Dr. Dana Giacalone is a podiatrist in Grapevine, Texas. She specializes in complex foot and ankle reconstructive surgery as well as ankle arthroscopy. She is board certified in wound care and foot and ankle surgery. From 2007 to 2011, Giacalone was named one of America's Top Podiatrists by the Consumers' Research Council of America. She has a particular interest in podiatry work due to her passion for ensuring that those with diabetes remain fit and healthy. Diabetes can affect foot health to the point where a foot infection from a patient with diabetes can result in the need for a leg amputation. Giacalone strives to prevent these types of foot infections from happening in the first place. She blogs regularly at Diabetic Foot Tips.

Why did you decide to pursue this career field?
I chose podiatry after working with a podiatry group when I obtained my undergraduate degree. I needed a job while prepping for the MCAT [medical college admission test] and worked as a front and back office assistant. During this time, I shadowed doctors in other fields and found that I always enjoyed coming back to podiatry. There are so few specialties in medicine where you can make an instant impact on a patient. Being able to see a variety of patients and make them feel better before they leave the office is incredibly gratifying, but it also is a surgical specialty. I am a reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon, so the bunion that is causing pain that does not improve with conservative care, I can surgically fix. I see patients in the hospital as well via consults from the ER or other physicians, most often for foot infections or trauma. I was also looking for a career that allowed me to have an actual life, and podiatry allows me to keep somewhat normal hours. I work very few weekends, and I am able to travel, enjoy hobbies and enjoy my family.

What makes it an important calling is the active aging population and the increase in diabetic patients. I truly believe that I have the most active senior citizens on the planet (as my patients). Several triathletes, numerous golfers, tennis players—you name it, they participate in it. I keep their feet healthy so that they can continue to live such active lifestyles. In addition, the increase in diabetic patients requires more podiatrists. These people's lives depend on us. Sounds crazy, huh? How can a podiatrist save a life? The most common reason a diabetic is admitted to the hospital is from foot infections. Many of those infections lead to leg amputations. When a diabetic patient undergoes a below knee amputation, 30 percent will suffer a heart attack and die within three to five years. If I can prevent the infection that lead to that amputation, then I just saved their life. And I do that every day! That's why my job rocks!

What type of preparation did you do to get into this field?
I received my bachelor of science in biology. I took the MCAT as required, then I went to podiatric medical school (which is four years), followed by three years of residency. Prior to this is work in numerous business offices as a secretary, as I worked my way through college.

How did your education help you in your career?
Without it, I could not be where I am.

What was your career path like in this field?
In this profession, you have one basic path in the beginning. You start with an undergraduate degree, usually in science. Then, you attend podiatry school. You then go through a residency program and after that, you enter the "real world." There are multiple paths from this point. Some, like me, will choose private practice. Others may find working in orthotic labs or pathology labs more intriguing. Others will go into education and work at universities usually associated with hospitals and work with students and residents. In each setting, there are endless possibilities.

What types of skills is someone required to have to work in your position?
To truly be successful, you need people skills, plain and simple. If you don't like dealing with people, this isn't for you. A passion for anatomy and mechanics is helpful as well. Not every podiatrist is a surgeon, but if that is what you are thinking, then steady heads and an ability to think on your feet.

What do you do on a typical workday?
I usually start my day around 8 a.m. I see 30 to 40 patients during a full day. I leave the office around 5:30 or 6 p.m. During the day, I will see broken ankles, ingrown toenails, warts, bunions, diabetic foot checks, Achilles tendon ruptures, etc. I am also partner in the practice, so part of my day is dealing with staff issues, vendors, product reps, etc. Two days of the week, I am at a surgery center or hospital performing surgery.

What type of person do you think is best suited for a job in your field?
Mature, well-rounded, open-minded and an overachiever.

Do you have any advice for those who are looking to launch a career in your field?
Do it! Go for it! Every day is a challenge, but it is incredibly rewarding. Don't listen to those who may say "I would never do it" or "it's not real medicine." Take it from me, this is as real as it gets.

I'd like to share with you my favorite story. I have a 17-year-old female patient who was born with a congenital deformity on both feet. Because of this deformity, she has never been able to wear any shoes other than sneakers. She was incredibly self-conscious about the appearance of her feet. After seeing her in the office and discussing surgery, she and her family decided to proceed with surgery. After surgically fixing her deformities, she is going to the prom for the first time ever with real shoes on. She went shopping at a local shoe store and sent me pictures of the "cute" shoes on her feet. She is no longer self-conscious about her feet and now shows them off in flip-flops. Her mother told me after the second surgery, "Dr. Giacalone, I can't thank you enough. You have given my daughter a life she never thought she would have."

It doesn't get better than that.