Q&A with Dr. Paul Bishop
Paul Bishop DPM
Q) How and why did you decide to choose your specialization?
A) Ive always been fascinated with surgery, and medicine in general. I really enjoy being able to fix things, and make them more permanent solutions to a problem. So many things in medicine are chronic in nature and never really get resolved. I enjoy trauma, surgery, things that I can fix and return someone to a more normal life. Foot and ankle surgery patients are usually very motivated to feel better and get back to life, I really get a lot of satisfaction helping that process.
Q) What sets you apart from others in your field?
A) I try hard to stay abreast of new techniques, procedures and surgical innovations that are coming out every day. I lecture and teach other surgeons and medical device people, which helps me to stay sharp, studied and helps me to stay up to date. I am helping to design surgical instrumentation for a specific type of bunionectomy that I think has the chance to revolutionize the procedure. I have additional fellowship training in trauma and reconstructive surgery and Illizarov surgery (limb lengthening and deformity correction) which is not very common in the field of Podiatry. I travel outside of the USA to do charity surgery on children and adults. Some of the deformities we approach are not commonly seen in the USA and it allows me to expand my surgical and patient treatment knowledge base beyond the typical clinic setting. I'm a triathlete! So I think I really "GET" the athletes injury and mindset in returning to full performance!
Q) In what ways do you vary your treatment for different segments of the population (athletes, dancers, general population)?
A) Even between athletes things can be different. I think setting a treatment plan, realistic goals and expectations can make the experience better for the patient and myself. If youre not up front with an athlete especially, then there can be a disconnect in treatment which doesnt help anyone. Also having an understanding on the level the person is and and what they are expecting to return to are important.
Q) What surgical technique do you specialize in?
A) My practice is primarily foot and ankle deformity correction, revisional surgery and truama. I have fellowship training in Illizarov technique as well. I was taught under some of the best surgeons in the world, Dr. Alexander Kirienko in Italy, Dr. Edgargo Rodriguez in Chicago and Drs. Cherkashin and Samkuchov from Russia, now in Dallas. My practice also uses quite a bit of non surgical PRP, Bone marrow and stem cell techniques that can at times be done in the office for injuries.
Q) Tell us a bit of your process for biomechanics evaluation for runners.
A) Actually seeing them move helps, so letting them run out behind the office, muscle length, joint Range of Motion evaluations and talking about training, mileage, types of workouts and shoegear all play a part depending on the injury. Do they wear or need an orthotic or brace, is the shoe correct, all are things we look at.
Q) In your opinion, why is it important for patients to work with a physical therapist in conjunction with a podiatrist?
A) Follow up care from surgery, injury or training bad habits all can be tremendously augmented with a knowledgeable therapist. Having a trusing relationship with PT for me is vital especially post operatively, where patients can get injured or fail from the wrong post op treatment or trying to rehab on their own. I've had great relationships with physical therapy and it can really make a big difference not only after an injury or surgery, but many times can prevent them from happening.
For more information about Dr. Bishop or to schedule please visit: www.footandankleexperts.com