Personal Essay: Skin Injury

Upon graduation from Christopher Newport University, I chose to take a gap year. I had the opportunity to explore possible career options, teach, coach, and work jobs that I could not work during school. More importantly, I investigated various career paths during this time. I wanted my career to combine as many of my interests as possible, to ensure that I enjoyed what I did for a living. Science and specifically biology has always been my favorite subject. The subject matter and challenge in science classes kept me engaged, and learning how a new discovery could change lives made my studies seem worthwhile. Anatomy and physiology, however, was the class that stood out to me the most. Learning what makes us, us, coming up with diagnoses,

I have always been passionate for sports and soccer has always been king. Unfortunately, ankle injuries have plagued my career. After my fourth ankle injury I met Dr. Mussleman, a podiatrist. Dr. Mussleman’s care and demeanor further sparked my interest in podiatry, and was unlike the previous physicians I had seen for my ankle injuries. It is important for patients to know what has happened to them and the underlying causes for their ailments. Dr. Mussleman spent time explaining my injury to me from anatomical reasons to how cleats and the surface of the field played a factor in my injury. Dr. Mussleman taught me why the structure of my foot has led to certain issues and how previous injuries may lead to problems later on in life. During my time shadowing him following my injury, he would educate me on each patient’s condition and procedure which gave me a lot of insight into the podiatry. Tutoring and teaching others has been an overwhelmingly positive experience, and podiatry provides me the chance to continue to teach others something I have a personal connection to and that I find interesting to me

Foot care is often neglected and its importance became obvious during this time. Almost everyone is dependent on their feet for their jobs and livelihood but foot care is often overlooked. Many patients that would receive care from the staff podiatrist, Dr. Hasanovic were under noticeable pain and discomfort. This would affect their day-to-day life and ability to work. Had it not been for the work Dr. Hasanovic had done many people would have missed out on work, vacations, and family outings. Many of the patients at the clinic were diabetic and were in need of routine foot care. Without Dr. Hasanovic many of these people would have to take care of their own feet, and could have possibility cut their toes which could have led to infection, resulting in loss of a toe, foot, or even their leg. Podiatrists offer a unique skill to help those in need, and impoverished communities tend to have higher percentages of people with type 2 diabetes. As a podiatrist I could continue to help those who need healthcare the most but have little access to receiving