PHYSICIAN FEATURE: JANUARY, 2021

Before you sit in their office, sit in on an interview with us as we ask Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic physicians all the important questions!

Meet Scott Spencer, DPM

Interim Director of Clinical Operations & Associate Professor, Division of Surgery and Biomechanics, Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine

Allan M. Boike, DPM

Degrees & Training: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine

Special Interests: Mechanical function of the foot ; sports medicine ; podopediatrics

Qualifications: President of the Board of Directors, American College of Podiatric Medicine ; American Board of Podiatric Medicine Exam Committee ; CPME Residency Site Evaluator ; Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine ; Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Medicine

Q: Why did you choose podiatry?

• A: With my dad being a podiatrist, I was able to see the profession from a work and personal life perspective. My dad was very influential in my choice of profession.

Q: Why do you love working at the Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinic?

• A: I love working with the students! They force you to be on top of your knowledge base and to always be current. They can smell a bogus answer a mile away. Also, it keeps me young at heart. I love our patients as well. They are some of the nicest people you can imagine. Seeing patients that are regulars is like seeing an old friend.

Q: What's your favorite procedure to perform?

• A: I don't do surgery anymore really. So, my favorite surgery will be the general podiatry trip;e: two nail procedures and an orthotic prescription.

Q: What's it like being a podiatrist in a global pandemic?

• A: At first it was a little worrisome as we didn't know that much about COVID. With the initial shutdown it was hard not seeing patients outside of emergent cases. I think by staying on top of the developments we have been able to keep everyone much safer and not be terrified of the virus.

Q: What shows are you hooked on right now?

• A: I loved the Mandalorian!!!!! That last episode was amazing! I have just started watching Cobra Kai and I think it's great. I also loved the show Feed Phil on Netflix, but I think it will be a while until new episodes. The show is one guy going around the world and basically finding the cuisine of the country he is in. Makes me long to travel again.

Q: Any hidden talents?

• A: It's not very well hidden, but I do play bagpipes. Not something you hear about every day. I am also pretty handy at repairing things around the house.

Q: Tell us about your free-time!

• A: My free time??? It's funny, you would think with the pandemic there would be more, but there isn't. I was honored to be elected to a second term as president of the board of directors for the American College of Podiatric Medicine, so that takes up a bit of free time. I also serve on the American Board of Podiatric Medicine's exam committee and MOC committee as well as a residency site evaluator for CPME. When I am not doing something for those organizations, I love to spend time with my wife, our dog and two cats. I enjoy playing guitar again, something I used to do and got back into. I still play bagpipes.

Q: What's one thing you can't resist?

• A: Hamburgers! It is my favorite food. I could live on them if I had to. Sadly, I probably wouldn't live as long if I did only eat hamburgers.

Q: What was your very first job?

• A: My first job was a paper route when I was 13, back when kids delivered newspapers. I have pretty much had a job ever since. I worked in high school, college and even during podiatry school.

Q: If you weren't a podiatrist, what would you be?

• A: In my dreams a rock star. In reality, I would hope some area where teaching was involved.

Q: What's your favorite place to be?

• A: I love my home. It is very relaxing and comfortable. But I love being in Kauai in Hawaii. It's just a relaxed and fun island. I also love Palm Springs, California. I love the mid-century architecture and it's just an easy place to hang out.

Q: You can bring three guests to a dinner party - living or dead. Who's coming?

• A: My great grandfather. He came here from Scotland and is who inspired me to play bagpipes, even though I never met him. I would love to hear about his life. The Dali Lama, I would love to learn how to be more at peace and be kinder to everyone. I can be very sarcastic and seem mean. Frank Lloyd Wright: I love his architecture. I am afraid though he might find my questions insulting and beneath him. He had an immense ego, but was an amazing architect.