Ep. 249 - Joseph Coppola, DPM -- Community Health Centers, Lynn & Peabody, MA, NYCPM graduate

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey welcomes American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA) leadership to the podcast! Join us as Tara Brown (President), Cheryl Bailey (President Elect), Michele Brandice (Immedicate Past President) discuss ASPMA as a professional organization dedicated to advancing the vital role of medical assistants in podiatric practice. This episode is proudly sponsored by Bako Diagnostics! For decades, ASPMA has served as the leading voice for podiatric medical assistants across the country, providing education, resources, and certification opportunities that strengthen both the profession and the quality of patient care. Through its mission, ASPMA is committed to elevating standards of practice, enhancing professional development, and fostering collaboration within the podiatric medical community. The society actively promotes the value of podiatric medical assistants in healthcare, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to support both practitioners and patients at the highest level. One of ASPMA’s cornerstone programs is the Podiatric Medical Assistant, Certified (PMAC) credential. This certification offers assistants the opportunity to specialize in administrative, clinical, or radiology tracks, demonstrating their expertise and dedication to the profession. By supporting certification and continuing education, ASPMA not only validates the critical contributions of podiatric medical assistants but also encourages lifelong learning. In addition to certification, ASPMA provides networking opportunities, annual conferences, and ongoing educational programming. These initiatives create a strong community of podiatric medical assistants who share a commitment to excellence and professional growth. With leadership rooted in experience and passion, ASPMA continues to inspire its members to elevate their practice and strengthen the field of podiatric medicine.

Dean’s Chat host, Dr. Johanna Richey, and guest co-host, Dr. Lindsey Hjelm, interview a legend in Podiatric surgery, Dr. Byron Hutchinson! This episode is sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association! Dr. Hutchinson is a pioneering reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon based in the Seattle–Burien region. A 1982 graduate of the California College of Podiatric Medicine, he advanced his specialty training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery before earning board certification. As the Medical Director of the Franciscan Advanced Foot & Ankle Fellowship, Dr. Hutchinson mentors emerging surgeons while directing clinical care at St. Francis Hospital and Highline Medical Center. A leader within his professional community, he serves on the boards of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and the International Foot & Ankle Foundation, and advises on the editorial board of Ankle Surgery, Foot & Ankle Quarterly. Dr. Hutchinson specializes in complex surgical treatments, particularly for flatfoot deformities, Achilles tendon disorders, and Kienböck’s disease. Patients frequently commend his empathetic approach and technical expertise—with many highlighting his success in treating plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Enjoy this fascinating interview with a true leader in our profession!

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Dr. Michael Radcliffe to the podcast! Michael Radcliffe, DPM is a fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon at the Foot & Ankle Centers of North Houston, serving the community where he was raised in Kingwood, Texas. This episode is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics!   He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, volunteered as an EMT, then completed his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine at Des Moines University. Dr. Radcliffe’s surgical residency took place at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville, where he served as Chief Resident and was honored as the Most Outstanding Resident and for Excellence in Teaching. To further refine his surgical expertise, he completed a prestigious fellowship at the Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute, specializing in total ankle replacement, complex reconstruction, sports medicine, arthroscopy, minimally invasive surgery, trauma, and diabetic limb salvage  . Dr. Radcliffe has also contributed to the field through peer-reviewed publications, academic presentations, and by mentoring upcoming podiatric surgeons. Enjoy this discussion with an energetic young leader in our profession!

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey welcome Dr. Brian Derner to the podcast! Brian Derner, DPM, is a board-certified podiatric surgeon with Kaiser Permanente San Leandro, specializing in advanced foot and ankle surgery—including total ankle replacement, flatfoot reconstruction, Charcot deformity corrections, and Lapiplasty bunion repair.  He completed his podiatric medical training (DPM) and a three-year surgical residency at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, followed by a reconstructive foot and ankle fellowship at The CORE Institute, further honing his expertise in complex reconstructive procedures.  Beyond his surgical practice, Dr. Derner volunteers with Bones Pro Bono, delivering pro bono foot and ankle surgeries to underserved communities in Vietnam and Kenya. Join us for a fabulous discussion with a young leader in podiatric medicine and surgery!

APMA in 2025 hosted "The National" at the Gaylord in Dallas, TX!   Dean's Chat, once again, went, "On Location"! This episode is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics, that graciously shared their booth with Dean's Chat! Dr. Johanna Richey interviewed many attendees discussing the scientific meeting, the networking, the collaboration and comaraderie withing the podiatric community.  Tune in for short interviews, this Part 2 episode consists of interviews on July 16, 2025.  Enjoy!  It was an incredible meeting for all!

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jensen and Richey, welcome Dr. Laura Brinker to the podcast! Laura Brinker, DPM, was previously a Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Paragon 28, where she drove innovation in foot and ankle surgical solutions. She now has a consulting firm to address advancements of medical devices, regulatory compliance, and clinical trials. With a background in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue and a DPM from Temple University, she completed her residency at the University of Louisville/Jewish Hospital. Dr. Brinker has combined private practice experience, clinical research, and engineering expertise to advance podiatric surgery and medical device development. Enjoy this entrepreneurial discussion with a young leader in our profession!

APMA in 2025 hosted "The National" at the Gaylord in Dallas, TX!   Dean's Chat, once again, went, "On Location"!   This episode is sponsored by Bako Diagnostics, who graciously shared their booth with Dean's Chat! Dr. Johanna Richey interviewed many attendees discussing the scientific meeting, the networking, the collaboration and comaraderie withing the podiatric community.  Tune in for short interviews, Part 1 consists of interviews on July 15, 2025. Part 2, to be released next week, consists of interviews on July 16, 2025. Enjoy!  It was an incredible meeting for all!

Dean’s Chat hosts, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey, welcome Dr. Alex Kor to the podcast for Part 2!   Today we discuss his career, relationships that create opportunities, and his love for sports medicine!   Originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, Dr. Alex Kor is the son of two Holocaust survivors (Michael and Eva Mozes Kor).  He has a B.S. in Chemistry from Butler University and a M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Purdue University. He received his D.P.M. (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago.  This episode is sponsored by the American Podiatric Medical Association! Dr. Kor is a full-time podiatrist for Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Indiana, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor for Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  He is Board-Certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, a Fellow and Past President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and is the Team Podiatrist for Butler University athletics in Indianapolis, IN.   Knowing the importance of being the son of two Holocaust survivors who have both passed away in the last 5 1/2 years, Alex feels an obligation to tell their stories.  Since 1985, he has traveled to Auschwitz more than twenty times with his late mother. He is a member of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center Board of Directors and assisted in establishing an exhibit (Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana) to honor his mother in downtown Indianapolis at the Indiana Historical Society.  His new book, co-authored with Graham Honaker, “A Blessing, Not a Burden” which chronicles his parents’ lives as well as how they positively impacted Dr. Kor is now available.  Enjoy this discussion with Dr. Kor, an incredible episode!

Dean's Chat hosts, Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey, welcome Dr. Joseph Coppola to the podcast! Dr. Coppola is a yound practitioner in Massachusetts, practicing in Community Health Centers in Lynn and Peabody. A fantastic discussion on underserved communities, the medical challenges, the creative ways care can be delivered, and the compassion and empathy he has for his patients.   Joseph has been in education since 2012, teaching within the Boston Public Health Commission/Boston University School of Medicine.  He taught Anatomy, Physiology, and Biology to high school students.  His life long passion for teaching is evident.  A graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 2020, Dr.  Coppola did his 3 year residency training in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham, MA.   We had a chance to talk about our Dean's Chat sponsor, Bako Diagnostics, as Dr. Coppola participated in the Bako Diagnostics Mini-Fellowship in April 2023. We discussed the intensive Dermatopathology rotation that focuses on the principles of Podiatric Dermatology. He learned different biopsy techniques, utilization of instruments with exposure to specialized testing such as ENFD, immunohistochemistry, mass spectrometry, and real time PCR interpretations of complex cases from the lower extremity.   Enjoy!

Drs. Jeffrey Jensen and Johanna Richey welcome Dr. Ashleigh Medda from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston Salem, NC.  Dr. Medda graduated from the University of North Carolina with her degree in both Biology and Spanish.  She then went on to Temple University for her Doctorate of Podiatric Medical degree.  She then had the opportunity to be one of the first residents at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center where she completed her 3-year surgical residency program.  She is board-certified by both the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Medda is the Residency Director for the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem North Carolina.  Previously she had been the clerkship director and the assistant program director.  To name to hear her advice about what it is like to be a student on externships or resident at their program.  Dr. Medda is kind, intelligent and warm as she discusses what it is like to go through the processe.  She is also a mentor through the Wake Forest University undergraduate clinical internship program and has been a mentor to multiple medical students through the process.  Listen in as she has excellent tips, advice and pearls for students in the medical field. She is also incredibly involved in her community and with the profession at large.  She is a committee member on multiple ABFAS boards including the exam prep task force committee and the standard setting panel.  She is also part of the ACFAS consumer education committee as well as the American podiatric medical Association (APMA) communications committee.  But her service to her community is what really stands out.  She describes a special project that she helped launch in 2020 called the DEAC foot and ankle clinic which helps deliver equal access to care to underserved and vulnerable populations in her hometown.  Join us, as she discusses why service is so important to her and her philosophy of how we care for patients and each other. We hope you enjoy this fabulous episode! https://school.wakehealth.edu/education-and-training/residencies-and-fellowships/podiatry-residency/current-residents https://www.apma.org/ https://www.abfas.org/residents https://bmef.org/ https://www.acfas.org/