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Student & Resident Resources

The transition from the classroom to clinical practice is one of the most important phases of your career. Whether you're a student building your foundation or a resident refining your clinical and surgical skills, having the right resources makes all the difference.

This page is designed to provide practical guidance, risk management education, and real-world insights from podiatrists doing this work today to help you navigate this transition with confidence.

What Happens After Residency?

Videos for "What Happens After Residency?" were produced in partnership with the Florida Podiatric Medical Association.
Film Credit: Orlando Productions

Making the Leap

Making the Leap

Finishing residency feels like a major milestone, but the learning curve does not end. Staying adaptable, continuing to learn, asking questions, and seeking mentorship help podiatrists grow and navigate challenges more effectively.

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What to Know about Billing and Coding for Residents

In this video, we break down the key coding concepts, documentation best practices, and common pitfalls to avoid so you can focus on patient care with confidence.

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Your First Contract: Anatomy of Negotiation

Signing your first employment contract can be overwhelming. Attorney Wil Vancol walks new podiatrists through what to look for, what questions to ask, and common contract clauses that can impact your career and financial future. Learn practical tips to negotiate effectively and avoid costly mistakes.

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Preparing for Boards

This video provides a structured approach to studying, managing time effectively and tackling the most common challenges residents and new attending face. Discover strategies to boost confidence and improve your chances of success on exam day.

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When to Consider a Fellowship

Deciding whether to pursue a fellowship is a critical career decision. In this video, we discuss how to evaluate fellowship programs, factors to consider for your long-term goals, and how to make the choice that aligns with both your professional aspirations and lifestyle.

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Read (or watch) our most popular publication!

Case closed offers a valuable opportunity to learn from real cases so you can build safer habits, strengthen your documentation, and make more confident decisions in patient care.      Download a PDF or Watch a Video 

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Riskology 

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The following videos were produced live over three weekends in 2025 with lerEXPO and CMEOnline.
PICA provided an unrestricted grant for this program.

These programs are not eligibile for CE. If you are interested in obtaining CE credit for these programs please visit CMEOnline here. 

 These programs will equip you with the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and mitigate risks before they escalate. Through practical examples, and case studies, learners will develop a proactive mindset that emphasizes prevention, early detection, and effective response strategies. Topics include industry best practices, regulatory compliance, and strategies for fostering a culture of accountability and safety.  

Riskology  - Part 1

1-Feb-25-2026-08-03-08-7438-PM

Screening for Success: Matching Your Skill Set to Your Ideal Population

David Schweibish, DPM

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Navigating the Unexpected: What To Do When Things Go Wrong

Katie Swanstrom, DPM

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3-Feb-25-2026-08-03-08-4121-PM

Never Assume They Understand: Closing Communication Loops and Minimizing Risks

Ashley Lee, DPM

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4-Feb-25-2026-08-03-08-2439-PM

Communication Tactics for Difficult Patient Encounters

Sabrina Minhas, DPM

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Riskology  - Part 2

5-Feb-25-2026-08-19-04-6480-PM

Avoiding Administrative Pitfalls: Billing & Documentation

Adrianne Ross, DPM

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Social Media: Building Authority and Trust Online

Sarah Haller, DPM

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AI and Tech in Your Practice

Michael Brody, DPM

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Riskology  - Part 3

8-Feb-25-2026-08-46-09-4468-PM

Optimizing Patient Communication

Diana Rogers, DPM

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9-Feb-25-2026-08-46-09-5548-PM

Procedural Selection with Emerging Technologies

Krupa Patel, DPM

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Complication Detection

Roland Ramdass, DPM

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11-Feb-25-2026-08-46-09-0227-PM

The High Stakes Game of Wound Healing and Charcot Joint Disease

Hiro Shibuya, DPM

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Bonus Videos

Empathy

The Resistant Patient: How to go from Reacting to Relating

Dealing with resistant patients can be challenging, but responding with empathy can transform the interaction. in this video, Dr. Katie Swanstrom, DPM and Tanya Brakeman, explore strategies to shift from reacting to relating- helping you to understand your patient's perspective, communicate effectively, and build trust.

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Work-Life Harmony

In this video, Dr. Luke Cicchinelli, DPM, offers strategies to achieve work-file harmony, manage stress, and prioritize what truly matters. Learn how to set boundaries, maximize efficiency, and cultivate habits that support both professional success and personal fulfillment.

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Critical Considerations Before Signing a Contract

Reviewing a physician employment contract is an important step for residents and early-career podiatrists. These agreements often include key terms that affect your compensation, job responsibilities, malpractice coverage, and future career options. Understanding important provisions—such as salary structure, non-compete clauses, termination terms, and professional liability coverage—can help you make informed decisions before signing. Explore practical contract review and negotiation tips designed to help physicians better understand their agreements and confidently navigate the contracting process.

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billing and coding

10 Pearls of Documentation and Coding

Accurate documentation and coding are essential skills for podiatric residents. Clear clinical notes help support medical necessity, improve coding accuracy, and reduce the risk of billing errors or malpractice concerns. These 10 practical documentation and coding pearls highlight key best practices—such as linking diagnoses to procedures, documenting medical decision-making, and capturing important clinical details. Use this quick guide to strengthen your clinical documentation, support compliant coding, and build habits that will benefit you throughout your career.

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Podiatric Fellowship

Obtaining a Podiatric Fellowship

Fellowships allow podiatrists to develop specialized skills in areas such as reconstructive surgery, limb salvage, sports medicine, or wound care. Understanding the application process, training expectations, and potential career benefits can help residents determine whether fellowship training aligns with their professional goals. This guide provides key insights into preparing for and pursuing a podiatric fellowship.

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PICA STUDENT RESOURCES

Professional Liability 101

For podiatrists and residents, understanding how malpractice coverage works is an important part of practicing medicine. Key topics include policy types, coverage limits, claims reporting, and risk management strategies. This overview explains the fundamentals of professional liability insurance and what physicians should know to better understand their coverage and potential liability risks.

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