In our profession, each of our journeys to and beyond our podiatric education and training is unique. From the initial spark of interest that led us to podiatry school to the career path we walk down after graduation and residency, the field of podiatry offers a spectrum of possibilities.
This diversity in career trajectories is not just a matter of chance but a testament to the importance of embracing the individuality of our professional paths. While clinical and surgical practice is the norm, other opportunities within our profession reveal themselves if we’re open to them. There is a vast potential that lies in recognizing and merging our unique skills and experiences.
This approach not only enriches our professional lives but also enables us to contribute to the field of podiatry in innovative ways, whether within the clinical setting or beyond. Understanding and valuing this diversity of paths is crucial, as it opens up a world of opportunities for creating fulfilling and impactful careers tailored to our passions and strengths.
From Competitive Runner to Podiatrist
My first interactions with podiatry were during my high school and collegiate running days. Competitive running, while exhilarating, brought its share of injuries, drawing my attention to the excitement and importance of foot care and health. This led me to pursue a biology degree in college, setting the stage for a deeper dive into podiatry.
My interest in podiatry took a more defined shape at Scholl College, followed by a three-year surgical residency at Legacy Kaiser Hospitals in Portland, Oregon. These years were not just about acquiring medical knowledge; they were about understanding the profound impact we, as podiatrists, can have on people’s lives.
Exploring Parallel Passions
Amidst my undergraduate and podiatric education, I maintained a strong interest in technology. Writing for the newspaper and building websites during my college days, I realized that my love for tech was not just a hobby but a skill set that could complement my medical career.
After years in a large orthopedic group as a surgical podiatrist, I decided to embrace my tech skills fully. Over the course of about a decade, I gradually transitioned from taking care of patients to roles in digital marketing/communications with organizations like Wirecutter, Polar, and the Canadian Olympic Team.
A few of my former classmates saw on LinkedIn that I had made a career change and were curious if I could help them develop a digital presence for their clinics. Many were frustrated by dealing with marketing agencies that lacked personalized attention and had an inadequate understanding of the unique challenges and goals of podiatry clinics. So, I began Podiatry Growth to provide website and digital services for podiatry colleagues, marrying my medical expertise with my passion for technology.
The Intersection of Skills and Experiences
Our profession is unique, and so are our individual journeys within it. The intersection of your skills, be it clinical expertise, technological prowess, or editorial acumen, can lead to fulfilling career opportunities. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your passions and professional skills converge.
The beauty of podiatry is that your contribution doesn’t have to be confined to the clinic and doesn’t need to be a career shift as big as mine. Whether through education, technology, writing, or leadership, there are numerous ways to enrich the field and make a lasting impact.
Embracing the Unconventional
Navigating a career path that veers from the conventional trajectory in podiatry can often be accompanied by an internal struggle marked by fear and a sense of shame. This is especially pronounced when we consider the myriad of teachers, professors, and medical professionals who have invested in our education, training, and development. The idea of diverging from the anticipated career trajectory can evoke concerns about disappointing those who have supported us or being perceived as abandoning the traditional path.
Often, the pressure to adhere to a traditional career path is self-imposed. We might feel obligated to fulfill perceived expectations, fearing judgment or disappointment from peers and mentors. This internal conflict can create a barrier, preventing us from exploring paths that align more closely with our evolving interests and talents.
Following Your True Calling
However, it’s crucial to recognize that pursuing a path that truly resonates with your passions and strengths is not a betrayal of your past but an evolution of your professional journey. The real risk lies in not seizing the opportunity to explore what genuinely interests you and where you can excel. Life is too short to be confined by traditional expectations, especially when you possess the potential to contribute uniquely and significantly.
It takes courage to step off the beaten path and chart a course that is authentically yours. This exploration is not just about personal fulfillment but also about offering unique value and benefits to others. Whether it’s through a dramatic career shift or smaller, incremental changes, what matters most is the alignment of your career with your evolving passions and abilities.
Remember, the education and experiences you’ve gained are not lost in this transition; they are simply being applied in a new, innovative way. For example, the copy I write for websites and other digital channels is much better because of all my podiatric education and training. Your journey in podiatry, unconventional as it may be, is a testament to your growth and adaptability. Embrace your unique path, for it is in these uncharted territories that we often find our most significant contributions and deepest satisfactions.
In Conclusion- Crafting Your Own Unique Career Path In Podiatry
Your career in podiatry is what you make of it. It’s about exploring, discovering, and embracing the unique blend of your interests and skills. Whether you’re just starting in podiatry school or are a seasoned practitioner, remember the path isn’t linear. It’s a rich tapestry of opportunities waiting to be explored.
Take time to step back from your day-to-day routine and really evaluate what type of work you love doing and want to do more of. Once you allow yourself to do this exercise, you’ll be in a better place to move toward that reality.
Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be a podiatrist. Here’s to creating more of the work we love, both within and outside the clinic setting.
Jim McDannald, DPM is the owner of Podiatry Growth and co-host of the Podiatry Marketing podcast. LinkedIn Email
Jim McDannald DPM
Founder + Owner of Podiatry Growth and co-host of the Podiatry Marketing podcast
