The Sandwich Generation from a Podiatric Point of View

First, let me take this opportunity to thank Podiatry Today for giving me the chance to start writing again. As you get older you realize that you “used to do” a lot of things. Most, you leave behind, but I always loved to write, and I “used to do” that a good bit within our profession. Happily, I am now in a position where I can resume!

For those of you unfamiliar with the term “The Sandwich Generation,” it basically refers to people my age (50ish) who are stuck between raising their kids, but also coming to the realization that their parents need help as they get to their golden years. This creates a storm of responsibility for the younger and older generations alike. And sometimes, it isn’t so easy.¹

How does this apply to podiatry? I’m now firmly in that generation. I’m not a new practitioner, and nor am I among the most seasoned. Hopefully one day, but not yet. I look to both the older generation and newly graduating residents with equal levels of concern, however. Let me explain.

I care about all of my colleagues in the profession, and feel there is much we can learn from each other. I’m not too sure how I can help the older generation of podiatrists. In my observation, they practiced in a different time, a different era of health care, and some are at the twilight of their careers. I help when I can with patients they refer for surgery that they don’t do anymore, or with transferring patient care to me after they retire. I’ve also helped some in the OR, just as a second pair of eyes. One would hope that we would help any colleague in this way. However, health care has evolved, and it is incumbent on all of us to evolve with the times. But if they don’t, who I am to say? Likewise, how does one go about deciding when to retire? They made their way very well without my input.

To the younger generation, what concerns me most is learning what they need to know, but might not have in school or residency. To use a tired cliché, it is a jungle out there. Between malpractice issues, billing and coding, the business side of medicine, and many other intricacies of practicing in today’s world and beyond, there is a lot to know that, in my observation, isn’t covered in podiatry school, and even less so in residency. How do you look for the right job? What is in an employment contract and how do I read it?

There are so many questions. Were these issues when I was a graduating resident? Yes. Somehow, though, I feel that we were more prepared in my generation. There was more opportunity to learn about this and it wasn’t nearly as complex as it is now. My generation learned as we went, but as the issues became more complex, we were more readily able to ease into them. The transition from paper charts to electronic medical records (EMR), for example.

So here I am. Stuck in the middle. What’s the point here? What is this midlife podiatrist talking about? I have no illusions to change anything about the old guard. That being said, my goal with future blogs and other social media endeavors is to help the younger generation navigate their way. Also, for them to have a place where they can ask questions and have some of the questions answered in blog form. Sound good?

Dr. Raducanu is a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and practices in Galloway, NJ.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Podiatry Today or HMP Global, their employees and affiliates. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, association, organization, company, individual, anyone or anything.
 
References
1.     Allen L. The sandwich generation needs help more than ever: here’s what we can do. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/the-sandwich-generation-needs-help . Published March 31, 2022. Accessed November 21, 2022.