Podiatric Medicine is the Right Choice

“As you are coming into the podiatric profession, you are coming into a profession whose time has come and you have made the right decision for a career choice,” advised Dr. Briant Moyles to the 42 Barry University podiatric medical students participating in the June 1, 2007 Rite of Passage ceremony at Broad Center for the Performing Arts on the Miami Shores campus of Barry University. “The baby boomers are beginning to retire and need good podiatric physicians, some form of universal healthcare is on the horizon, and many podiatric physicians are retiring, creating many excellent opportunities in the profession,” he added. Dr. Moyles, former president of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association and the Fund for Podiatric Medical Education, served as the keynote speaker and presented his son, Jared Moyles, with his white coat, marking the beginning of his clinical experience.

The Rite of Passage ceremony, narrated by James D. Sills-Powell, president, Class of 2010, continues a tradition at Barry University for podiatric medical students. The lab coats presented to the students have been recognized since ancient times as the attire of the medical profession. Each student was presented with their coat by Associate Academic Dean, Michael Siegel, PhD; Chair of Basic Medical Sciences, Ramjeet Pemsingh, PhD; and Associate Dean of Clinics, John Nelson, DPM.

Over 300 family, friends, students, and members of Barry’s faculty and staff attended the program to celebrate this important milestone and recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2009 of the School of Podiatric Medicine. Honored guests included Dr. Joseph Smith, father of Brett Smith, Class of 2009 and Dr. Donna Toren, mother of Adam Toren, Class of 2009. Dr. Chet Evans thanks the sponsors Merz Pharmaceuticals and PICA Group, who graciously supported the Rite of Passage.

Marti Solomon, DPM, Class of 1995 delivered an inspiring alumni address recommending to the Class of 2009, “to carry in your coat pockets all the informational references and medical instruments you will need, but also to carry with you kindness, respect, and caring for your patients.” Dr. Solomon, who serves as the president of the Barry Podiatric Alumni Chapter said, “The thing that will set you apart from the average doctor is a strong moral character based on kindness, respect, honesty, and love for self and others.

The Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine has made impressive progress from its humble beginnings in 1985. There were only eighteen students, no clinics, and only one hospital affiliation. Then, the School received its accreditation and began a clinical training program in 1987. Now, the School has nearly 200 podiatric medical students with over 250 hospital based externships, a three-year surgical residency training program, and over 900 podiatric medical graduates.

Jeanna Van Pelt, president, Class of 2009, indicated, “We have accomplished so much in the past two years, spending every day of the week together for six to twelve hours a day learning about medicine from our astute professors.” She added that Dr. Nelson said “you aren’t brilliant yet, but in two more years you will be!”

Donna J. Toren D.P.M. congratulates her son Adam Toren, Class of 2009.