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AI is everywhere. While I won’t say it’s a solution for everything, it is a tool that can save time and assist with all kinds of different tasks. It’s overwhelming. I’m learning more and more about it every day, as I’m sure you are too. Each month, I plan to feature a new idea or “how-to” for exploring this new frontier. 

To get us started, I thought it would be fun to ask Chat GPT to write us a poem about our beloved industry. I simply typed “Please give me a short, clever poem about the podiatric industry.” Chat GPT responded with this gem:

"Ode to the Feet"

They carry the weight, they take the strain,

From busy sidewalks to rugged terrain.

Podiatrists know every arch and heel,

From toes that pinch to soles that squeal.

With care and skill, they ease the way,

Healing steps for work or play.

For feet may be humble, yet their role is grand,

And podiatrists lend them a helping hand.

A little ode to celebrate the unsung heroes of the feet!

I was chatting with a colleague recently (shout-out to Jennifer Creel at Amerx Health Care!) about Chat GPT and the different ways I’ve used it. I shared with her that it’s easy to forget about this tool and my tip for learning how to use it and to use it more frequently is to always have it open in your internet browser. Every day before I get started working, I open all of the internet tabs I use daily: Google Workspace, Email, Asana, Airtable… and Chat GPT.

The simple act of having it always open is a reminder to use it. Start small, play around with different prompts, and see what you come up with.

FOR PODIATRISTS



Post-Meeting Action Plan

It’s almost the end of 2024. By now you have attended at least one, probably more than one, conference in our industry. Now it’s time to reflect. Ideally, you will do this as soon as you return from your conference but in case you didn’t take the time - here’s your chance. Create an Action Plan to implement what you learned in your practice. Good news! We have created a worksheet for you to use. Click here to download your Action Plan Worksheet.

McClain Laboratories, LLC is a full-service anatomic pathology lab offering a wide range of services to our healthcare professionals and their patients nationwide. We provide the most sensitive and accurate dermatopathology diagnosis in the profession.

Our services include:

• Ultra-sensitive fungal nail and skin testing
• Dermatopathology of the foot and leg
• Melanoma diagnosis and margin examination
• Analysis of delayed wound healing
• Gout and digital mucous cyst evaluation
• One Step END™ tm nerve fiber density testing (formalin, no mixing)
• Foreign body and tick ID
• Direct immunofluorescence testing
• Immunohistochemistry stains

McClain Labs provides morphological classification of fungal organisms, calibrated photographs on every report, rapid turnaround time and reliable access to Dr. Steve A. McClain.

Dr. Steve A. McClain is board certified in AP and DP and specializes in Podiatric Pathology. He founded McClain Laboratories, LLC in 2004 where he practices dermatopathology in Smithtown NY. Dr. McClain is from High Ridge, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri and trained at the University of Vermont, with a Dermatopathology fellowship at New York University. He trained under the renowned dermatopathologist Dr. Bernie Ackerman at NYU.

Dr. McClain is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and Emergency Medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital with research interests in Wound Healing, Malignant Melanoma, and Pathology Informatics.

Call our lab anytime at 631-361-4000 and you’ll always hear a friendly voice! We look forward to working with you and your patients.

SAM 2025

For the 5th year, the Florida Podiatric Medical Association is partnering with PodiatryMeetings.com to make the SAM (Science and Management) Conference one of the premier conferences for podiatrists. I'm thrilled to work with the FPMA team once again. We will be sharing suggestions for how to make the most of this event as an attendee or an exhibitor but for now, be sure to mark your calendar to join us January 29th - February 2nd in Orlando.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND

REGISTER TO ATTEND OR EXHIBIT

ATTENTION MEETING PLANNERS!

We want to list your upcoming conference on our comprehensive podiatry meeting calendar.

Send us your meeting information by clicking the button below!

FOR EXHIBITORS



The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released the first report in its series, Maximizing Attendee and Exhibitor Engagement on the Exhibition Floor, which outlines effective strategies for exhibitors to enhance engagement. According to survey data, attendees prioritize interactions with booth staff, networking, and experiencing products firsthand. The report stresses the importance of well-trained booth staff who can facilitate meaningful face-to-face connections. Additionally, it suggests using interactive and hands-on product displays, as well as integrating educational content to deepen engagement. While innovation can be challenging, especially for exhibitors attending few shows, the report highlights that those who adapt their tactics to evolving attendee needs see the best results. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

SAVE THE DATE

November 11th: Nolaro and Little Steps with Louis J. DeCaro, DPM - Biomechanics expert

November 18th: Dr. Nick Campitelli on PowerStep's new Morton's Extension insole

December 9th: Dr. Doug Richie - everyone's favorite expert on custom AFO's

Did you miss one recently? Check out recordings in our Archives.

UPCOMING PODIATRY CONFERENCES

THE INDUSTRY'S MOST COMPREHENSIVE EVENT RESOURCE

click images below for upcoming meetings

We're curious! What's your preferred brand of orthotics?

Take our quick poll and help us discover the top choices in the industry. It takes less than a minute, and your voice could make an impact! PLUS - you could win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE POLL

Why Foot and Ankle Surgeons Should Attend the

2025 Annual MIS Cadaver Lab Seminar

The Academy of Minimally Invasive Foot & Ankle Surgeons (AMIFAS) invites foot and ankle surgeons worldwide to the 2025 Annual MIS Cadaver Lab Seminar, set for February 26-28 in Orlando, Florida. Held at the renowned AdventHealth Nicholson Center in Celebration, this seminar presents an unparalleled opportunity to refine your skills, stay current with cutting-edge techniques, and connect with fellow experts in the field.

What Makes the 2025 Seminar a Must-Attend Event?

1. Experience a State-of-the-Art Surgical Facility

The Nicholson Center is celebrated for its world-class technology and facilities, providing an optimal environment for hands-on surgical training. Attendees will benefit from its advanced setup, making it easier than ever to learn new techniques and enhance their surgical precision.

2. New for 2025: Personal Cadaver Specimen Option

For the first time, attendees can opt to have their own cadaver specimen, allowing for more focused and individualized practice. This unique offering provides surgeons the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in learning and perfecting complex minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques in a controlled, hands-on setting.

3. Earn Up to 18 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH)

In a field that is constantly evolving, continuing education is essential. With up to 18 CECH available, this seminar allows attendees to earn valuable credits while advancing their surgical expertise in a very hot topic - minimally invasive surgery.

4. Master a Broad Range of MIS Procedures

The 2025 seminar features in-depth training on a variety of MIS procedures, from straightforward to complex, including:

• Retrocalcaneal exostosis surgery
• Medial slide calcaneal osteotomy
• Various bunion procedures
• Condylectomy and exostectomy

This selection of topics offers something for surgeons at every skill level, covering procedures critical to modern podiatric surgery.

5. Learn from Global Leaders in MIS

AMIFAS has assembled an impressive lineup of speakers from across the globe, including experts from Australia, Spain, Paraguay, Morocco, and Canada. Esteemed presenters such as Dr. Borys Markewych, Dr. Grace Torres-Hodges, Dr. Joanne Balkaran, Dr. Orlando Nunez, Dr. Michael Warshaw, and Dr. Trevor Haynes will share their expertise, providing attendees with invaluable insights into MIS advancements worldwide.

Join a Legacy of Excellence

As the oldest organization dedicated to minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery, AMIFAS has been advancing the practice for over 50 years. This seminar is not just an educational experience; it is an opportunity to be part of a legacy, joining a network of professionals who are passionate about leading the future of foot and ankle surgery.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Whether you are looking to sharpen your skills, earn CECH, or network with leading minds in the field, the 2025 Annual MIS Cadaver Lab Seminar offers an unparalleled experience in an environment dedicated to excellence and innovation. Register now to secure your spot and advance your practice in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.

For more information and to register, visit amifasintl.org

FOR MEETING PLANNERS

Here are a few ideas for Exhibitor engagement to implement at your next event:

• Create an online resource center for Exhibitors where they can easily find the service kit and prospectus, along with video and article tips for how to make the most of the various advertising and sponsorship opportunities available. PS - we build a resource center for our conference partners and can do it for you too!
• Offer an option for exhibit coordinators and on-site reps to receive text message alerts for last-minute changes and reminders.
• Provide a daily tip for exhibitors each day of the event. This keeps the on-site reps motivated and inspired.
• Recognize your first-time exhibitors so attendees know where they are and what they provide.
• Provide graphic templates exhibitors can use to promote their involvement in your event.
• Make sure exhibitors have access to fast, free wifi so they can stay connected to the office. Bonus if you can offer a couple of tables and chairs near electrical outlets in a quiet corner of the exhibit hall so reps can get a bit of work done when attendees are in sessions.

PODIATRYMEETINGS.COM NEWS AND UPDATES



PodiatryMeetings.com recently worked with Dr. Lowell Weil, Jr. of Balance Health to produce their annual Physician Education Conference. We were hands-on top to bottom with this event. From selecting the venue and negotiating the contract, selling exhibitor booths and sponsorships, to planning the menu and ordering A/V services, we handled it all.

Read more about the event by clicking here and check out the recap video below.