Podiatry Students Bond with Classmates, Get Inspired at Annual Dinner

Students from the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM) at Samuel Merritt University (SMU) hosted their annual dinner panel with local podiatrists March 31 to strengthen camaraderie among classmates and learn about their future career from working podiatrists. 

The American Association for Women Podiatrists (AAWP) student chapter at CSPM hosted the event, which included more than 80 people.

(Pictured at right: AAWP Officers 2015-2016 from L to R: Lisa Yoon, Stephanie Ko, Kaila Curry (Bako), Anmy Vu, Christina Bridges, and Megan Ishibashi.)

Since the different classes at CSPM run on varying schedules, it was a unique opportunity for all students to meet and establish life-long relationships. AAWP extended the invitation to spouses and significant others as well, so they could have a better understanding of the challenges as to what a future in podiatry holds.

“The panel helped students engage in an insightful conversation discussing the expectations of being a podiatric physician,” said Stephanie Ko, a third year student at CSPM and AAWP President. 

The panel discussion included topics regarding fourth year externships, the challenges and benefits that practicing podiatrists face in the healthcare industry, and specific experiences during residency such as how to balance life and work.

Each panelist shared their valuable feedback and students in the audience also participated in the discussion by asking follow-up questions. This year's’ exceptional dinner panel would not have been made possible without the generous sponsorship from Bako, APMSA, and the AAWP Club Officers.

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