Desiree Scholl

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Applied Science, '04

What was your major at UW-Stout?  
Applied Science, with an emphasis in technical sales and support and a minor in business

What do you currently do?  
I graduated from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. I now possess my DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine).  I was also chosen by the faculty for two awards upon graduation.  I received the Proficiency in Podiatric Surgery and the Proficiency in Podiatric Radiology awards which are given to one member of the graduating class who demonstrates exceptional skills in the area of surgery and the other in radiology.  I have begun my first of three years of surgical training at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Mich., which has already proven to be an adventure! Between being on-call, daily rounds and traveling to local surgery centers I would say I definitely have my hands full!  

How did you get interested in this field?
At Stout, I played soccer – and had a pretty good ankle injury. A couple surgeries later, I had decided that Podiatry was a perfect fit for me, personally and professionally.

What was your favorite part about your program?
I would have to say the numerous opportunities for extra-curricular activities which also allowed me to know the faculty on another level, which is still great.

What did you find most challenging?
Time management — trying to juggle athletics, work, research and classes, while still having time for myself.

How did Stout help you get you where you wanted to go?
Stout provided me with the opportunity to become involved many activities. Throughout medical school, I never felt as if I didn’t belong.  My major prepared me well for medical school curriculum, I felt just as prepared as everyone sitting next to me!  As a requirement of my current program, I have to make a contribution to the literature in terms of publications.  To me, this is not scary, as I developed a sufficient background during my time at Stout in Dr. Zimmerman's research lab, working with cardiovascular research. I am currently working to collaborate with the Department of Radiology at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine to investigate detection of osteoporosis via plain film radiology, by conducting a case control study with use of dexa-scan (bone density testing) reports.  In my first week of residency, I also ran across an interesting case and am working with one of my attending physicians to write up a case-report of an unusual, often benign tumor of the ankle that was an incidental finding on a routine exam.   

What clubs and activities were you involved in?
Soccer, athletic training, research, tutoring/TA for science club, science olympiad

Any advice for prospective students that are considering your major:
Be prepared for lots of work.  But with that also comes many opportunities to expand your horizons, which in the end will come with great reward!

Other comments:
The faculty were wonderful throughout my time at Stout. I still am in contact with some, which I now consider my friends. It’s been great!