OPMSA Meet-and-Greet: Nick Butler, President-Elect

They should call him 'No Buts' Butler because Nick is one hard working, no excuses wunderkind. He also happens to be one of the coolest cats at KSUCPM. Although it is likely you already know him (everyone does), you should take the opportunity to borrow some knowledge from the big guy because he has plenty to spare.

Here is what he does in the OPMSA:

• Serves as Chief Executive Officer of OPMSA in the absence of the President.
• Attends all OPMSA related meetings with the President.
• Perform duties delegated by the President of OPMSA.
• Assists the Director of Clinical Affairs with organization of the OPMSA Symposium.
• Responsible for coordination of the Annual Excellence in Education Day
• Advises and coordinates activities of the 1st year class until class officers are elected.
• Serves as a member of the Financial Budget Committee
• Assists other OPMSA officers in the performance of their responsibilities.
• Serves as representative to the KSUCPM Alumni Association and Board of Directors.

Hometown: Midland, Michigan, the Hometown and headquarters of DOW CHEMICAL and DOW CORNING the makers of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War

About me: Hello Blog world, I am Nick Butler from Michigan. I went to Undergrad at Ferris State University in Big Rapids Michigan. I got my Bachelor's Degree in Biology and associates in chemistry while I was on a football scholarship.

Why I decided to become a podiatrist: I really wanted to go into a field where i can focus and be an expert in one part of the body. After visiting a lot of different professions and seeing how a lot of them looked unhappy, i knew that would not be for me. After visiting a podiatrist with my dad who has type 1 diabetes, I knee that was going to be a profession for me.

My amazing talent: Do you have one? I didn't think so either

Advice I'd give new podiatry students: Don't be afraid to get a tutor from day 1. Its not like undergrad when you think you can half way study and do well. This is a medical school and you are going to need to study if you really want to do well.

My favorite restaurant in CLE: Momocho in Ohio City, it is amazing food that they cal MOD MEX, you have to try the Machaca beef brisket!!!!!!!

My favorite book: Favorite Book - Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking  by Malcolm Gladwell. Currently reading- Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (2nd book of the Hunger Games Trilogy)

What I do when a test week is over: SLEEP!!!!!! then go downtown the next night and live it up for a day. After that it is back on the grind of studying the following day to catch up with class notes or try to get ahead.

Best study music: NONE!!!!!!  I like to put on my noise canceling headphones and study in peace. If I'm listening to anything it will be one of the Doctor's voices from re-watching mediasite.

If I have 30 minutes of free time, this is what I'm doing: Playing ping-pong with Fernando Cruz

Best advice I was ever given: Keep your head on a swivel, so you don't get blasted or blind sided by a hit..... OHHH you mean for school? For school it would be simple as just keep studying. When you think you have learned enough you haven't. You can always learn more and don't be afraid to ask others for help. Its never to late to ask for help and its never too late to learn from your peers.

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OPMSA August Grand Rounds

August 30th @ 5 pm in Classroom A

Presented by Andrew Bernhard

All students are welcome!

OPMSA Journal Club & Grand Rounds is open to all students of  KSUCPM!  Please feel free to join us to discuss articles and enhance your learning in our student-lead meetings.  (Plus, you get to see James Repko every week! Who wouldn't want that!?)  


This month's journal topic is ankle fractures.  The journal article referenced for this Grand Rounds presentation is from the journal of Clinics in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery.  The information on the journal can be found below.  Prior to Andrew's presentation, James will be giving a brief breakdown of the Danis-Weber & the Lauge-Hansen ankle fracture classification systems.  These systems are important to know for clerkships and residencies!

Ankle Fractures

By Denise M. Mandi, DPM, W. Ashton Nickles, DPM, Vincent J. Mandracchia, DPM, MS, Jennifer B. Halligan, DPM, Patris A. Toney, DPM, MPH.


If you would like to have the journal to read or reference prior to Grand Rounds, shoot me an e-mail!  We hope to see everyone there!!!

- Saleena

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OPMSA Meet-and-Greet: Saleena Niehaus, Director of Clinical Affairs

This ray of sunshine to my left is the sugar on top of every OPMSA meeting, Saleena Niehaus. She may look as sweet as butterscotch pudding but when something important needs done, Saleena is the girl for the job. She's intelligent, friendly, and can bake like no one's business!

If that didn't sound good enough, here are a few of the many responsibilities she takes care of in her role on the OPMSA board:

• Coordinates and represents and meets with the Class Clinic Representatives.
• Acts as the liaison between students, clinic administrators and faculty clinicians.
• Coordinates the Annual OPMSA Symposium
• Assists the Director of Clinical Affairs-Elect with OPMSA's Instrument program.
• Assists other OPMSA officers in the performance of their responsibilities.
• Attends OPMSA Executive Board meetings.

And while all of that is great, here's what she wants you to know about her:

Hometown: Berlin Center, OH

About me: I earned my bachelor's degree from Mount Union College, where I was a member of the women's soccer and basketball teams, as well as the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. I am now a third year podiatry student at KSUCPM and am involved with OPMSA, JPMSA, AAWP, ACFAS and soccer.  I am looking forward to clerkships which begin in several short months!

My hero: My dad is my hero. He is the most hardworking, dedicated and compassionate man I know.  He taught me to always believe in myself and has coached and mentored me throughout my life.  I have learned to so much from him on being a noble person and a great podiatric physician. 

My amazing talent: I'm not sure that it's an amazing talent, but I love to paint and think I'm not half bad at it!

Advice I'd give new podiatry students: Carpe the hell out of this diem because if you never chase your dreams, you'll never catch them!

Favorite restaurant in CLE: My favorite restaurant is The Flying Fig in Ohio City.

My favorite book: My favorite book is McGlamry's Comprehensive Textbook for Foot and Ankle Surgery. Isn't that everyone's favorite?

What I do when a test week is over: As soon as test weeks are over, I like to spend time and catch up with my friends and family.

Best study music: My favorite study music includes Dave Matthews Band, David Gray, Ray LaMontagne, Florence + The Machine, just to name a few!

If I have 30 minutes of free time this is what I will be doing: Working out or baking.

Best advice I was ever given: The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday. You cannot make your school or work a constant competition with those around you.

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OPMSA Meet-and-Greet: Damir Jozic, Director of Local Affairs

Every organization needs a guy like Damir. He's spunky, sharp-witted and as slick as butter. If you try to catch him you might have a tough time because this guy is constantly moving and works his tail off to get things done. If you want to learn how to get things accomplished and do them well, Damir is the man to teach you.

You may think that is just too many wonderful things to shove into a single human being. Well fortunately for you he also does a lot in OPMSA. He's what his job entails:

• He's the representative to the Ohio Podiatric Medical Association (OPMA) and attends every OPMA meeting.
• He's the OPMSA representative to the Northeastern Ohio Academy of Podiatric Medicine.
• Posts a report from meetings attended on the OPMSA website.
• Coordinates and administrates Class Officer and OPMSA Officer elections
• Serves as representative to OPMA House of Delegates and Ohio Political Action Committee representative.
• Assists OPMSA officers in the performance of their duties.
• Attends OPMSA Executive Board meetings.
• Assists the Director of Social Affairs with the OPMSA Annual Golf Tournament.

Yup, you've got it, Damir is the cat's pyjamas. Don't let me give everything away though, here's what he wanted to tell you:

Hometown: Willoughby, Ohio

About me: My name is Damir Jozic and I am 24 years old. I am a third year student at KSU-CPM. I was born in Croatia and moved to the United States when I was 10. My undergraduate career was completed at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio where I majored in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. One of my hobbies is to travel and see as many places as I can. My fiancé and I just rescued a miniature poodle puppy and his name is Charlie.

Why I decided to become a podiatrist: I did the school internship and that made me realize that I wanted to go into the field of Podiatry out of all the medical fields available.

My heroes: My parents! They moved to the United States so that my siblings and I could have a successful future.

Advice I'd give new podiatry students: Do not do the bare minimum but instead try to learn and expand your knowledge as much as you can while still managing family and friends with school!

My favorite restaurant in CLE: Winking Lizard

My favorite book: Favorite Book- The Lost Symbol. Reading- Eat that Frog.

What I do when a test week is over: Relax, go out to dinner with my fiancé, and get caught up on sleep.

Best study music: No music, I can't study with music.

If I have 30 minutes of free time, this is what I'll be doing: Laying on the couch and watching TV.

Best advice I was ever given: Don't try to be THE best but be YOUR best!

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OPMSA Meet-and-Greet: Stewart Pierson, Director of Communications

The benefit of being in charge of the OPMSA website is that I get to tell you all about why I am so wonderful. I may not be as handsome as James or have a charming accent like 'Bee's Knees' Patel but in many ways lacking in those arenas has prepared me for success in the real world. I look at myself as Batman in an organization full of superheroes. I may not have been born with amazing powers but I have a Batmobile (okay it's a white Kia) and I look semi-acceptable in black tights. I don't claim to be the smartest of the group or even the hardest working but I love what I do and think I'm a pretty decent guy when you get to know me. Don't be afraid of my rough exterior - come and say hi and I will do my best to throw you a bone in any way I can.

This is my role in OPMSA:

• Maintain close liaison with the editors and staffs of all student publications.
• Contact the mass media with regard to newsworthy events of the OPMSA under the direction of the Executive Board.
• Collect, publish, and distribute items for OPMSA announcements.
• Notify all participants of upcoming and pertinent meetings.
• Responsible for FootPrints newspaper, two (2) issues/year, along with KSUCPM staff editor.
• Assist other OPMSA officers in the performance of their duties.
• Attend all OPMSA Executive Board meetings.
• Co-editor of OPMSA website in conjunction with Secretary, making changes and updates when needed and maintain contact with KSUCPM Webmaster.

Hometown: I'm from Calgary, Alberta, Canada but don't hate me for being a canuck. Even though we say things like 'eh' and 'hoser', we've also contributed a lot to the world like inventing poutine, the manure spreader, basketball, Insulin, IMAX and Justin Beiber. 

About me: Since I'm the old guy of the group, I decided a few years ago to abandon any semblance of being cool. It dawned on me that now that I no longer need to get dates (I'm married) I am able to start doing things I love again like collecting comics, playing video games, building forts in the backyard and all types of other non-sense. I am also an avid reader so if you want to find me on Goodreads, here you go. Unlike most of my comrades I also have children, 3 to be exact. Despite what you may think, it doesn't make it any tougher because also unlike my colleagues, I get to go home to slobbery kisses and boogery noses which in my opinion is just about the best thing in the world. I studied Complementary and Alternative Health at Arizona State (a program now defunct - they retired it after they decided they had graduated the perfect student).  

Why I decided to become a podiatrist: If you want to be a physician, podiatry is the only medical specialty where you are trained from the beginning to be exactly what you want to be. That sounds like a pretty smart thing to do. I also think it's pretty neat.

My hero: Michael J. Fox. Besides the fact that he has already been to 2015 (proving the Mayans wrong) and all the way back to 1885, he has also proved that despite adversity you can overcome and make a significant difference in the world. He is proof to me that you can be happy no matter what hits you. As the man himself said, “It may seem hard to believe, but it's catastrophe that offers the most promise for an even richer life. This is the gateway to the good stuff. In other words, you never truly know which way the wind is blowing until the sh#! hits the fan.” 

My amazing talent: Unless owning an incredibly large collection of comics can be considered a talent, I have none. Armpit farts with my son maybe....

Advice I'd give new podiatry students: Accomplishment without joy is empty. Celebrate your success, embrace happiness and work hard. Work alone is not a recipe for success.

My favorite restaurant in CLE: Asking a fat guy what his favorite restaurant is is like asking a parent which one is their favorite child (my youngest daughter). Okay, all kidding aside, I think Bac in Tremont is probably my favorite but Melt is the one I'd tell people the need to check out if they come to town.

My favorite book: Who wrote these questions!? I can hardly narrow it down to one - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese probably top the list among many others. Currently I'm reading I, Robot by Isaac Asimov, Farseed by Pamela Seargent, and Railsea by China Mieville (the only of these 3 I'd recommend so far is I, Robot). I'm a book geek and spend more time reading than pretty much anything else.

What I do when a test week is over: Go on daddy-daughter and daddy-son dates with each of my kids since I only see them about 5 minutes a day during test week. It's a good excuse to get ice cream or some other tasty goodie and let them spend some one on one time with me. Otherwise I'll pick up a good book and read.

Best study music: Believe it or not I study to heavy metal (Slipknot, Pantera, Five Finger Death Punch or something like that) but when it gets down to crunch time a few hours before the test and I'm on the edge of tears, I tone it down with some Snow Patrol, Amos Lee or even some good classical (Brahms or Chopin)

If I have 30 minutes of free time this is what I will be doing: Reading a book. Not non-fiction like Kartick, but something that takes me out of reality.

Best advice I was ever given: When I was a young college student I was having a hard time figuring out how to get a specific girl interested in me so my mom gave me the best advice of my life: "Less talk. More Action." Obviously the context was different but I think that advice that applies to almost any scenario in life. Less talk, more action.

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Club Sign-ups: Get in while you still can

As you may have noticed by the barrage of emails in your inbox, all of our student organizations, clubs and fraternities are currently open for new members. Now is the time to get in on the action because if you wait too long you won't be able to sign up for the year. This is the only time during the 2012-13 school year that new members are being accepted.

Student organizations hold events and seminars throughout the year and membership allows you to be involved, usually for free or at a significant discount. Join one or join them all but you definitely need to do it quick.

Here's a list of KSUCPM's student organizations that are holding sign-ups:


American Association of Podiatric Practice Management (AAPPM)
This organization provides students with the information and skills necessary to manage a successful podiatric practice.

American Association of Women in Podiatry (AAWP)
AAWP provides support and an informational network which address the special needs of women podiatry students. Membership is open to all students. The group provides guest speakers including local members of the profession. This organization participates weekly at the Free Clinic and Battered Women's Shelter and co-sponsors the Spring Scientific Seminar. The group is affiliated with the national organization.

American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine (ACFAOM)
ACFAOM is an education, research, and advocacy organization that promotes understanding of the valuable services rendered by podiatrists who devote most of their practice to podiatric orthopedics and primary podiatric medicine. The mission of ACFAOM is to sustain an environment conducive to the pursuit of excellence in podiatric orthopedics and primary care by education, research, and augmenting the productivity, image, and stature of its members.

Surgery Club
Representing both the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons (ASPS), this organization provides opportunities for students to gain more information and exposure to the aspects of surgery. Activities include various special labs and guest lecturers.

Jewish Podiatric Medical Student Association (JPMSA)
This organization provides students with the opportunity to learn about Jewish scholarships in medicine, to stimulate fellowship between all the different denominations of Jewish students, and to organize social events for students.

Podiatric Association for Diabetes (PAD)
The objective of this club is to enhance podiatric medical education by providing seminars in diabetic care and management of diet and weight control. PAD also works with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to educate the community on diabetes, to provide early prevention and intervention of diabetic complications, as well as to provide additional practice in treatment of diabetes.

Sports Medicine Club
The Sports Medicine Club's objective is to promote interest and knowledge in the field of sports medicine and the role that podiatric medicine plays in the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries. Throughout the year, the club sponsors several lectures, seminars, and workshops on podiatric sports medicine and is active in providing podiatric medical care at various athletic events in the Cleveland area. The club also provides opportunities where students can observe podiatric sports medicine in various settings.

Student National Podiatric Medical Association (SNPMA)
The Ohio Chapter of the Student National Podiatric Medical Association represents interests of minority students, including American Indians, Blacks, Asians, and Spanish surname students. SNPMA works toward disseminating information regarding podiatric recruitment and retention of qualified ethnic minority students at CPM. SNPMA provides information regarding podiatric ethnic minority health organizations.

Alpha Gamma Kappa (AGK)
AGK is a professional fraternity that enhances both academic and social skills in a well-balanced environment. Members gain practical experience at hands-on workshops and foot care clinics for the underprivileged. Social gatherings and an annual golf outing afford students the opportunity to interact with peers as well as with faculty in enjoyable settings.

Kappa Tau Epsilon (KTE)
Kappa Tau Epsilon provides special lectures and programs for podiatric medical students. The fraternity sponsors many outside activities, both social and professional, to provide as many experiences for its members as possible.

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OPMSA Meet-and-Greet: James Repko, Director of Social Affairs

If ever there was a reason to add an extra "wonder" to the 7 Wonders of the World, this would be your man. James, aka 'Handsome Jim', not only lives up to his name, he also packs a load of brains and loveability behind that shiny exterior. One of the brain-children behind OPMSA's weekly journal club, James is always there to help his fellow students get ahead however he can.

Besides being all kinds of awesome, James is a huge contributor to your educational experience. Here's what does as the OPMSA Director of Social Affairs:

• Coordinates all OPMSA social activities and events.
• Organizes the Annual Golf Tournament.
• Coordinates OPMSA sponsored events.
• Assists other OPMSA officers in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
• Attends OPMSA Executive Board meetings.

Hometown: Cresson, Pennsylvania

About me: I love to stay busy, try anything new or adventurous and work out. I don't let any opportunity pass me by and I try to live by the motto work hard and play hard.

Why I decided to become a podiatrist: The ability to work with my hands and have a guaranteed specialization in medicine.

My hero: My grandfather who came up from nothing became a teacher then went back to school become a dentist while raising 5 kids.

Advice I'd give new podiatry students: Keep your life balanced. School can be overwhelming at times but make sure you keep time for other aspects of your life.

My favorite restaurant in CLE: Melt Bar & Grilled

My favorite book: The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo

What I do when a test week is over: Go home or go out with friends

Best study music: Electronic or Trance

If I have 30 minutes of free time I will be: Getting outside to do something in the sun

Best advice I was ever given: No man is better than you but you are better than no man either.

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OPMSA Meet-and-Greet: Mike Casteel, APMSA Representative

This sagacious young man is the often imitated but never duplicated Mike Casteel. As intelligent as he is dapper, Mike is a decent chap and you'd definitely do yourself some good by getting to know him.

Mike is the APMSA Representative and works hard to represent you on the National and State level. Among a plethora of other things, this is what Mike does for you:

- Represents podiatry students on a State and National level.
- Acts as an advocate on the political and legal stage to pass legislation that will benefit our occupation.
- Meets with the OPMSA Board to keep the students informed of the actions of the APMA.
- Help the APMA increase public awareness of podiatry.

Now that you know a bit of what his job is, here is what he wanted you to know about him:

My hometown: Burlington, KY

About me: My friends often joke that I  should have been a meteorologist or a concert pianist. But to be honest, that would have involved too much calculus, or long nights of staring blankly at sheet music. Studying loads of biomechanics and physio? Not a problem.

Why I decided to become a podiatrist: Always wanted to be a doctor, and wanted something that would involve sports medicine. After shadowing a local podiatrist for some time, I was sold.

My hero: My Mother. When I want to know how to act, how to treat people and live a fulfilling life, I look at her example. She is my greatest teacher, next to the Lord.

My amazing talent: I wouldn't say it's amazing, but I can play the piano, violin ( a little) and percussion. I'm very much a music enthusiast.

Advice I'd give new podiatry students: There is no, absolutely NO substitute for hard work.

Favorite restaurant in CLE: Winking Lizard or DiBella's Subs.

Favorite book/what I am reading now: A variety of books that improve my outlook on business and relationships with people. Most are from the AAPPM booklist.

What I do when a test week is over: Gonna be honest here- Party that night, recover for 2-3 days… restart back to study mode.

Best study music: Film scores- John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Joe Hisaishi, etc.

If I have 30 minutes of free time this is what I'm doing: Go for a short run, stare mindlessly at the TV, joke around with friends. Those 30 minutes usually go by very fast…

Best advice I was ever given: Ignore the soap opera, worry about yourself and work hard. Treat people ALWAYS with the Golden Rule in mind.

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OPMSA Meet-and-Greet: Nick Posge, Treasurer

Time for you all to meet our very own money-man. Not only is Nick Posge the OPMSA Treasurer, he is also consider by many to be a national treasure (and I don't mean the Nicholas Cage movie).

Standing well above the height of the average student, Nick may look like a towering specimen of a man but you shouldn't be afraid because he's a gentle giant. He also works extremely hard for you. Here are some of the things he does as treasurer:

• He's responsible for management of all official OPMSA financial business.
• Produces the OPMSA budget with the Financial Budget Committee 
• Petitions the Dean of Student Affairs for OPMSA Student Activity Fees.
• Establishs and maintains all official OPMSA bank accounts.
• Distributes organization/club/fraternity funds
• Serves as a member of the FBC along with the President and President-Elect.
• Assist all OPMSA officers in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
• Attends all OPMSA Executive Board meetings.

And here's what he had to say for himself:

Hometown:  Cincinnati Ohio

About me: My name is Nick Posge, I am 23 years old (24 on the 21st of December if the Mayans were wrong), and I am in my second year.  I am a big sports fan, of basically every sport except soccer.  My favorite teams are The Broncos, the Yankees, the Cincinnati Reds, the Miami Heat, and the Philadelphia Flyers. My favorite college teams are the Florida Gators, Buckeyes, and the Xavier Musketeers (sorry golden flashes).  I am an Eagle scout and still enjoy camping and Hiking. I plan to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. I collect playing cards and enjoy building jig-saw puzzles.

Why I decided to become a podiatrist: Wanted a career in the medical field, and after shadowing and research, podiatry had the best fit for what I wanted.

My hero: Brian May, Lead Guitarist of Queen.  He wrote some of the best rock'n'roll songs of all times, is one of the best guitarist of all times (on a guitar he hand made), and  he has a Ph.D in Astrophysics.  Just an all around, well rounded dude.

My amazing talent: I am self taught musician on a wide variety of instruments

Advice for new podiatry students: Study, but leave time for fun!

Favorite restaurant in CLE: Melt Bar & Grilled

My favorite book: The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy

What I do when a test week is over: Go out with fiancée and friends and unwind

My favorite study music: Tommy Emmanuel's Live One Album, or anything by the Zac Brown Band

If I had 30 minutes of free time, this is what I'd be doing: Playing guitar

Best advice I was ever given: "Do or do not, there is no try"

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