An Interview With Jake Frankel
No matter what your medical specialty is, make sure to treat each patient as a whole person instead of focusing on the condition you specialize in. Each patient comes with an entire history of trauma and medical conditions. As a podiatrist, sometimes I also have to act like a psychologist. Cater to whatever your patient needs as a whole person.
As part of my series about healthcare leaders, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ebonie Vincent.
Dr. Ebonie Vincent is a skilled foot and ankle surgeon whose surgical prowess has been recognized internationally by the media, patients and peers for her innovative surgical techniques and compassionate bedside manner. Known for her appearances on the hit TLC TV Series, “My Feet Are Killing Me”, she is sought after by patients from around the world for helping in correcting some of the most challenging and complicated foot and ankle conditions. Her work specializes in obtaining the most natural results through using innovative treatments and techniques at Orange County Podiatry in Orange, California.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! What is your “backstory”?
I have always had a heart for service. Helping others gives me a strong sense of purpose and I believe it is my life goal to reach out and help as many people as possible. When deciding upon a career in podiatry, I sought to use the skills I’d gained through my medical and athletic training to do just that. Many people ask me why I chose a career in podiatry as many deem the feet as the least desirable part of the body. My answer to this question is always the same; disease of any kind is not pretty. It takes a special heart and a strong stomach at times to handle problems with the feet and to help to get patients back on their feet. Podiatry care is something that can literally change people’s lives for the better!
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
I feel grateful to have had many interesting things happen during my career. The most unique experience was definitely participating in TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me. I never imagined that a career in medicine would lead to starring in a television show.
From a clinical standpoint, the most interesting medical condition I’ve treated is epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), also known as “tree man syndrome.” The condition is caused by viral wart-like growths that appear similar to tree bark. My patient presented with growths covering his feet and I was able to treat him with fish skin grafts. However, this treatment has to continue for the rest of the patient’s life in order to keep the growths from becoming severe again.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I was a brand-new podiatrist, I was determined to catch every rare condition that walked through the door. One of my first patients came in with thickened, discolored toenails, and I went into full detective mode — running through every differential diagnosis from biomechanics, skin conditions etc. I was halfway through explaining the possibility of a biopsy when the patient cut me off and said, “Doc… I just have toenail fungus?”
And yep — that was exactly what it was. Straightforward, textbook onychomycosis. Nothing exotic. Just plain old fungus. We both laughed, and I realized I had turned a simple problem into a dramatic episode of “House, DPM.”
Lesson learned? As much as our training teaches us to look for the zebras, most of the time it really is just a horse — or in this case, a fungus. Start simple, listen well, and do not underestimate the value of mastering the basics.
Are you working on any new or exciting projects now?
I am very excited to recognize U.S. National Bunion Day™ (NBD) at my practice on April 15, 2025. NBD was established by Treace Medical Concepts in 2024 to educate the public on common misconceptions about the cause of bunions and to highlight the most effective treatment options available. Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults live with bunions, but there are many misconceptions surrounding the condition. Although bunions might look like a simple bump, they are actually complex deformities caused by an unstable joint in the middle of the foot. Bunions will not go away on their own and can worsen overtime if left untreated, making medical intervention necessary for correcting the problem.
Many people living with bunions are reluctant to seek treatment due to the negative reputation associated with conventional surgical correction methods. These procedures often involve a recovery period during which patients are required to refrain from bearing weight on their foot for 7–9 weeks., Over the last several years, more options have become available, providing patients with customized approaches for treatment that can restore foot alignment and mobility. It is incredibly fulfilling to be able to offer effective treatment options to patients who have suffered from bunion pain for months or even years and watch them return to the activities they love, including running, dancing, or simply walking without bunion pain.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
There are so many people that have helped me achieve success. My Mom and Dad have been instrumental in making me feel secure and know that it is okay to fail and keep trying. The field of medicine rarely involves a straight path to success.
I also have to credit my aunt, who first introduced me to the field of podiatry. She is an emergency medicine physician and told me that she really enjoyed working with podiatrists in her department when they were needed for a consultation. She appreciated that they brought a sense of calm to each case and recommended that I consider the specialty. I chose podiatry because I wanted to be a physician that other doctors respect and want to work with.
Is there a particular book that made an impact on you? Can you share a story?
I really enjoy the fantasy genre and right now I’m reading “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi. While it is a “fantasy” story, it is also about society and how we treat each other. The story puts a mirror on humanity and reminds us that we should avoid getting caught up with is right in front of us and instead, look at the bigger picture.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I try to be as visible as possible. I enjoy talking about health education and podiatry in a way that can help other people. I do my best to give my time and effort to share with people who will listen and can get helpful advice from what I’ve learned. I think we could use more helpful visibility in the world.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story about how that was relevant to you in your own life?
“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
This is my favorite quote and it is also a lyric in one of my favorite songs. Nothing in life involves a straight path from point A to point B. Every journey involves wins and losses, ups and downs, and even having to change paths. When you think you’ve reached the pinnacle of success, its important to move on to the next part of your journey.
Can you share your top three “lifestyle tweaks” that will help people feel great?
1. Create healthy boundaries. As a doctor, boundaries can be blurred with patients, friends and family. It’s important to make your boundaries clear in order to maintain your relationships and mental health. The core purpose of a career in healthcare is to refill others’ cups. However, we can’t do that effectively if we aren’t taking care of ourselves. Make sure to take an hour a day to read a book, exercise, sit in silence, or do whatever you have to do to feel refreshed.
2. Take one day a week for yourself. Try to have a day filled with what you want to do. Enjoy your guilty pleasures, whether that’s watching reality TV, sleeping in or going to a movie.
3. Try to treat yourself every day with something. I used to collect perfumes but never wear them. Now I spray myself every day instead of waiting for a special occasion. Every day should be special.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why.
1. No matter what your medical specialty is, make sure to treat each patient as a whole person instead of focusing on the condition you specialize in. Each patient comes with an entire history of trauma and medical conditions. As a podiatrist, sometimes I also have to act like a psychologist. Cater to whatever your patient needs as a whole person.
2. Maintain your connection with humanity. Medical school, residency and working in a practice can become so busy, but it’s so important to join clubs, get involved in your community and put faces to the things you read about in textbooks. Maintaining your social and cultural awareness is very important.
3. The “business” of becoming a physician is complicated and can become overwhelming. Keeping finances, overhead costs, business deals, supplies and communications with surgical centers moving and up-to-date has to happen all at the same time. I wish I understood how to navigate those areas when I first started. Having your own practice sounds great when you’re first starting, but it’s important to understand which opportunities to accept and which to turn down in order to make sure the practice can thrive.
4. Focus on where you’re celebrated. During medical school, we learn to challenge ourselves and say “yes” to every patient and procedure with the goal of being good at every technique, but it’s important to learn what you’re great at and focus on those things.
5. Do not underestimate the value of mastering the basics when it comes to your specialty.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I think the world needs a movement of joy. I love spreading positivity and finding the silver lining in bad situations.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this 🙂
Michelle Obama. She’s a wife and mom, and I’m in my phase of life right now, so it would be nice to share thoughts with her.
What is the best way our readers can follow you online?
To learn more about Dr. Vincent and make an appointment with her, visit MyOCPodiatrist.com.
To learn more about Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®, visit Lapiplasty.com.
Only a surgeon can tell if the Lapiplasty® Procedure is right for you. The opinions expressed by this doctor are their own and not necessarily that of Treace Medical Concepts Inc. (TMC). Individual results may vary depending on age, weight, health, and other variables. There are risks and recovery takes time. For more information about recovery from the Lapiplasty® Procedure, see the recovery information and discuss the post-surgery recovery process with your doctor. Risks include infection, pain, implant loosening and loss of correction with improper bone healing. For more information on benefits, risks and recovery, visit Lapiplasty.com.
Thank you so much for these wonderful insights!
Dr. Ebonie Vincent: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Doctor was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.