Ep. 288 - ”APMA Takeover” Part 1 - Leadership, Advocacy, and Future of Podiatric Medicine

A change of pace with an "APMA Takeover" of Dean's Chat - APMA's Dr. John Garnett interviews Jeffrey Jensen, DPM and Johanna Richey, DPM.

📌 Episode Overview

In this special APMA Takeover episode of Dean's Chat, we sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Johanna Richey for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, advocacy, education, and the evolving identity of the podiatric profession.

This episode is sponsorted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)!

This episode pulls back the curtain on how APMA, academic leadership, and frontline clinicians are working together to strengthen podiatric medicine—at a time when visibility, unity, and strategic messaging matter more than ever.

🧠 Key Topics Covered

1) Why APMA matters now more than ever
How organized medicine and unified messaging shape the future of podiatry.
2) The role of leadership in uncertain times
What deans, association leaders, and clinicians must do to protect and advance the profession.
3) Education as advocacy
How podiatric medical education intersects with public perception, policy, and student recruitment.
4) Telling the podiatry story better
Why podiatric medicine struggles with visibility—and how that can change.
5) Students, residents, and the pipeline problem
Honest discussion about enrollment, engagement, and the responsibility of leadership.
6) APMA's evolving role
From legislative advocacy to student outreach and national branding.

🔑 Notable Takeaways
• Leadership in podiatry is no longer optional—it's required at every level.
• The profession must control its narrative or risk being defined by others.
• Collaboration between APMA, colleges, and clinicians is the only sustainable path
• Students are watching—and leadership behavior sets the tone for the future.

👣 Why This Episode Matters

This conversation isn't just about policy or administration—it's about identity.
Where podiatric medicine has been, where it is now, and where it's headed.

Whether you're a student, resident, practicing DPM, or academic leader, this episode challenges you to think bigger about your role in shaping the profession.

Enjoy this Part 1 Episode!