Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Susan Wexler.
Dr. Susan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began my practice in 1982 after completing four years undergraduate at Brandeis University, four years doctorate at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency in Michigan in Podiatry Surgery. I opened the practice from scratch with a small loan from my father. My father made sure that I paid every penny back, along with all of my student loans. There were no freebees or handouts in my family. I bought some used equipment and kept to a limited budget. I was one of the few women, at that time, in solo practice in a medical specialty.
My husband, Ben, was wonderfully supportive and knowledgeable about the “business end” of the practice and helped me to develop a billing system and computerize my practice over time. When I started the practice, all of my patient notes and claim forms were hand written. Some things were typed on a type writer. Over time, everything became computerized, and I began using electronic medical records.
My practice has grown over the years. Some of my patients have been with me since I first opened. I now treat their children and grandchildren. Most of the practice is done in the office setting, while larger surgical procedures are performed in a hospital ambulatory outpatient setting. I am affiliated with Partners, Hallmark Health, Winchester and Lahey Hospitals.
My work is most satisfying when I can help someone to feel better with a few small measures. The most common procedures that I do are corrective nail surgeries, cryosurgery of warts, treatment of fungal toenails, prescribing custom made orthotics, Sports Medicine, and correction of hammertoes and bunions. Most of the time, patients “limp in” and “walk out”.
Has it been a smooth road?
As with all small businesses, changes to the economy have had a large impact on my practice. During the recession, a lot of people lost their jobs, along with their health insurance, so seeing a podiatrist for a small problem did not seem to be a priority for some. Also, the demographics of my local area have undergone dramatic changes. There is a large immigrant population in my town, from Asia to the Caribbean. With that, came language and cultural hurdles.
Another challenge, has been the changes in the medical arena. Hospitals now have referral networks requiring, patients to be seen by certain doctors in specific networks. This has been somewhat disruptive to long standing patient relationships that have been built over years, only to have patients forcibly moved to a different podiatrist.
On a more personal level, owning and running a business has been challenging as a mom. There were times that office hours needed to be cancelled when my daughter was home from school, daycare crises. These are the same issues for all working mothers.
As a woman, being in what was a “man’s profession” has sometimes lead to bias. Early on, I had several new patients question me, “where is the doctor?” But, the world has evolved, and so, too, have most patients. It’s wonderful to be a woman in a medical profession.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dr. Susan D Wexler/Malden Podiatry – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My practice approach is very “hands on”. I run the business, answer the phone calls personally, schedule the appointments, and handle all billing issues. I am unique in this. I have not seen any other medical practice that works in this way.
The advantage of this style is that I know each patient thoroughly so I can give each patient specialized attention. I don’t double book appointments so that most appointments are right on time, sometimes even a little ahead of schedule.
My specialties are sports medicine, diabetic foot care, family care, treatment of ingrown toenails, warts, fungal nails, hammertoes, neuromas, plantar fasciitis, bunions and prescribing and dispensing custom-made prescription orthotics.
I have board certification in Podiatric Medicine, Surgery and Wound Care, so my care can be very diverse on a given day. I am proud that I was able to start a small practice from the ground up and stay actively involved in Podiatry for the past 35 years. I am also proud of my multiple affiliations with Partners, Hallmark Health, Winchester and Lahey Hospitals. Being on these networks can be time consuming, as they each require multiple yearly meetings and the upkeep of boards certifications. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in a medical practice, even a small one, to maintain and upgrade electronic medical records and certifications. The easiest, and most rewarding part of my day, is the time I spend treating my patients. I value the relationships with patients that have built over the years.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Boston is a wonderful “small” city. Having grown up in New York City, I was looking for a place that afforded the amenities and diversity of a large city, without the same hustle and bustle. I first came to the Boston area in the 1970’s as a student at Brandeis University, where I met my future husband. We both agreed that Boston was at the top of our list of best places to live.
We both enjoy the wonderful varied restaurants, theater and museums. We also love the easy access to some of the best beaches and mountains within a short car ride. On the minus side, Boston is no longer a “best kept secret”, so it is plagued by traffic grid-lock on most major highways. Rush hour is no longer just one hour but starts at 2:30 and lasts until 7:30 PM. One must carefully plan when to leave the house to avoid the rush.
All that being said, I can’t think of a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Contact Info:
- Address: 452 PLEASANT STREET
- Website: www.maldenpodiatry.com
- Phone: 781-324-8704
- Email: SUSAN@MALDENPODIATRY.COM
- Instagram: Dr. Susan D Wexler
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