Giving Tuesday - Dr. Brooke A. Bisbee Talks Women Who Win "The Shoe Project's" Exciting Collaboration with Deckers X Lab and The APMA and Her Career as a Woman Podiatrist
GIVING TUESDAY STARTS TOMORROW - We are excited to announce Women Who Win’s collaboration with American Podiatric Medical Association and Deckers X Lab. For this Giving Tuesday, for every donation APMA gets for Giving Tuesday, Deckers X Lab will donate a pair of their shoes to Women Who Win “The Shoe Project” (for up to 100 pairs) Today’s woman dreamer, Dr. Brooke A. Bisbee shares everything you need to know about this exciting initiative. A podiatrist with over 21 years experience and a member of the APMA Board of Trustees, she shares what life as a woman in podiatry and her top three tips for protecting your feet in their cold weather! Join us for Giving Tuesday in our mission of empowering communities one step at a time.
1.Tell us your story. How did you decide to pursue a career in podiatry, and what inspires you most about your work in the healthcare field?
I knew growing up that I wanted to be a doctor, and at some point a surgeon. As a college freshman I was able to get a part time job in a vascular surgery office… just basic file clerk type duties, making charts, etc. (I laugh now because I remember getting reprimanded for taking too long to file because I wanted to read every op report – I found them fascinating!) During my time with the vascular surgeons I noticed quite quickly two things – first, the two surgeons were always being called away from the office for emergencies, and I would hear talk about how many family events they missed due to emergencies; and second, too many diabetic patients were having limbs amputated and I wondered why. Eventually I sat down with the doctors and talked to them and shared my draw to surgery, but also knew I wanted to be able to “have a life” and not be sleeping on the couch in my office as they did (a lot!). They had a few suggestions, but none really involved surgery; then one day a podiatrist showed up who was going to start renting space in the office one day per week. The podiatrist, Dr. Alan Gitersonke, allowed me to observe an ingrown toenail procedure one day, we chatted a bit afterwards, and eventually I changed my work hours so I could shadow him almost every week and the rest is history!
Sometimes amidst all of the chaos of administrative burdens we face day in and day out, it is hard to remember ‘why’ I chose healthcare. However, I do find inspiration on a daily basis as I watch my patients begin to thrive again after a successful treatment for something as small as a painful corn or ingrown toenail… and although my diabetic patients especially can be so frustrating at times, I am inspired each time I know I had a part in changing that patient’s life forever when I work with other specialists and the patient to save their toe, or foot, or even their leg.
Sometimes amidst all of the chaos of administrative burdens we face day in and day out, it is hard to remember ‘why’ I chose healthcare. However, I do find inspiration on a daily basis as I watch my patients begin to thrive again after a successful treatment for something as small as a painful corn or ingrown toenail… and although my diabetic patients especially can be so frustrating at times, I am inspired each time I know I had a part in changing that patient’s life forever when I work with other specialists and the patient to save their toe, or foot, or even their leg.
2. What is APMA’s mission, and how did you get involved in APMA?
APMA’s mission is to advance and advocate for the specialty of podiatric medicine and surgery for the benefit of tis members and the health of the public. I became involved with APMA as a student. From the time I can remember, I have always been drawn to being part of leadership – from junior high student council to now a member of the APMA Board of Trustees. As a student at Scholl College, I was freshman Class President, and then moved up to student body President eventually. In this position I was a member of what was then called the Council of Presidents, which was made up of the student body president from each of the podiatric medical schools (7 at that time). We would meet a few times per year when the APMSA reps met. APMSA reps worked very closely with APMA leaders and still continue to do so today. Being a part of those meetings provided me with an up close view of APMA and I knew I wanted to be part of ‘the’ group who was leading the profession which I chose.
3. We are excited to partner with the APMA & Deckers Shoe Company for the Giving Tuesday. Please provide a brief overview of Giving Tuesday & this exciting project. How can people participate and donate?
Giving Tuesday is the Tuesday after Cyber Monday, and it provides people an opportunity to donate to their favorite charities and organizations. The APMA Educational Foundation is the arm of APMA which raises money for student scholarships. The APMA Educational Foundation began participating in Giving Tuesday a couple of years ago and through word of mouth and email blasts, the campaign has grown each year, allowing additional scholarships to be awarded above and beyond the usual number provided. This year we are excited to partner with Deckers Shoe Company to be able to provide shoes to women in less fortunate circumstances! What could be better than giving to students, and at the same time being able to help provide self-esteem and decent foot wear to women in need? Being a shoe-aholic myself, and knowing I can provide some financial relief to a student, I think it is a perfect match for Giving Tuesday!
4. As we are approaching the winter, what are your three feet tips for protecting your feet in this cold weather?
Thick socks and furry lined boots can actually cause increased sweating inside of our winter foot gear. Consider using some extra foot powder to help absorb moisture when needed, and change your socks if they get too damp. Take liners out of shoes/boots and allow them to dry completely before wearing again.
Hardcore runners/joggers, and those who don’t let the icy outdoor temps keep them inside, need to be sure to wear moisture wicking attire, including socks. Stretching is especially important in cooler/cold temperatures because it is possible to injure foot tendons, ligaments and muscles too!
For children, it is easy for parents to want to purchase a snow boot that might be a touch too big and just add an extra layer of socks, with the hopes they could get two seasons out of them. However, shoes and boots that are too loose will cause blisters and can even force the child to run or walk differently, leading to other musculoskeletal pain. Always buy proper fitting shoes/boots for the current foot size.
Thank you Brooke for sharing your story with us! We are excited for our wonderful collaboration for Giving Tuesday 2021!
About the APMA: Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), headquartered in Bethesda, MD, is the leading resource for foot and ankle health information. Currently, the organization represents a vast majority of the estimated 18,000 podiatrists in the country. In addition to the national headquarters, APMA boasts 53 state component locations throughout the United States and its territories, as well as affiliated societies.
About Giving Tuesday: Giving Tuesday is the Tuesday after Cyber Monday, and it provides people an opportunity to donate to their favorite charities and organizations. The APMA Educational Foundation is APMA’s affiliated organization that raises money for student scholarships and advances foot and ankle health. The APMA Educational Foundation began participating in Giving Tuesday a couple of years ago and through word of mouth and email blasts, the campaign has grown each year, allowing additional scholarships to be awarded above and beyond the usual number provided. This year we are excited to partner with Deckers X Lab to be able to provide shoes to women in less fortunate circumstances!
About Brooke: Brooke A. Bisbee, DPM is in her 21st year of practice as a podiatric physician and surgeon, in her hometown of Rogers, Arkansas. Dr. Bisbee attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville for her undergraduate degree before earning her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine; followed by residency training in Tucson, Arizona. She opened her own private practice upon returning home; and has since added two Associate podiatrists. Dr. Bisbee is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery; and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Brooke joined the Arkansas and American Podiatric Medical Associations as soon as she began her practice. She has served in several state leadership positions, including President and Vice President for two years each; as well as serving as the Arkansas delegate to the APMA House of Delegates for over ten years. In March of 2014 Dr. Bisbee was elected to the APMA Board of Trustees, and is currently in her 8th of 9 years as a Trustee before ascending to the executive board positions. In March of 2025 she will ascend to the position of President of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Bisbee is also a Life Member of the American Association of Women Podiatrists, and a member of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management. Dr. Bisbee is married to Steven Ribar, who is the Art Director for GAMO/Daisy BB Guns; and together they have two children, Allyson, who is a high school senior, and Jon, who is a high school freshman. She is very active with different church and community events/organizations, and spends a good deal of time volunteering with her children’s high school, serving as Treasurer for the Rogers Heritage High School Booster Club.
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