���ϴ�����

Johanna Richey, D.P.M., Assistant Professor, Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine (AZCPM) visited the Biomedical Sciences students in the College of Graduate Studies (CGS) on the Downers Grove Campus for an afternoon of learning about the field of podiatric medicine and the skill of suturing. Events like this are one of the ways ���ϴ����� encourages interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals from different fields and is one of the benefits of the educational experience at the University. 

Dr. Richey shared that she graduated twice from ���ϴ�����, with a B.Sc. in Biomedical Science in 2005 and subsequently as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) in 2009, and reflected that she was once in their shoes as a Biomedical Sciences student. She went over different instruments used for suturing and several types of suturing techniques, such as the horizontal mattress suture and the vertical mattress suture. She explained that the horizontal mattress suture is used commonly in foot and ankle surgery for incisions, and a vertical mattress suture is used where a wound might invert, such as the thicker skin on the bottom of the feet. Dr. Richey stressed the importance of aligning the tissue, being careful not to pull too tight or too loose. 

The Biomedical Sciences students also saw a demonstration of suturing techniques. Following the demonstration, the students tried the simple interrupted sutures with the aim of completing at least three sutures. Subsequently, the sutures were judged in a friendly competition. 

Dr. Richey went over aspects of the field of podiatry including sports medicine, pediatrics, wound care, trauma, and foot and ankle reconstructive surgery. She highlighted conditions that may require surgery such as bunions, flat feet, hammertoes, and high-arched feet. She described that specialists in wound care treat health issues such as diabetic foot ulcers. She emphasized that there are a variety of options available for students interested in pursuing podiatry. 

Dr. Richey described additional benefits of the podiatric field. “You do have a lot of control over what you do. You can have a specialty, a subspecialty like podiatric dermatology, podiatric pediatrics, sports medicine, and you can tailor your practice to do things that bring you the most joy and satisfaction.”

Attending students described their experience learning about the field of podiatry and suturing skills for future healthcare practice. 

“This event was really important because it gave us an opportunity to see if a profession with a more hands-on approach is what we want to go into. It also gave us a chance to practice our fine motor skills,” said Biomedical Sciences student Priya Patel (CGS-Downers Grove MABS ’25). Priya shared that she would like to go into obstetrics. “I know in the future if I have to do a C-section, then I will have to know how to suture. This experience gave me that confidence that this is something I can do. I’ll definitely take it with me into medical school.” Priya expressed her appreciation for the informative session and learning about types of sutures and the areas of skin they would be used for. 

Biomedical Sciences student Tatiana Tchobanova (CGS-Downers Grove MABS ’25) said, “It was really cool getting to learn different techniques. It was nice getting hands-on experience, especially in the middle of the tough winter quarter. It really boosted morale and reminded us of what we actually want to do, which is go into different healthcare fields.” Tatiana said that the firsthand experience better prepared her for future academic experiences. She shared that it was interesting to learn about the field of podiatry and its subspecialties.

Kathy LePard, Ph.D., Program Director, Biomedical Sciences, (CGS-Downers Grove), described, “This annual event is one of the ways the Biomedical Sciences program provides unique experiences and prepares students for interprofessional careers in healthcare.”

Alesia Prakapenka, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biomedical Sciences, (CGS-Downers Grove), reflected, “It’s fun to participate in this event as a judge and interact with our students outside of the classroom.”