Podiatric physicians and surgeons tackle many roles, from the on a regular basis care of athletes to life and dying conditions. High school students visiting Western University of Health Sciences discovered about these completely different roles throughout a hands-on demonstration from the College of Podiatric Medicine.
About 30 11th grade students from Bravo Medical Magnet High School visited WesternU’s California campus March 6, 2026. The students are on the affected person care observe and have curiosity within the well being professions. WesternU College of Podiatric Medicine Associate Professor Arman Kirakosian, DPM, demonstrated sports taping methods. Dr. Kirakosian, who serves because the president of the California Podiatric Medical Association, has in depth sports medicine expertise, serving because the Team Podiatrist for the Sacramento Republic FC (USL) and the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS).
Dr. Kirakosian stated a affected person got here to his non-public apply for a diabetic foot examination. She had a non-healing ulcer that had been there for months. He was unable to discover a pulse throughout a Doppler examination and instantly despatched the affected person to a vascular surgeon.
“The vascular surgeon called back the next day and said that if the patient wasn’t sent to us, she probably would have passed away the next morning,” Kirakosian stated. “Those are the things (podiatric physicians) pick up in clinics, and saving lives is wonderful and goes a long way.”
Taping is an excellent, fundamental device that may save anyone from additional damage like ankle sprains and turf toe, Kirakosian stated. He demonstrated taping methods for the knee, ankle and foot and offered steering to students as they taped one another’s legs and ft.
“Many of our students apply to our magnet high school because they are interested in exploring health careers. When they first come to us, they are limited. They have an understanding they may want to become either a doctor or a nurse, not knowing the wider array of health careers,” stated Paulina Martinez, Link Learning Coordinator at Bravo Medical Magnet High School. “This is our attempt to expose them to podiatric medicine and other health care careers. This is a great opportunity to influence their decision on which profession to pursue. Any hands-on experience for students really helps expose them to the field.”
Dr. Kirakosian taped the knee of Bravo Magnet pupil Kaylee Carrion. With the tape utilized, Kaylee stated she felt like she might stand taller and that she might do something. She has competed in a number of sports, together with softball, baseball and boxing, however she had by no means been taped like this earlier than.
“I never knew what taping was for. I can see how it supports certain parts of the body that you need. Even if you don’t have a problem, you can still use this,” Kaylee stated. “I’m more of a visual learner. Being able to experience these types of workshops benefits me more. I can memorize more by learning it throughout this process.”
