Ep. 289 - Luke Seuffer - AZCPM 4th year - Inside Clerkships – A Fourth-Year Perspective

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jensen and Richey sit down with Luke Seuffer, a fourth-year student at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine (AZCPM), who is currently in the heart of his clinical clerkship year.

Luke shares a candid, boots-on-the-ground perspective of what life looks like during fourth year—rotating through diverse clinical settings, managing increasing responsibility, and preparing for residency while still learning every day. From adapting to new hospitals and attendings to refining clinical decision-making and patient communication, Luke offers an honest look at the growth that happens during this pivotal year.

We discuss:
• 🩺 What surprised him most about clerkships
• 📚 How AZCPM prepared him for real-world clinical expectations
• 🧠 Lessons learned from different attendings, residents, and healthcare teams
• ⚖️ Balancing long clinical days with residency preparation
• 🔮 Advice for third-year students heading into clerkships

Luke’s reflections highlight the transition from student to clinician, the importance of adaptability, and the value of strong mentorship. His experience underscores how fourth year isn’t just about proving what you know—it’s about learning how to think, act, and grow as a future podiatric physician.

Whether you’re a pre-medical student, a current podiatric student, or simply interested in how physicians are trained, this episode offers an authentic and informative look at the clerkship experience through the eyes of someone living it right now.