Finding a good podiatrist is not as easy as it used to be. The reason why is that there are hundreds of providers that people have easy access to nowadays. Thus, picking the perfect one may be quite challenging. Fortunately, there are doctors like Dr. Schlomo Schmuel available who have stood the test of time. With more than 20 years of practical experience and fluent knowledge of English, Spanish, and Hebrew, he is one of the few professionals in this industry that has such an outstanding and proven track record. Additionally, Dr. Schlomo Schmuel is local to the Los Angeles, California region as he completed both his internship and residency at the University of Southern California Medical Center. 

In his spare time, Dr. Schlomo Schmuel enjoys spending time with his family, specifically his beloved children. In addition, he is a firm believer in exercising whenever possible in order to stay in shape. He takes joy in going on jogging or cycling trips.


How long have you been in business?

A little over 20 years! I came to L.A. to pursue my residency and spend a few years doing so when I was in my twenties. Well, I am now much older and still actively treating patients who are in need of a podiatrist. 


Are there any unique challenges in your industry?

I would say that the educational requirements are definitely amongst some of the most challenging factors that people who are interested in this field must overcome. The reason why is that anyone who wants to become a doctor will have to dedicate a lot of their time, effort, and capital to reach said goal. 

At times, it may even seem like things are falling out of their control and the burnout effect will be borderline impossible to overcome. Nevertheless, everyone who overcomes this initial test and gets through their academic career will have an opportunity to practice medicine and make a real difference in every patient’s life. 


Do you have any particular challenges that you personally address?

I sometimes have to choose what patients I can work with because the demand gets pretty high. Depending on the season of the year, our office may get a lot more people than we have the capacity for. As a doctor, it is my obligation to help treat anyone to the best of my ability and make sure that I preserve human life and well-being. 

Unfortunately, when you have hundreds of visitors who need your attention, it becomes pretty much impossible to interact with all of them. So, I tend to refer them to other experts who will aid them. Regardless, the feeling of having to essentially deny service to someone because I do not have the capacity to help is one of my most difficult challenges. 


Is your industry growing, shrinking or remaining the same?

It is definitely growing. As I mentioned, the supply of podiatrists is continuing to rise. This is a direct consequence of the rising awareness for what we do and the fact that new technology is making our jobs so attractive to prospective doctors. 


Have you ever been to Miami?

Yes! I have actually been there multiple times and try to make it a yearly trip. Usually, my visits take place in the summer and I do it to get away from Los Angeles to an area that resembles L.A. the most. Nevertheless, even though I cannot explain why, swimming in Miami waters just feels better than it does in California. Also, I have a lot of friends who live all over Florida, so this trip gives me a chance to see them and catch up. Not to mention that Miami always has something new to offer and never fails to surprise me. 


Would you come back?

Absolutely! Actually, I come back almost every year because I enjoy the area so much. What is amazing is the fact that I never have the same experience twice. For instance, I always book a different hotel and create new agendas that have nothing to do with my previous endeavors. That way, although I am visiting a place that I already know pretty well, I feel like it is my first time coming to the area. 


Where do you see yourself or your business in 5 years?

I think that it is fair to expect that I will still be in Los Angeles practicing podiatry. Although I do not know if I will be at my current company, I am fairly certain that I will continue to work with a number of patients that have stuck with me for over a decade at this point. 

Additionally, I think the next five years will be revolutionary in terms of inventions that are going to change medicine. I hope to see some of them before I end my career and maybe even take a lead on some innovative projects that will help advance our industry.