A Look Inside the Podiatry Fellowship with Dr. Christine Jarocki

Christine Jarocki, DPM, a fellow in the Michigan Medicine Podiatry Fellowship Training Program has reached the final days of her fellowship, with her graduation taking place in June 2020. Dr. Jarocki, who joined the program in 2018, completed her residency at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Northport, New York and earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois.

During her time in the program, Dr. Jarocki published several articles in Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology, Diabetic Foot Journal, Wounds, and Wounds Middle East. She also presented at regional conferences including the Annual Diabetic Foot Conference and the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association Great Lakes Conference. View all of her publications and presentations. In addition, she is leaving the program with several collaborative patient safety and quality improvement projects in the works. 

About the Podiatry Fellowship Training Program

The Podiatry Fellowship Training Program in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes is a two-year program that involves all areas of clinical medicine, with an emphasis on research and patient populations at risk for limb loss. Fellows in the program rotate in the Podiatry Clinic, Wound Care Clinic, and other specialty clinics throughout the two years. When they’re not in the clinic, they work on developing their research project and gain exposure to various components of the research process.

With graduation just around the corner, Dr. Jarocki took some time to provide insight into her experience in the program and what she’s learned.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned while doing your fellowship?

As I reflect on my practice as a resident and how I matured as a fellow, I see how I optimized the utility of specialty services. Complications with diabetes can be severe and devastating. The multidisciplinary team approach is not fully appreciated in medicine, but as I move on from Michigan, I can share the knowledge and foster relationships at other institutions.

What aspects of the fellowship do you enjoy the most?

Being part of Michigan Medicine was extremely rewarding. The opportunities and resources available at the institution are endless. Having the ability to network and connect with world-renowned providers and researchers inspired my intellectual curiosity.

Why did you decide to do your fellowship here?

The Podiatry service is housed under the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes. There is already a strong emphasis on diabetes research within the fellowship, and that was a primary reason the Podiatry Fellowship Training Program at Michigan Medicine was my number one choice to expand my training. With the institution, I participated in multiple quality improvement projects and patient safety initiatives, with a focus on lower extremity complications resulting from diabetes.

How did you become interested in academic medicine?

I love being a physician because I have the opportunity to help people. I learned quickly in my training, though, resources limit you as a clinician. I chose academic medicine because with research, I can help more people than I could ever care for.

How do you spend your day when you’re in the clinic?

Podiatry rotations have clinic in the morning and inpatient service in the afternoon, thus, these days enriched my multitasking skills.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I have seen notable growth in my own presentation skills. The typical audience for a Michigan conference can be rather intimidating, however, with practice, I learned how to enjoy the moment and value the exposure.

How do you think the fellowship has prepared you for the future?

During my time with the fellowship, my responsibilities expanded beyond clinical roles. In order to maintain my professional and personal goals, time management was key. I now feel confident that, as I grow in my career, I have the ability to take on anything.