Don Pelto, DPM - Podiatry Practice Mastery

⁠ Did you know nail growth can be influenced by factors like hydration and aging? In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I start with one of my favorite patient questions: “Doctor, why do my nails grow so fast?” I also dive into real patient cases, urgent care trends, treatment strategies, and insights on managing common podiatric conditions more effectively in daily practice. What You’ll L...

Did you know it’s possible to fit 10–15 pairs of orthotics in a single session? In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share a unique strategy my colleague Ben used to work with Division I college athletes and athletic trainers. You’ll discover how group screenings can open the door to recurring orthotic revenue year after year, while also boosting efficiency and practice growth. What You...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share my experience creating my very first Facebook ad. From struggling through video editing to setting up targeting and budgets, I walk you through the process, what I learned, and why I decided to tackle this challenge myself. Plus, I’ll cover patient cases from the day and discuss how small systems can improve treatment value and practice growth....

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share an embarrassing moment that turned into a valuable lesson, plus a creative solution for managing high-demand shockwave therapy slots. I’ll walk you through how we’re optimizing patient flow, boosting per-visit value, and even using pricing strategies to improve efficiency. Along the way, I discuss real patient cases, treatment decisions, and id...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share why I rely on a daily tracking sheet to improve efficiency, boost production, and keep key metrics top of mind. From tracking orthotics and shockwave treatments to optimizing high-value visits, this simple tool has transformed how I manage my practice. I’ll also walk you through several real patient cases and show how tracking habits can direct...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I discuss how shockwave therapy can accelerate recovery for fractures and stress injuries when applied strategically. I share insights from a patient with a second metatarsal fracture treated every 72 hours, highlighting why some patients are willing to pay more for faster results. I also cover patient scheduling challenges, urgent care growth strategi...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share why focusing on speed and quality rather than price has become a key driver of growth in my practice. From optimizing treatment plans to introducing faster recovery options like shockwave therapy, I walk you through patient cases where prioritizing efficiency and results creates better outcomes for both patients and the practice. What You’ll Le...

Have you ever wondered how shockwave therapy can transform chronic Achilles and plantar fascial pain cases? In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share two real patient stories where six sessions of shockwave became the treatment of choice. I also discuss practical insights on using treatment sheets, combining therapies, repurposing patient cases into YouTube Shorts, and leveraging video...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I walk you through a busy pre-holiday clinic day filled with diverse cases, from Achilles pain and plantar fasciitis to shockwave therapy and nail care. You'll also learn how I manage valuable patients, streamline treatment decisions, and use structured protocols to deliver efficient, effective care. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How I use the...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share how I used shockwave therapy to help a hiker speed up recovery from a second metatarsal fracture and get back on the trails. You’ll also learn how I integrate fracture care, advanced imaging, and patient-focused treatment planning into my practice. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How shockwave therapy accelerates fracture healing When to comb...

Have you ever had a patient buy their own “shockwave machine” online, expecting the same results as your in-office treatment? In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share how I handled this growing trend, compare at-home devices with clinical-grade shockwave therapy, and walk you through key patient cases and treatment strategies. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to handle patients u...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share a productive Monday at the clinic, where orthotics took center stage with three pairs completed in a single day. From treating plantar fasciitis and sesamoiditis to handling complex nail issues, arthritis, and shockwave therapy, I break down what worked, what didn’t, and how I approach patient care for better outcomes. What You’ll Learn in This...

Fridays in my office are dedicated to routine care in the mornings, making it one of the most efficient days thanks to working closely with a nail tech. In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share patient cases from the afternoon session, lessons on managing practice efficiency, and insights from the book Buy Back Your Time. I also discuss partnership challenges and strategies for scalin...

Thursdays in my office are packed with diverse patient cases, from Achilles tendonitis treatments and neuroma injections to matrixectomy follow-ups and plantar fasciitis management. In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I also share insights on improving patient care efficiency, handling communication challenges, and using virtual assistants and YouTube shorts to grow your practice effecti...

Wednesdays in the clinic were packed with diverse patient cases, from managing plantar fasciitis, neuromas, and Achilles tendonitis to performing shockwave treatments and matrixectomy follow-ups. In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I also share insights into operational challenges like phone system inefficiencies, virtual assistant training, and billing issues with our EMR system, plus s...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I walk you through a busy Tuesday filled with diverse patient cases, from managing fungal infections, plantar fasciitis, and bunions to performing cortisone injections and matrixectomies. I also share insights on treatment kits, patient decision-making, communication challenges with staff, and optimizing workflows to improve both patient care and pract...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I take you through a busy Monday filled with diverse patient cases, from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis to bunions, sesamoid fractures, and neuropathy care. I also share how treatment sheets, patient presentations, and new urgent care strategies are improving clinic efficiency and patient outcomes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How treat...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I walk you through a busy Friday packed with nail care, orthotics, shockwave treatments, and KeryFlex applications. I also share insights on improving treatment systems for oral and topical antifungals, combining therapies effectively, and optimizing patient outcomes while streamlining clinic operations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to structu...

Ever wondered how to maximize in-office procedures for better revenue while improving patient outcomes? In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I walk you through a busy Thursday filled with procedures, shockwave treatments, orthotics, and post-op care, and reveal why minor in-office surgeries can be some of the most valuable parts of your practice. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to b...

Managing ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, fractures, and Achilles tendonitis effectively can transform patient outcomes and boost practice efficiency. In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I walk through a busy Wednesday filled with multiple matrixectomies, shockwave treatments, and procedures — all while improving patient care and workflow strategies in the clinic. What You’ll Learn i...

Effective podiatric care often involves combining advanced treatments with patient-centered solutions. In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I walk through a full Tuesday in the clinic, covering successful onychomycosis management, complex fracture cases, orthotic customization, and streamlined workflows for better patient outcomes and practice growth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share insights from a busy Monday in my clinic. From managing complications with cantharidin treatments to using shockwave therapy for chronic conditions, I cover strategies that balance patient care and practice efficiency. You’ll also learn how I streamline workflows, handle challenging cases, and create resources that enhance communication and out...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share highlights from several clinic days filled with diverse and challenging patient cases. From treating complex fractures and chronic warts to navigating software transitions and advanced treatment options like shockwave therapy, Swift, and Liposana, this episode gives you practical insights into balancing patient care and growing your practice ef...

Twenty-three patients, multiple complex cases, and a busy clinic day, in this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share how I tackled everything from plantar fasciitis and bunions to Achilles tendonitis, dislocated toes, and fungal nail infections. I also discuss workflow strategies, patient engagement, and leveraging video marketing to grow your practice. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Man...

What if every new patient you had came directly from the patient you’re treating right now? In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I explore how to wow your patients at every stage of their journey, before, during, and after treatment, while walking through a busy clinic day filled with complex cases, advanced therapies, and strategies for improving patient experience and outcomes. What You...