrist that I realized podiatry was an
independent field that offered much of what I was
looking for. I loved the surgical aspect of the
profession and the opportunities to work in a
variety of health-care environments. After looking
into podiatry, I shadowed a local public health
podiatrist and fell in love with the career after
seeing the impact she made in her patients' lives.
What do you want to accomplish with
your career?
I have a passion for public health and service,
especially when it comes to underserved communities.
Ultimately, I would love to open a public
health-centered practice and combat health
disparities directly. I'm also eager to maintain my
engagement in leadership roles and contribute to
the positive transformation of the field.
Who are your heroes, and why?
My genuine hero is my mom, even though it might
sound cliché. She brought me up with the values I
hold dear, and I'm truly grateful for that. We
immigrated to the United States from Colombia
when she was in her twenties, and it took her 10
years to fulfill her dream of studying dental
medicine here. Her relentless determination and
hard work are a real inspiration for me, showing
me the importance of resilience.
What do you think is the most pressing issue in
public health and/or podiatric medicine?
Patient education is a significant issue in both
podiatry and public health. It plays a pivotal role in
podiatric care as it empowers individuals to take an
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
active role in their own well-being. With comprehensive
education, patients gain a deeper understanding
of their foot and ankle health, treatment
options, and preventive measures. This knowledge
not only fosters informed decision-making but also
enhances compliance with treatment plans,
leading to better patient outcomes and improved
overall quality of life. This is especially important for
underserved patient populations who may lack
medical literacy.
What qualities do you see in physicians
you admire?
To me, compassion stands as a cornerstone of
patient care. When a doctor can genuinely
empathize and extend compassion to their
patients, it leads to a significant enhancement in
trust and communication. This shared understanding
holds immeasurable value within a
health-care environment.
Are you working on any medical projects
or research?
Yes! Research is a passion of mine, and I love
keeping busy. Currently, I have a multitude of
surgical and wound care case studies that are
pending approval at upcoming national conferences
like the American College of Foot and
Ankle Surgeons and the American Society of
Podiatric Surgeons. In the future, I am hoping to
complete some meta-analyses and retrospective
studies based on my various research interests. I
am especially interested in public health and
access to podiatric care, as well as the critical
area of limb salvage.
What are your hobbies or interests?
When I'm not studying, I enjoy hitting Miami's
beaches with family and friends. Exploring the
diverse food scene here is another favorite
pastime. I'm also a big bookworm and look
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