Ep. 109 - Matt Cobb, DPM and Haywan Chiu, DPM -Founders, Foot and Ankle Surgical Academy

Join us as Dean’s chat co-hosts Doctors Jeff Jensen and Johanna Richey interview Dr. Matthew Cobb and Dr. Haywan Chiu, founders of the Foot and Ankle Surgical Academy.
Dr. Cobb received his doctorate of podiatric medicine from the California School of Podiatric Medicine with Samuel Merritt University in Oakland in 2005. He went on to complete his 3-year surgical residency training program with Kaiser Permanente’s San Francisco, Bay Area Foot, and Ankle Residency program.

Dr. Haywan Chiu received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and did his doctorate of Podiatric medicine at Temple University. He completed his 3-year surgical residency program with DVA Palo Alto Podiatry residency program and Stanford University.
Dr. Matt Cobb and Dr. Haywan Chiu discuss their experiences in podiatry and the development of the academy, providing valuable resources for students, residents, and faculty. Dr. Cobb specializes in reconstructive surgery with a focus on pediatrics, bringing a unique perspective to the field. Tune in to learn more about their journey and the impact of the academy on the podiatric community.
Dr. Cobb and Dr. Chiu (along with 2 of their colleagues) began recording their surgeries to share with their students and residents to facilitate distance learning. They hoped to keep their residents engaged in learning surgical procedures even if they were not able to be physically present in the operating room due to pandemic restrictions/limitations. Listen as they describe their experiences with adaptability, flexibility, and leaning into technology to help advance surgical education. We discuss how vulnerability can help broaden opportunities and break down barriers to quality education.

The Foot and Ankle Surgery Academy, also known as FASA, was established during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the challenges faced by students, residents, and faculty in podiatric medicine. Dr. Matt Cobb and Dr. Haywan Chiu, the founders, recognized the impact of the pandemic on surgical training, with elective surgeries being canceled and limited opportunities for residents to gain hands-on experience in the operating room. This led to the idea of creating a platform where surgical procedures could be filmed and shared with the podiatric community.

The primary goal of FASA is to provide educational resources through video compilations of various surgeries, accompanied by voiceovers from the primary surgeons. The videos aim to offer a detailed insight into the decision-making process, techniques, and nuances of podiatric surgeries. The founders emphasize showcasing not only the technical aspects of surgery but also the thought process behind each step.

The creation of FASA allowed for a unique learning experience for students, residents, and faculty. The videos provided a visual representation of surgeries, allowing viewers to observe the procedures in detail. The platform also offered a space for discussion and reflection on different approaches to surgery, highlighting the importance of decision-making and adaptability in the operating room.

Dr. Cobb and Dr. Chiu also discuss how the ability to make sound decisions during surgery is crucial, as it can determine the overall success of the procedure. They shared examples of cases where high-risk decisions led to positive outcomes, showcasing the significance of thoughtful and strategic decision-making in surgical practice.

Dr. Cobb shares a valuable insight from his mentor, Shannon Rush, who emphasized the importance of stepping in right before a mistake is made that cannot be fixed. This highlights the critical role of experienced surgeons in guiding residents and younger surgeons to make the right decisions during procedures. Dr. Cobb's experience with Dr. Rush exemplifies how mentorship and guidance from seasoned professionals can shape a surgeon's decision-making process and ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients.

The discussion also touched on the challenge of maintaining focus and presence during surgeries, with Dr. Cobb and Dr. Chiu emphasizing the need for residents to stay engaged and attentive throughout the entire procedure. They highlighted the potential consequences of zoning out or losing focus, underscoring the importance of being mentally present and focused on the task at hand to ensure successful surgical outcomes.

They also share a personal experience where he and his colleague would remind residents not to zone out during surgeries, especially during critical moments like organ closures. He stressed the impact of losing focus, mentioning the potential consequences such as infections and compromised outcomes due to laziness or distraction.

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