Podiatrist Self-Evaluation: How to Identify Your Biggest Growth Opportunities

READ TIME – 3 MINUTES

When was the last time you sat down and honestly evaluated your performance as a podiatrist?

Not just your production numbers, but what you're doing well, where you're struggling, and what you could improve.

We recently created an annual self-evaluation form for the doctors in our practice. I was a little skeptical at first, but after filling it out myself, I realized how useful this exercise could be.

Here's what stood out.

1. Start With What's Working

I always like to start with the positive.

One of my biggest accomplishments this year was improving my confidence with shockwave therapy.

I invested in additional coaching, and it helped me become much more comfortable explaining the treatment to patients.

It reminded me that sometimes paying for someone else's expertise is exactly what you need to get to the next level.

2. Identify Where You're Below Your Potential

For me, that's orthotics.

One of my partners does roughly 30 pairs per month. I do closer to 15.

Why the difference?

I think part of it comes down to confidence and when I introduce orthotics into the treatment conversation.

Sometimes I wait until a patient's pain starts improving. By then, they're wondering why they need orthotics at all.

I also have questions about when orthotics are appropriate for certain conditions and how to handle fitting problems more efficiently.

Without doing this evaluation, I might have simply said, "I need to do more orthotics."

Now I have a much clearer idea of what I need to work on.

3. Turn Your Evaluation Into a 90-Day Plan

An evaluation doesn't accomplish much unless you do something with it.

Over the next 90 days, I want to improve my orthotic knowledge, get additional mentoring, and become more confident in explaining appropriate treatment options.

I'm also looking at ways to streamline my schedule and delegate certain tasks without burning myself out.

The goal isn't necessarily to see more patients or work more hours.

It's to become a better, more efficient podiatrist.

Key Takeaways

• Start by identifying your accomplishments and strengths.

• Look honestly at areas where you're performing below your potential.

• Choose specific improvements to work on over the next 90 days.

P.S. If you'd like a copy of the Podiatrist Annual Self-Evaluation form to use for yourself or the doctors in your practice, shoot me an email and I'll be happy to share it.