Get to Know a BHC Doctor

Jason Blanchard, DPM

Boone Medical Group

Iwas raised with five siblings by amazing parents in Arizona. I completed my Bachelor’s of Science degree at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah in 2011. Subsequently, I was blessed to marry the most amazing woman I know, Portia. We began the podiatry program that same year at Midwestern University in Arizona – and at the same time were blessed to begin our family. Through podiatry school and a subsequent three-year foot and ankle surgical residency in Northwest Indiana, we had five children. We love playing games together, hiking together and watching movies together. On a personal level, on top of enjoying all things foot and ankle, I enjoy running, dancing and making up my own baking recipes.

Why did you get into the health care field? I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field. I love being around and helping people. The opportunity I have to play a small part in other’s health care, be it providing care or promoting and encouraging health practices – and it brings me great fulfillment. I am also frequently inspired by the very patients I serve.

What interested you in your particular specialty? I had a great opportunity when shadowing different specialists to fly to Hawaii and shadow a podiatrist who happened to be my uncle! I spent a month there shadowing in his clinic and in surgery. I saw the impact his work had on people and how much it meant to them, and I knew I wanted a similar experience. I love that as a surgical podiatrist I have the opportunity to provide conservative and surgical options for foot and ankle problems, such as painful hammertoes, corns, calluses, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic wounds, tendon injuries, fractures and so much more.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? The best part of my job is the time I am privileged to spend with patients. Ask my wife: she would tell you that I cherish the opportunity at each visit to get to know my patients and to learn from them. I also love when patients feel comfortable enough to share with me that they prefer a non-traditional method of treatment. I am open to and enjoy opportunities to research and learn other options and take a team approach towards making the most educated decision for a patient’s treatment.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

My personality typically enjoys time chatting with my patients. A challenge at times for me is knowing how best to limit that chat time to honor each patient’s schedule and provide the best health care I can.

What do you see changing in health care in the next

5 to 10 years? As I have studied podiatry in the last several years, I have also been studying to better understand natural health care options and how they are being using in practice. I am impressed already at the tremendous amount of research and incorporation of natural health products in modern medicine. I expect to see a significant increase in this integrative medicine approach in the near future.

What advice would you give someone looking to

become a doctor? There are many amazing professions in the world. Explore several options, varieties and styles to make the bestinformed decision. The path to become a physician and eventually a specialist is long and difficult. I personally LOVE what I do. The more you can experience what life would be like serving others in the capacity of a physician, the more you’ll know if the time, effort, money and sacrifice to get there will be worth it to you.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Outside of work, I love date nights with my wife, playing and watching movies with my kids, spending time working in the yard, building things with wood, cooking in the kitchen, and even cleaning—crazy enough! I love learning new skills, running and lifting weights as well.

What advice would you give to someone who is going

to be a patient in a hospital for a period of time? First, keep the faith! Keep hoping and keep doing your best to get better while teaming up with advice and encouragement from everyone around you. There are many around you who love you and want to help you get better. They will give you their best. Trust that even those who are not present are praying for you. Remember that although nurses and doctors are doing their best to take care of several patients, they also work hard to take care of you even when they’re not in the room. Thank you for your trust. We do not take that lightly. Finally, if possible, bring your favorite books or movies. Try and make your stay as enjoyable as you can. We know that this is not a 5-star hotel, but together we can make your experience the best possible.