Have you ever talked yourself out of doing something because you weren’t confident you’d be good at it?
Perhaps it was recording a video, starting a podcast or sharing your knowledge online. You liked the idea, but the thought of being awkward, or having another podiatrist criticise you, was enough to put it off.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Jeff Dikis, a partner at McFarland Clinic in Iowa, host of the Pod Patrol Podcast and one half of the Instagram account @footdocduo. Our conversation covers education, connection, professional enthusiasm and why podiatrists should give themselves permission to have more fun.
You Improve by Doing the Work
Jeff and I both admitted that listening to our early podcast episodes can be uncomfortable. We can hear the nerves and recognise things we would approach differently today.
But those early episodes were part of learning.
Jeff initially shared hosting duties before continuing on his own. We discussed the advantages and challenges of having a co-host, finding a conversational rhythm and becoming more comfortable through repetition.
If you’re waiting to feel completely confident before you begin something, you may be waiting a long time. Some confidence develops once you start.
Connections Create Unexpected Opportunities
One of my favourite things about podcasting is meeting people I would otherwise never have known.
Those connections have led to friendships, speaking opportunities and catching up with podiatrists while travelling overseas. Jeff shared how his visibility helped create an opportunity for him and his wife to lecture in Puerto Rico, a destination they hadn’t expected to visit.
We also discussed opportunities that have come to podcast guests, including speaking invitations and employment.
You cannot predict every outcome when you share your knowledge. Sometimes the benefits extend well beyond your original purpose.
Students Can Remind You Why Podiatry Is Interesting
Jeff’s wife teaches at the local podiatry school, and students also rotate through his practice.
He described how a student’s excitement after observing surgery made him appreciate what could otherwise have felt like another ordinary workday.
I’ve experienced something similar. Students ask questions, share what they’re learning and bring a fresh perspective into the clinic.
Welcoming a student gives you an opportunity to contribute to their development while reconnecting with your own curiosity.
Knowing Your Strengths Includes Knowing When to Refer
Jeff and I both came into podiatry with an interest in sport. We also agreed that enjoying one area of practice doesn’t mean you need to enjoy every area equally.
I knew that sports biomechanics and orthotics suited my interests. I preferred to refer wound care.
Understanding where you provide the most value, and where another practitioner can help, is useful professional self-awareness.
We also compared experiences treating athletes. Working with elite competitors can sound appealing, but expectations, external pressures and recovery timelines can make those relationships challenging.
Using AI to Broaden a Clinical Conversation
Jeff shared a case in which an unusual presentation prompted him to use AI to explore possibilities he hadn’t initially considered.
The discussion then led to further investigation and a diagnosis.
For me, the interesting theme was the willingness to step back when a familiar approach wasn’t producing the expected result. Jeff’s example involved using suggestions as starting points for investigation and applying his own clinical judgement.
Education Can Have Personality
Through @footdocduo, Jeff and his wife share educational cases alongside humorous content.
Their aim is to reach people where they already spend time and make podiatry engaging. His podcast provides space for longer conversations with knowledgeable guests.
We also discussed criticism. Sharing publicly means accepting that people will have opinions, but a negative response doesn’t automatically mean your contribution lacks value.
If you’re educating people and helping build the profession, keep contributing.
Take One Practical Step
What have you been putting off?
You don’t have to launch a podcast tomorrow. Your first step might be recording a short video, contacting a university about student placements or sharing one useful idea.
And, as we concluded during this conversation, just do it, with your pants on.
You can easily find Jeff on Instagram at @footdocduo and search for the Pod Patrol Podcast.
If you’d like help turning ideas into practical improvements in your podiatry business, visit www.tysonfranklin.com to find out more about working with me.
Other episodes that may be of interest:
440 – Why Podiatry Matters with Dr Savannah Santiago
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