Day in the life of
Podiatrist – Dr Bruce Pinker
I have been in private practice for many years. Some podiatrists are employed by a hospital or medical group. While I interact with the hospital occasionally, I usually spend most of my time in my offices (we have two). I perform foot surgery in the local hospital operating room or nearby surgery center. Periodically, I receive calls from the local hospital where I have privileges to see patients for consultations. The conditions I treat for consultations range from diabetic foot infections to fractures (broken bones) to elongated or ingrown toenails.
Some podiatrists perform complicated foot and ankle reconstructions, and some handle severe trauma conditions that require surgery. Others treat patients for conservative conditions in the office on a daily basis and may never interact in a hospital setting. There are some podiatrists who specialize in treating childrens’ disorders (which are usually biomechanical in nature). Some focus primarily on toenail conditions, such as toenail fungus, which affects millions of individuals. Others are primarily sports medicine based and treat mostly athletes. My practice is rather well-balanced between all these areas, with an emphasis on treating toenail disorders.
My Typical Day
My typical week runs from 9am to 6pm, and I choose to see patients on Saturdays from 9am – 12pm. Rarely do I receive emergency calls. Being the owner of a private practice has many benefits, as I set my own schedule and manage the practice and all of our employees. Having the freedom to choose when I see patients is a major benefit. Managing the practice is a skill I developed over time which I enjoy. For me, I am a business owner, as well as a doctor. I enjoy the lifestyle and the balance. Other podiatrists, however, may prefer to be employed by a hospital or group practice, which limits their responsibility (and their freedom).
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Podiatrists
diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
The Thinker