Ep. 69 - Eric Jaakola, DPM, FACFAS - North Colorado Surgical Residency/APMA PAC & Delegate

Dean's Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Eric Jaakola, a successful podiatric physician from Evergreen, Colorado. Dr. Jaakola graduated from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his medical and surgical residency training at the North Colorado Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency in Greeley, Colorado. His passion for education is evident as he is now the Clerkship Director for the program, he graduated from.....the North Colorado Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency in Greeley, Colorado.  Tune in for a fun discussion with a successful podiatrist who has experience in clinical trials, National Institutes of Health (NIH) research, Department of Defense research, product development, and reviewer for NIH grant funding. We also discuss work-life balance and how podiatric medicine affords this opportunity as Dr. Jaakola is an avid skier, scuba diver, and biker. Dr. Jaakola also highlights his involvement in the American Podiatric Medical Association both as a Political Action Committee leader and as a delegate for the Colorado Foot and Ankle Society.  This episode highlights how podiatric medicine offers a diverse range of career paths for practitioners. In the episode, Dr. Jensen, and Dr. Jaakola discuss several options within the field, including wound care, research, trauma, and hospitalist-based podiatry. These specialized career paths allow podiatrists to provide a variety of services to patients.  Overall, the field of podiatric medicine offers a range of career paths that allow practitioners to specialize in specific areas and provide specialized care to patients. Whether it's wound care, trauma, hospitalist-based podiatry, or other options, podiatrists have the opportunity to pursue their interests and make a significant impact in the field. Dr. Jaakola shares his journey in the field of podiatric medicine, from his undergraduate studies to his residency and current role as the owner of the Foot and Ankle Center at the Rockies. They reminisce about their early days working together and discuss the importance of wound care in podiatry. Tune in to hear their insightful conversation. In this episode, Dr. Jaakola discusses the qualities he looks for in residents who join his program. Trust is one of the key qualities he values. Dr. Jaakola emphasizes the importance of being able to trust residents to handle patient care independently, particularly in his private office.  Dr. Jensen and Dr. Jaakola highlight teachability as an important quality in residents. Dr. Jaakola mentions that residents need to be open to accepting criticism and feedback, as it is an integral part of the learning process. If residents are unable to handle criticism or accept teaching points, they are not considered teachable.  Furthermore, the episode delves into the importance of work-life balance for doctors. Dr. Jensen mentions that during interviews with students or current students, he often inquires about what the practice will be like.  Dr. Jaakola shares that he has chosen to work four days a week to achieve a better work-life balance. He explains that this allows him to spend more quality time with his family and engage in biking, mountain biking, hiking, and traveling. Dr. Jaakola emphasizes that maintaining a good work-life balance is crucial because it enables him to effectively treat his patients.  https://explorepodmed.org/ Dean's Chat Website Dean's Chat Episodes Dean's Chat Blog Why Podiatric Medicine? < ...