In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and Dr. Joanna Richey welcome Professor Dr. Lyndon Mason, an internationally recognized foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon based in the United Kingdom. The conversation offers a comprehensive look at his career journey, the structure of UK surgical training, and the foundational principles that have guided his success in clinical practice, research, and education.

Dr. Mason, shares insights into his early path into medicine. Unlike the United States, where pre-medical education precedes medical school, Dr. Mason entered medical training directly at age 18. He outlines the UK system, which includes medical school, foundation years, core surgical training, registrar-level specialization, and fellowship.

A central theme throughout the discussion is the profound impact of mentorship. Dr. Mason credits several key mentors with shaping his career trajectory, not only by providing guidance but also by challenging him to pursue opportunities beyond his comfort zone. He emphasizes that mentorship is not a short-term relationship but a lifelong influence, often continuing decades after initial training. These relationships also play a critical role in helping trainees navigate self-doubt and imposter syndrome—an experience Dr. Mason openly acknowledges as part of professional growth.

Dr. Mason’s career has been marked by extensive international experience, including training and observerships in Australia, Germany, and the United States. These opportunities exposed him to high-volume, complex pathology and diverse surgical approaches. Importantly, he highlights that the greatest value of these experiences lies not just in learning surgical techniques, but in understanding how different systems and surgeons approach problem-solving and patient care.

With over 300 publications and more than 50 awards, Dr. Mason’s academic productivity is driven by what Dr. Richey calls “insatiable curiosity.” He underscores the importance of questioning established practices, encouraging trainees to ask “why” at every step rather than accepting tradition at face value.

The discussion also explores differences between the UK and U.S. healthcare systems, particularly in relation to industry collaboration. Dr. Mason explains that opportunities for device development and commercialization are more limited within the UK’s National Health Service, where intellectual property is often institutionally held. As a result, relationships with industry differ significantly from those in the United States.

Education remains a cornerstone of Dr. Mason’s career. He describes a deep passion for teaching, especially at the level of early learners, and has developed numerous educational resources over time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a YouTube channel to make high-quality lectures accessible to trainees who might otherwise be restricted by paywalls. For him, teaching and curiosity are inherently linked—those who are driven to learn are naturally inclined to teach.

Ultimately, Dr. Mason finds the greatest fulfillment in mentorship and the success of his trainees. He takes pride in seeing students progress through their careers, with the hope that they will surpass his own accomplishments. This long-term investment in others reflects his broader philosophy of growth, both personal and professional.

The episode concludes with advice for students and early-career professionals. Dr. Mason encourages aspiring clinicians to question everything, work diligently, and pursue opportunities with persistence. He emphasizes that background does not define potential, and that growth often occurs in moments of discomfort. Hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone, he notes, are the keys to building a meaningful and impactful career.

Drs. Jensen and Richey discuss with Dr. Lehrman a coding summary, an educational tool that can benefit every client, practicing podiatrist, resident, and student. The summary can be seen in graphic form at the end of the podcast.

o Developed to provide general coding guidance based on commonly accepted standards and interpretations of ICD-10 diagnostic coding and CPT procedural coding principles.
o To be used solely as a guideline to assist practitioners. Final coding decisions remain the responsibility of the provider.
o Significant thought, expertise, and clinical experience has gone into the development of this summary. BakoDx enlisted the insight of Dr. Jeffrey Lehrman, a well-respected advisor and certified cod, and with support from Dr. Wayne Bakotic, Dr. William Scherer, as well as Shawna, Jasmine and compliance approval from Donna Millard.
o Ensuring broad distribution supports consistency, compliance awareness, and informed clinical documentation practices across the podiatric medical community. Our goal is to provide clarity, enhance understanding, and empower providers with reliable reference material, while reinforcing that this document remains a guideline and not a substitute for independent coding judgment or payer specific policies.

Enjoy!!

🔎 Episode Overview

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Drs. Jensen and Richey sit down with Dr. Kiana Karbasi, a dynamic podiatric physician practicing in Orlando and a graduate of NYCPM.
Dr. Karbasi shares her journey from training in New York to building a thriving practice in Florida—while navigating life as part of a “podiatry power couple” alongside her husband, Dr. Tim Miller, and raising two children.

This conversation goes beyond medicine—diving into work-life integration, entrepreneurship, and redefining success in modern podiatry.

💡 Key Topics Covered
• Transition from New York College of Podiatric Medicine to private practice in Orlando
• Building and managing a successful podiatry practice
• The realities of being a dual-physician household
• Raising a family while maintaining clinical excellence
• Time management strategies for busy professionals
• The importance of support systems at home and at work
• Redefining “balance” → it’s not perfect, it’s intentional
• Advice for students, residents, and early-career podiatrists

🧠 Leadership Takeaways
• “Balance isn’t static—it evolves with your season of life.”
• Success in podiatry is not just clinical—it’s personal sustainability
• Surround yourself with people who understand your mission
• You can build a career and a meaningful family life—with intention.

👩‍⚕️ About Our Guest
Kiana Karbasi, DPM
• Graduate of New York College of Podiatric Medicine
• Practicing podiatrist in Orlando, Florida
• Practice owner/operator
• Focused on patient-centered care and efficient practice management
• Advocate for physician wellness and work-life integration

🎯 Who Should Watch
• Podiatric medical students
• Residents and early-career physicians
• Dual-career couples in medicine
• Practice owners or aspiring entrepreneurs
• Anyone striving for better work-life alignment