Dean’s Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Joshua Wilder. Dr. Wilder is a 2016 graduate of Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, he completed his residency training at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh and completed a fellowship in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery at Emory St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta. In Joshua’s spare time, he competed on Survivor 44, which aired on CBS this past spring.
Dr. Jensen is joined by co-host, Marc Rademacher, a 3rd-year student at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine and a self-described “Survivor Fanatic” – a fun episode highlighting a young leader in our profession through his medical training, personal medical issues including a kidney transplant, and his quest for adventure, culminating in his participation on Survivor 44! Enjoy!
Dr. Wilder highlights the challenges of balancing their surgical career with the demands of participating in interviews and the audition process for a reality TV show. He mentions the time-consuming nature of interviews, which could last between 30 and 45 minutes and involve meeting with multiple producers and executives. He also mentioned the logistical difficulties of meeting various timelines and requirements, such as obtaining medical clearances within specific timeframes.
Dr. Wilder discusses his decision to conceal his profession as a surgeon on the show due to concerns about becoming a target. He noted that historically, financially well-off or prepared surgeons and doctors tend not to fare well in the game. He speculated that if other contestants knew they were a physician, they might perceive them as strategic or not in need of the money, making them a threat and a target for elimination. Additionally, he mentions that his physicality already made them a target, as physically strong players are often seen as threats and targeted before the merge.
Tune in for a fun discussion about Dr. Wilder’s career and his time on the hit show, Survivor!