Dr. Priya Parthasarathy

Dr. Priya Parthasarathy is currently the Podiatry Section Chief at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center and is Chair of the APMA Social Media Working Group. She also serves on the APMA marketing committee, as well as the APMA Political Action Committee Coordinator for Maryland. She is a board member on the Maryland Podiatric Medical Associations Executive committee.

Q&A

Q1. Why did you decide to become a DPM?

A: I actually got into the combined undergraduate and chiropody program in Canada with the options to continue my education at Temple right out of high school. I thought I would try the field and see if it worked for me since I got into this competitive 6-year program. I ended up loving it and never looked back!
Q2. What made you want to partake in a trip to Honduras?

A: I was so privileged to be a part of this program through my residency at Botsford Hospital. I was then so honored to be asked to come back after I graduated as an attending.
Q3. What made you want to be involved in APMA under your current positions, and how has it been beneficial to the profession

A: My husband and I are both podiatrists, so I feel that it is crucial that we are involved in the profession and where it is heading because it is literally our life and livelihood. I have had the opportunity to take on many different roles in the APMA and I hope that my voice and perspective has helped move the profession forward.
Q4. What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?

A: I, of course, am most proud of being a mother to my son, Jaiden, but professionally I was so honored to receive the APMA Rising Star Award in 2017, and for making it through the intense, compacted 6-year undergraduate/chiropody/Podiatry program.
Q5. What is some advice you have for women in this profession?

A: I would advise them to make a name for themselves outside of their practice. Get involved in things that not only generate business and increase patient volume but will also build your resume and expand your skill sets. You never know where you can end up one day! Developing your public speaking skills is just as important as developing your surgical skills.
Q6. What has been a significant barrier for you in your career?

A: Ageism has been a significant barrier for me. Having a youthful appearance and being a female cause some people to question my qualifications, experience, and skill level. Surprisingly, having a long last name, some people assume that I do not speak English well. So they are very surprised when they come to the office and meet me. I have encountered this many times!
Q7. Have you ever experienced any resistance as a female leader?

A: I do feel that we are underrepresented. I have been to many meetings where I have been one of the few younger minority females.
Q8. Do you feel that there are still barriers for women in this field? If so, how should they be handled by women starting their profession?

A: I think it is crucial that we continue to be involved in the profession and make ourselves visible.
Q9. What is something that keeps you motivated to keep being a leader in the field?

A: I enjoy giving back to the profession that has done so much for me. There is always room for our profession to grow, and it is exciting to be a part of moving our profession forward.
Q10. If you had to start over, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

A: I wish I had been more involved in school and in residency. During that time, we are trying to learn as much as we can to prepare for our careers, but I feel that is a crucial time where we lose our voice. Getting involved in the profession earlier in your career can set you up for even more opportunities in the future.

 

 

By Cindy Duong

Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine

 

The Strong Women of Podiatry:

Leading with Heart and Mind

Special edition

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