As a new academic year kicks off this fall, we have much to celebrate at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM). In July, 110 student doctors began their academic career in podiatric medicine as CPM’s class of 2025. A notable group of students, they offer some of the most diverse backgrounds and fascinating experiences that led them to pursue a career in medicine. I am honored to play even a small role in their journey.
With much anticipation, August saw the return of two events in the College’s traditional Alumni Reunion Weekend: The North Coast Foot & Ankle continuing education symposium, and the Hall of Fame & Alumni Awards Dinner. Having canceled last year’s events only made seeing my own classmates and the reunion of others that much more memorable. However cautiously, celebrating our alumni and offering continuing education services to the medical community in the name of student scholarships is key in who we pride ourselves to be as a College. The success of these events are encouraging as we look to bring back even more in-person continuing education and alumni gatherings this year and into next.
In September, both classes of 2024 and 2025 formally received their white coats in the traditional White Coat Ceremony. Having entered the program last year during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the class of 2024 was robbed of this tradition at the time of their enrollment. After demonstrating such resilience and dedication to their academic pursuits over the past year, I was incredibly proud to witness them commit to continue the tradition of excellence and professionalism in medicine through this formal cloaking ceremony alongside the class of 2025. I have much faith that both classes will continue to remain driven and professional in their coming years at CPM.
Finally, I can confidently say that as of this fall, the future at CPM is brighter than ever. The Podiatry Foundation has officially laid the groundwork to help secure the future of the College in the form of $10 million – the largest single gift commitment in the history of Kent State. You’ll soon be able to see this gift at work in scholarships, research and in our first rate continuing medical education programs. I certainly look forward to witnessing these priceless benefits, and how they will affect not only our students, but ripple into our beloved profession for years to come.
Even as we go to press with this Fall edition of Footsteps, new and exciting things are happening on campus and in the lives of our community. Please continue to visit our website for the latest updates and to share your own stories so that you might see them in our next newsletter.
Wishing you and yours a warm and peaceful fall and holiday season,
Allan M. Boike, DPM, FACFAS
Dean, Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine