APMA News - September/October 2020 - 49

Development Update

Highlighting Today's Most Outstanding Student Scholars:
10 Minutes with Stephanie Wu, DPM
Each year, the APMA Educational Foundation
awards scholarships to exceptional third- and
fourth-year podiatric medical school students. In
this issue, we sat down with Stephanie Wu, DPM,
Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine,
Class of 2020, recipient of the PICA scholarship.
Dr. Wu received her bachelor's degree in Human
Biology from the University of California, San
Diego (UCSD).

APMA News: What are some challenges
you've overcome or accomplishments you've
achieved?
Dr. Wu: One challenge I've overcome is
living in a brand-new state where I don't have
any family. One of my major accomplishments
in school was going on a mission trip to the
Dominican Republic. I was very fortunate to
be able to provide podiatric care in an
underserved area and to use the clinical
knowledge I had at the time to help others. I
mastered how to manage my time between
studying and volunteering. I also was able to
attend most of the volunteer events hosted by
the various school departments such as health
fairs, homeless shelter clinics, and the Special
Olympics.

APMA News: Congratulations on your
scholarship. What made you decide to pursue
podiatric medicine?
Dr. Wu: I've always wanted to be in the
Stephanie Wu, DPM
health-care field. I was exposed to podiatry
after graduation when I attended a podiatry seminar at UCSD's
APMA News: What are some of your hobbies or interests?
career center. The presenter was Dr. [Lawrence] Harkless, and he
Dr. Wu: I enjoy listening to audiobooks and baking. I try to
showed me another aspect of podiatry that I was never aware of,
bake cookies, and even though they're not the best-looking
specifically that a podiatrist can be both a clinician and a
cookies, they taste good.
surgeon.
APMA News: What was the hardest part about being a student,
and what was the best?
Dr. Wu: The hardest part of being a student was time
management and building confidence. It took me a semester to
be comfortable in school and adjust to the rigorous coursework.
I learned to slowly build my confidence level as I gained
experiences and knowledge each semester. The best part of being
a student was seeing and experiencing amazing results after the
nonstop hours of studying. I also enjoyed it when patients told
me that I made a difference in their feet during clinics.
APMA News: Are you working on any medical projects or
research?
Dr. Wu: I am currently working on a project in determining
the biomechanics of foot types by using a 3 inches x 2 inches
device.

APMA News: What qualities would you say make a great
physician?
Dr. Wu: A physician who truly cares for their patients and
not only provides a treatment plan but also clearly conveys the
patient's maladies. Also, I believe clinicians exemplify great
qualities when they take time to explain in layman's terms or
draw pictures for patients to understand their problems.
APMA News: What do you look forward to in your career?
Dr. Wu: I want to be an educator. I can't wait to give back
my knowledge to the next generation of medical students. I
also want to be involved with regenerative medicine
research to help develop the next generation of wound care
products. n

APMA News: How did you stay motivated as a student?
Dr. Wu: I never lacked motivation throughout my years in
school. However, I definitely reminded myself of my struggles
and wanted to make sure I took full advantage of the opportunities provided to me as a student. Therefore, I made sure to stay
focused and concentrate on achieving both my short-term and
long-term goals.

APMA News September/October 2020

APMA News - September/October 2020

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