We see the signs of COVID-19 loosening all around us. Protocols are relaxing, stores are opening, social events are happening, and people are traveling again. At a personal level, we are experiencing a series of post-COVID firsts. Some are small, such as a first trip to the store without a mask, first in-person meeting, or first sporting event.

By Gerald Stark, PhD, MSEM, CPO/L

Lower Extremity Review reminds us of Bob Dylan’s famous line, “the times they are a-changin’,” as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. But one has to wonder a bit why it took the pandemic to induce 1 very large change we all experienced: the shift from centralized to decentralized workspaces, at least for those of us in academia.

By Paul DeVita, PhD

In 2019, I worked in an office/clinic setting seeing multiple patients per day. On a normal day, I would shake their hand, touch as clinically necessary, fit and adjust prostheses. I would talk with colleagues in the breakroom while reaching for adjoining coffee mugs and exchange pleasantries with the patients of colleagues I passed near shoulder-to-shoulder in the hall.

By Robert Lin, CPO

Forcing Change…The intensity, uncertainty, and rolling grip of the COVID-19 pandemic has, without doubt, challenged many of us, both professionally and personally. The arrival of innovative vaccines at the end of 2020 and early 2021 has enabled many countries to slowly return to some degree of normality.

By Sarah Curran, PhD

The past 18 months have proven challenging for everyone; however, those afflicted with diabetes have borne a heavier load than most. The increased mortality associated with diabetes¹ has justifiably received much attention.

By Ryan T. Crews, PhD, CCRP; Brian D. Lepow, DPM; and David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD

The times are definitely changing and will continue to change for the better. As the rest of the world pulls down their masks, we in the medical community will continue to stay masked, prepared, and ready for change.

By Philip Stotter, CEP

The COVID-19 pandemic became an unwelcome defining factor of 2020 and into 2021. Now, we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And this makes it a good time to reflect on the pandemic’s effect on podiatric medicine and surgery. It’s also time to ask how we can be prepared for future events that may affect how we practice.

By Andrew Schneider, DPM

The COVID-19 pandemic’s profound effect on the healthcare system will produce a ripple across all healthcare industry sectors, including podiatric medicine and surgery. Some of these changes are obvious and currently taking place, and many are still to be determined.

By Patrick DeHeer, DPM

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth visits has skyrocketed in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus. And due to its popularity, the continued use of telehealth is expected. However, while telehealth can be effective in many areas, there are limitations when it comes to characterizing changes in physical function such as gait.

By Patrick Roscher, MS, and Arnaud Gouelle, PhD