In this episode of the Life of Flow podcast, hosts Lucas Ferrer and Miguel Montero Baker, along with Dr. Jeff Dikis, explore the intersection of podiatry and vascular surgery. They discuss the importance of collaboration between these specialties, the barriers to effective communication, and innovative models like the SALSA model that integrate care. The conversation also delves into the nuances of vascular testing and clinical decision-making in patient care. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the complexities of vascular care and its integration with podiatry. They discuss the importance of routine vascular screening for high-risk patients, the need for better communication and understanding between podiatrists and vascular specialists, and the various treatment options available for patients. The conversation also touches on the origins of their podcast and the significance of open discussions in the medical community.

Dr. Jeff Dikis is joined by Dr. Ellie Nasser on this episode of Pod Patrol. In the conversation, Dr. Ellie Nasser, the residency director at Geisinger, shares her journey from student to attending, discussing the importance of choosing the right residency program, the challenges of transitioning roles, and the significance of teaching in her career. She discusses her role as a female residency director, the potential added challenges for women in medicine, and offers valuable advice for externs and residents. Dr. Nasser also addresses the importance of mental health initiatives in residency programs and the role of research in medical education. In this conversation, Dr. Ellie Nasser discusses the importance of research programs in residency, the challenges of treating complex cases like Charcot foot deformities, and the nuances of managing patients with alcoholic neuropathy. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of teaching research fundamentals to residents, the value of case studies in medical education, and the critical role of patient support systems in recovery.

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Dikis interviews Dr. Randy Clements, the residency director at Carilion Clinic and president of the Virginia Board of Medicine. They discuss the intricacies of running a residency program, the qualities sought in residents, and the importance of emotional intelligence in medical training. Dr. Clements shares insights on the evolving landscape of podiatry, including the role of fellowships, the future of the profession, and the significance of maintaining a work-life balance to combat burnout. They discuss the need for accreditation of fellowship programs. The conversation then turns to the advancements in ankle replacement surgeries, and they discuss their favorite and most reliable surgeries.

In this episode of Pod Patrol, Heather Grobe, a flight and emergency room paramedic, explores the journey of being a surgical patient of Dr. Dikis. Heather shares her experiences becoming a flight paramedic, the impact of COVID-19 on her health causing a stroke, and the emotional and logistical challenges of preparing for surgery. The conversation delves into the nuances of post-operative pain management, recovery, and the unique perspective of healthcare professionals as patients. Heather also discusses the role of flight paramedics in emergencies and the complexities of navigating healthcare costs and insurance. Check out this fantastic story and experience surgery from the patient's perspective.

Dr. Savannah Santiago, a first-year resident in Indianapolis, joins Dr. Jeff Dikis on the Pod Patrol podcast. They discuss Dr. Santiago's experiences as a resident and her journey to Indianapolis. Dr. Santiago shares her excitement about learning and growing in her residency program. They also discuss the importance of learning billing and coding during residency. Dr. Santiago talks about her blog on Present Podiatry called 'Sole Purpose' and shares stories of challenging cases, embarrassing moments, and the learning curve of residency. Savannah emphasizes the importance of being open to learning in any environment, having a positive attitude, and refraining from speaking negatively about colleagues or programs. She also highlights the supportive and collaborative nature of her residency program and the growth and confidence she has gained in her role as a doctor.

Dr. Jim McDannald, a podiatrist and marketing expert, joins Dr. Jeff Dikis to discuss the importance of marketing for podiatrists. Dr. McDannald shares his journey from practicing podiatry to starting his own marketing company, Podiatry Growth. He emphasizes the need for podiatrists to have a solid online foundation, including a well-designed website and a Google Business Profile. He also highlights the importance of patient reviews and how they can impact a practice's visibility. Dr. McDannald provides insights on search engine optimization (SEO) and how to improve rankings on Google. Overall, the conversation focuses on the key marketing strategies that podiatrists should consider to attract and retain patients. Dr. McDannald discusses effective marketing strategies for podiatry clinics and emphasizes the importance of building trust and making connections with potential patients before they even walk into the clinic. McDannald highlights the role of online presence, including websites, Google ads, and SEO, in attracting patients. He also mentions the value of targeted advertising on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. While traditional marketing methods like billboards and mailers can still be effective, McDannald suggests focusing on genuine connections and referrals from non-medical providers. He concludes by recommending three key strategies: knowing your practice goals, establishing a strong online foundation, and working with a knowledgeable marketing consultant.

Check out www.PodiatryGrowth.com for more info!

Dr. Jim Marino, a retired orthopedic surgeon, shares his journey in orthopedics and his experience with polio. He discusses the development of the Salk polio vaccine and its unintended consequences. Dr. Marino explains the importance of history taking in diagnosing and treating spine-related peripheral neuropathy. He also talks about his passion for invention and his involvement in developing minimally invasive techniques and instruments for spine surgery. Dr. Jim Marino discusses the challenges of autologous bone harvesting and introduces the Corex device, a percutaneous minimally invasive bone harvesting tool. He explains how the device works and demonstrates its use on a simulator. Dr. Marino also shares his thoughts on bone graft substitutes, PRP, and bone marrow aspirate, emphasizing the importance of autologous cancellous bone for optimal bone grafting. Song: Crown Keeper by Ghost Beatz 5A8J2GS8AKMM8AQE

The hosts are joined by Dr. Drew Lundquist, the Chief Medical Officer of the Mankato Clinic and Clinical Director of Nabla as he discusses his roles and how he came to be in those positions. Dr. Lundquist shares his journey of transitioning from a practicing physician to an administrative role and the challenges and rewards that come with it. He also discusses his involvement in starting a device company, called Sky Surgical. They discuss AI in healthcare and how it has the potential to enhance patient care and improve clinical workflows. It can be used as a tool to assist physicians in tasks such as documentation, diagnosis, and treatment planning. The integration of AI into medical practices can lead to more efficient and accurate healthcare delivery. With his role at Nabla, Dr. Lundquist is working to expand the role that AI plays in everyday healthcare.