Ep. 41 - Board Certification! ABPM President Dr. Lee Rogers and Past President Dr. Gina Painter

Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Lee Rogers and Dr. Gina Painter highlighting the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) and the Board Certification Process. Dr. Rogers is the current President of ABPM and Dr. Gina Painter is a Past President and current Chair of the Examination Committee. They discuss the significance of Board Certification and the exam requirements to attain Board Certification. They discuss the pathway to Board Certification with ABPM, the Certificates of Added Qualification (CAQ), and particularly the controversial CAQ in Podiatric Surgery. The CAQ in Podiatric Surgery is a voluntary step beyond Board Certification that recognizes knowledge, expertise, and experience in the subspecialty of podiatric surgery.  Dr. Jensen, Dr. Rogers, and Dr. Painter also discuss fellowships, legal issues new practitioners must be aware of when signing their first contract, and….ABPM's goal to roll out one certifying board for all podiatric physicians.  Dr. Jensen, Dr. Rogers, and Dr. Painter emphasize that getting involved and taking on leadership roles can bring about the desired changes within the profession. They also highlight the availability of mentorship and coaching programs that can aid in the development of leadership skills. By taking chances, exploring different areas of podiatry, and seeking guidance, individuals can become influential leaders who make a significant difference in people's lives, their community, and the profession as a whole.  In the episode, the doctors discuss the significance of finding a mentor for professional development. They stress the value of having someone with more experience and knowledge guide and support individuals in their chosen field. Additionally, they suggest engaging in fellowship discussions with fellowship directors and doctors who have completed fellowships, as this can greatly contribute to professional growth and development. Dr. Jensen, Dr. Rogers, and Dr. Painter encourage students to take risks and explore various opportunities as a means of learning and personal growth. They believe that hands-on experience and trying new things are the most effective ways to learn. This further underscores the importance of having a mentor who can provide guidance and support throughout these experiences.  They also address the need for improved pathways for reentry into board certification for individuals who have taken time off. Dr. Jensen, Dr. Rogers, and Dr. Painter highlight the challenges faced by many individuals, as not being certified can hinder meeting certain requirements, such as diversity or numerical quotas. The speakers specifically mention the impact of taking time off for family-related reasons, which can result in losing momentum and delaying the achievement of board certification. They note that, unlike MDs and DOs, podiatrists lack a clear pathway for reentry into the board certification process. Additionally, they mention existing programs across the country that allow MDs and DOs to undergo skills evaluation and regain hospital privileges after taking time off from their primary practice. They express a desire to see similar programs implemented for podiatrists, aiming to improve the pathway for reentry into board certification. Enjoy this discussion with two leaders in the profession challenging the status quo.  Dean's Chat Website  Dean's Chat Episodes  Dean's Chat Blog Why Podiatric Medicine?  Become a Podiatric Physician  ...