APMA News - March/April 2019 - 76

Development Update

Highlighting Today's Most Outstanding Student
Scholars: 10 Minutes with Andy Archuleta
Each year, the APMA Educational Foundation
awards scholarships to exceptional third- and fourthyear podiatric medical school students. In this issue,
we sat down with Andy Archuleta of the California
School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt
University, Class of 2020, the recipient of the APMA
Auxiliary/Antoinette Alfidi Memorial Scholarship.
Archuleta talked about how he managed a devastating loss while a podiatric medical student, and what
he thinks makes a physician great.

APMA News: How are you managing as a podiatric medical student?
Archuleta: The hardest part about being a student for me mostly surrounds balancing my
workload and time commitments. I would say
the best part is that I love the exposure we get as
medical students and the continuous opportunities to develop our skills in clinic and surgery.
Although it is very time consuming, it is definitely well worth it.

APMA News: Do you have any time left over for
hobbies or other interests?
Andy
Archuleta
Archuleta: I am married and have two young
APMA News: You're from Sacramento, CA. Where
sons, so most of my hobbies surround seeing what
did you receive your undergraduate education?
new adventures we can do as my boys develop new interests and
Archuleta: I attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and obpassions. Some other interests of mine include following and
tained a bachelor's degree in Community Health Sciences. I then
participating in various sports, traveling to new areas, and trying
attended Touro University and completed a Master of Public
new things.
Health degree.
APMA News: Was it in your undergraduate years that you decided
to pursue podiatric medicine?
Archuleta: I always knew I wanted to practice medicine but
was unsure of what area to go into. A family friend exposed me
to podiatry, and I became very intrigued by the unique nature
of being able to treat patients both clinically and surgically. Furthermore, after shadowing and working with several types of
physicians, [I observed that] the podiatric physicians I worked
with then and now seem very satisfied with their work-life balance and livelihood.
APMA News: Are you working on any medical projects or research
right now?
Archuleta: I am currently working on a research project looking at patient outcomes after a minimally invasive surgical approach for treatment of Morton's neuroma.

APMA News: What are some challenges you've overcome or accomplishments you've achieved?
Archuleta: One of the greatest challenges I've ever had to overcome was the loss of both of my parents during my first two
years of medical school. I cared for my mother through her
battle with brain cancer until her passing during my first year.
Having to manage her care and handle [the loss of both parents] with an already difficult schedule and workload at school
was all very challenging. Thankfully my wife provided me an
amazing support system at home, and the whole experience has
made me a stronger and more empathetic individual.
76 APMA News March/April 2019

APMA News: What makes you stand out from others?
Archuleta: I would say that I am very personable, which affords
me the opportunity to get along with just about anyone and has
already been a benefit [in patient interactions]. Also, thus far in
my training, I have been pretty fearless in the sense that I am
confident in my abilities, look forward to learning new techniques, and take the lead when offered.
APMA News: What qualities would you say make a great physician?
Archuleta: I think [great physicians] exude confidence in their
practice but are also altruistic in nature and strive for the best
for their patients. Also, I think great physicians should be willing to adapt to changes and new techniques or technologies in
the hope of providing their patients the best care available.
APMA News: What do you most look forward to as a podiatric
physician?
Archuleta: I think most importantly, I look forward to just simply helping people. I can't wait to establish my own practice and
be able to do whatever I can to help provide my patients with
relief. Also, I look forward to helping continue the advancement
of podiatric practice surgically and clinically through research.
APMA News: Is anyone else in your family in the medical field?
Archuleta: No, it's just me for now, but I hope I can help start a
■
new trend.

APMA News - March/April 2019

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