06/08/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
FL Podiatrist Foregoes Salary for One Year to Build Practice
When Stephen Wigley, DPM decided to work a full year without a salary, it was a risk he believed was necessary to grow his podiatry practice. “I didn’t pay myself last year because I was so focused on the major goal at hand,” Dr. Wigley said. “It was a 50/50 situation — either you win or you don’t.”
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Dr. Stephen Wigley |
That decision helped transform his practice from a single clinic into a growing network of locations across South Florida, serving patients with complex foot and lower extremity conditions — many of which are often ignored until it’s too late. For Wigley, growing his business is only part of the mission. Changing how people view foot health — and how quickly they seek care — remains just as critical.
Source: Olumide Orindare, Caplin News [6/4/26]
06/05/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY- PART 2
Ribbon Cutting Marks Middle Georgia Podiatry Joining Perry Area Chamber
Middle Georgia Podiatry celebrated officially joining the Perry Area Chamber with a ribbon cutting on Thursday morning. People gathered at their new location, Perry, Thursday to meet the Middle Georgia Podiatry team.
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Ribbon Cutting Marks Middle Georgia Podiatry Joining Perry Area Chamber |
"We're just happy to be here in Perry to serve the community," Said Linnea Gann, DPM. "This has been a long time coming, actually a dream of mine to open my own practice." Dr. Gann explained that there are no podiatrists in Perry outside of the hospital, and this new location will ensure residents have somewhere to go in the community.
Source: Addison White, WGXA News [6/4/26]
06/05/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY- PART 1
Father’s Diabetes Journey Inspires TX Podiatrist's Career
David Chandara, DPM, a podiatrist at Christus St. Elizabeth, decided to enter the field in 2016. He had long been interested in medicine, but his path became clearer after his father mentioned he was going to see the doctor he had visited for more than 10 years — a podiatrist. David's father, John Chandara, has type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Seeing what his father went through, and how a podiatrist helped him recover, sparked Chandara’s interest in the field. Chandara said his father’s experience helps him have more relatable conversations with patients.
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(L-R) John Chandara and Dr. David Chandara |
"It helps me have a more relatable conversation with them. Being able to tell them,' hey, if you are my family, this is what I would do," Dr. Chandara said. "... a lot of patients will ask, hey, what would you do if it was your dad or your mom? and honestly, it's easier because I tell them my dad is a diabetic."
Source: Bianca Thomas, Beaumont Enterprise [6/3/26]
05/22/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
IN Indiana Orthopedic Institute to Add 2 Podiatrists
Noblesville-based Indiana Orthopedic Institute is adding two podiatric surgeons to extend its care offerings. Andrew Kapsalis, DPM, and Meghan Roby, DPM, are set to join the organization this summer, providing services including ankle replacements, minimally invasive procedures and revision surgery.
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(L-R) Drs. Andrew Kapsalis and Meghan Roby |
Dr. Kapsalis most recently provided care through American Health Network and will see patients at Indiana Orthopedic Institute’s flagship location and surgery center in Noblesville, IN. Dr. Roby, who completed the Indy foot and ankle reconstructive surgery fellowship, will provide care at the organization’s locations in Greenwood and Terre Haute, IN.
Source: Cameron Cortigiano, Becker's Spine Review [5/20/26]
05/08/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
SD Podiatrist to Retire as Clinical Director of Fit Feet
Lorri Riley, DPM has been a part of Healthy Athletes since 2014. During her tenure as our Fit Feet (Podiatry) Clinical Director, Dr. Riley has completed approximately 900 screenings, ensuring that athletes receive the podiatric care they need to participate comfortably and confidently. Her interest in becoming a Clinical Director was born from her friendship with Micah Albonico, a Special Olympics athlete from Spearfish.
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Dr. Lorri Riley |
When asked if she had an impactful experience to share, Dr. Riley stated, “Having the Athletes come back year after year and remembering me… and then getting a thumbs up or a hug with a thank you for helping them. Those moments will always stay with me.”
Source: Justin Cowart, DRG News [5/6/26]
05/01/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 2
MO Podiatrist Joins Ozarks Healthcare Wound Care
Ozarks Healthcare has announced that podiatrist Rex Goodman, DPM of Ozarks Healthcare Podiatry has joined Ozarks Healthcare Wound Care in West Plaines, Missouri.
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Dr. Rex Goodman |
Dr. Goodman earned his podiatric medical degree at the Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his podiatric residency in Forefoot and Rearfoot Reconstructive Surgery at the Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Source: West Plaines Daily Quill [4/28/26]
05/01/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1
PA Podiatrist Joins Allentown Rescue Mission
The Allentown Rescue Mission has announced that Jose Loor, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist, has joined its volunteer team, providing free foot and ankle care to men experiencing homelessness through the Mission’s in-house DeSales Free Medical Clinic. The invaluable work of both DeSales University and Dr. Loor provides treatment to men who otherwise may not seek care.
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Dr. Jose Loor |
Dr. Loor received his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Touro University New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his podiatric surgical residency at Touro University/Metropolitan Hospital HHC Harlem and Lincoln Hospital HHC, followed by a fellowship in podiatric radiology and advanced imaging, and an AO orthopedic trauma preceptorship at NY Cornell Presbyterian Hospital.
Source: Valley Ledger [4/28/26]
04/30/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
TriState Health to Welcome WA Podiatrist
TriState Health welcomes new provider, Cory A. Brown, DPM, to TriState Podiatry on June 1, 2026. Dr. Brown received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, in June 2010, and completed his surgical residency at Westchester General Hospital in Miami, Florida.
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Dr. Cory Brown |
Dr. Brown has operated a private practice in Lewiston, where he has provided comprehensive medical and surgical foot and ankle care to the community, while also serving as a Wound Care Specialist at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow, Idaho, for the past year, providing specialized wound care services in a hospital-based setting.
Source: Big Country News [4/28/26]
04/17/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
WI Podiatrist Recounts How UW Health Acquired University Podiatry Associates
Alan Kalker, DPM recounts how he founded University Podiatry Associates of Madison in 1981, entering a medical environment that largely dismissed podiatry as limited to basic foot care. Despite significant advances in podiatric training—encompassing diagnosis, prescribing, and surgery—many physicians, particularly orthopedists, resisted granting podiatrists broader roles. Dr. Kalker built his practice gradually through outreach to primary care doctors, facing reactions that ranged from supportive to openly hostile. At the time, no major Madison clinic employed a podiatrist, reflecting both local and national skepticism about the profession’s scope and legitimacy.
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Dr. Alan Kalker |
A breakthrough came in 1983 when UW’s transplant team, led by Dr. Hans Sollinger, faced rising complications among diabetic kidney transplant patients, including severe foot infections and amputations. Initially brought in only as a consultant without hospital privileges, Kalker proved his value in managing these complex cases. A critical moment occurred when Sollinger, overwhelmed and recognizing the urgency of a patient’s condition, authorized Dr. Kalker to perform surgery despite institutional resistance. This decision led to expanded privileges and a formal role within UW, helping establish podiatry as an integral part of patient care. Over time, referrals grew, more podiatrists were added, and the specialty became widely accepted—culminating decades later in UW Health’s acquisition of Kalker’s clinic.
Source: Wisconsin State Journal [4/15/26]
04/10/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 2
CO Podiatrist Wins Seat on Estes Park Board of Trustees
First-time candidates Jamie Mieras, DPM was elected to a four-year term on the Estes Park Board of Trustees. She finished second with 920 votes.
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Dr. Jamie Mieras |
Dr. Mieras, a foot and ankle surgeon, podiatrist, and flight instructor, said in her biography on the town website that she is “committed to collaborative governance that supports residents and visitors while protecting our natural and community resources.”
Source: Jeffrey Bear, Estes Park Trail Gazette [4/8/26]
04/10/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1
UW Health Acquires University Podiatry Associates of Madison
UW Health said Wednesday it has acquired University Podiatry Associates of Madison, WI. The podiatry clinic, which opened in 1981, is located in a roughly 7,600-square-foot facility.
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(L-R) Drs. John Finnell, Jill Migon, Elizabeth Plovanich, and Audra Smith |
It has four doctors: John Finnell, DPM, Jill Migon, DPM, Elizabeth Plovanich, DPM, and Audra Smith, DPM, along with support staff, providing care for about 80 to 100 patients per day.
Source: Jeff Richgels, Wisconsin State Journal [4/8/26]
04/07/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
Brucato Foot & Ankle Surgery Opens in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
Parsippany-Troy Hills has a new option for foot and ankle care. Brucato Foot & Ankle Surgery recently opened its third location in the township, expanding a practice that has built a loyal following in Clifton and Hackensack over the past several years. The practice was founded in 2019 by Maryellen Brucato, DPM in Clifton. Her partner joined the team in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — a challenging time for any medical practice.
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Ribbon cutting ceremony at Brucato Foot & Ankle |
In 2022, Brucato Foot & Ankle Surgery opened its Hackensack location, and with a team now four doctors strong, the practice began looking west. Parsippany-Troy Hills was the natural next step. Brucato Foot & Ankle Surgery has wasted no time getting engaged in the local community. The practice is already participating in the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce’s Juice Up Your Morning networking events, and has reached out to local police departments and health events to set up informational booths.
Source: Anikait Sota, Parsippany Focus [4/4/26]
04/06/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
TN Podiatrist is Hometown Healer
For Lindsay Foust, DPM, caring for patients in Henry County isn’t just a job. It’s personal. Born and raised right here in Paris, Tennessee, Dr. Foust grew up surrounded by the same community she now serves as a podiatrist at West Tennessee Healthcare Henry County Hospital. Today, many of the people who walk through her clinic doors aren’t just patients… they’re neighbors, church members, or familiar faces she remembers from growing up.
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Dr. Lindsay Foust |
Dr. Foust earned her podiatric medical degree at Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine. She later completed her residency training at Summa Western Reserve Hospital, gaining hands-on experience in both surgical and clinical podiatric care.
Source: West Tennessee Healthcare [4/3/26]
04/02/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
CO Podiatrist Runs for a Seat on Estes Park's Town Board
The Trail-Gazette recently asked all six candidates for Estes Park town trustee questions regarding how they would, if elected, handle some of the town’s most important issues, including affordable housing, infrastructure, preserving the town’s character, and civic engagement. The six are vying for a total of four seats during an Estes Park’s municipal election on Tuesday, April 7.
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Dr. Jamie Mieras |
Candidate Jamie Mieras, DPM says, "From my early days as a junior ranger to my work today as a podiatrist supporting movement, the outdoors has always grounded me and connected me to this community. I value the way shared outdoor spaces bring people together, and I believe those spaces must remain central as we plan for the future of Estes Park. Protecting and integrating accessible green spaces is essential to maintaining the character and quality of life that make our town special."
Source: Jeffrey Bear, Estes Park Trail Gazette [3/30/26]
04/01/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
Brevard Foot Clinic Welcomes FL Podiatrist
Kevin Lynch, DPM and Ryan Cantwell, DPM welcome Kaitlyn Hammock, DPM to the Brevard Foot Clinic healthcare team and the Titusville community. Dr. Hammock received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and Science in Illinois and completed her post-graduate training at AdventHealth East Orlando.
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Dr. Kaitlyn Hammock |
Dr. Hammock is board-certified in foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Source: Hometown News [3/30/26]
03/30/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
Bridgton Hospital Welcomes ME Podiatrist
Central Maine Healthcare has welcomed Cason Quinn, DPM, a podiatric surgeon who will be seeing patients at both Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospital. Dr. Quinn has extensive training in both reconstruction and trauma.
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Dr. Cason Quinn |
Shortly before arriving in Maine, she treated patients at a Native American reservation in Arizona. Prior to that, she was the owner and co-manager of the South Florida Lower Extremity Institute. She is double board certified in foot and reconstructive/rearfoot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Source: The Bridgton News [3/26/26]
03/26/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
WV Podiatrist to Open New Office in Morgantown
Morgantown foot and ankle surgeon Joseph M. Greschner, DPM will be celebrating the opening of his new private practice, Greschner Foot and Ankle Specialists, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 31. Dr. Greschner, a familiar name in the region, previously practiced with Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates.
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Dr. Joseph Greschner |
Dr. Greschner earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa. He completed his residency at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. He is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Source: The Fayetteville Observer [3/24/26]
03/25/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
MN Podiatrist Volunteers at Essentia Clinic
There are a handful of Essentia team members involved in what can best be described as a passion project. They include family medicine physician Dr. Stephen Smith, podiatrist Robert Sheckler, III, DPM, and registered nurse Kelly Nelson. Caring for their community is what they do. Nelson started the remarkably popular podiatry program at Project Care in Virginia, MN. She and Dr. Sheckler clip toenails and provide other podiatry services, the demand for which results in lines snaking out the door.
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Dr. Robert Sheckler |
Dr. Lisa Seeber, a family medicine physician at the Essentia Health-Virginia (MN) Clinic, has volunteered at Project Care for years. Dr. Seeber called it the “most important thing” we offer. “I think Dr. Sheckler and Kelly are doing the work of angels,” Dr. Seeber says. “What a gift to the community. We’re so lucky to have them.”
Source: Louie St. George, Essentia Health [5/22/26]
03/23/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
Riverwood Healthcare Welcomes MN Podiatrist
Riverwood Healthcare Center has welcomed Andrew Highum, DPM, a highly trained foot and ankle surgeon/podiatrist, to its medical staff. Dr. Highum earned his doctorate from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. He completed his residency training at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, also in Chicago.
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Dr. Andrew Highum |
Dr. Highum is a Fellow of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and is board certified in Rearfoot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery and Foot Surgery.
Source: Herald Review [3/19/26]
03/19/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
GA Podiatrist Joins NGPG
From serving as a team physician for the Atlanta Hawks to caring for runners at the Peachtree Road Race, Charles Peebles, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and surgeon, has seen pretty much everything that can go wrong with people’s feet and knows how to help them. Now Dr. Peebles is bringing that expertise to care for patients through Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Podiatry (NGPG) in Winder, and he will perform foot and ankle surgeries at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Barrow.
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Dr. Charles Peebles |
Originally from Southern California, Peebles received his medical degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his surgical residency in Atlanta. He is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in both Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery.
Source: Gwinnett Daily Post [3/17/26]
03/07/2026
INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
"Your Best Assets are Your Staff Members": Aussie Podiatrist
Having been a Podiatrist for over 20 years, Carly O’Donoghue is still passionate about educating the community around the importance of foot health. “The foot is such an intricate structure with a lot of different moving parts,” states Carly, “and like most things, you don’t realize how important they are, or even pay attention to them, until something happens and you can’t walk!”
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Carly O’Donoghue |
Stepping Out Podiatry is a family run business and Carly manages all three practice locations across the Sunshine Coast - Landsborough, Beerwah, and Kawana. Carly is responsible for the strategic development, planning, and execution of business projects, and staff recruitment and development. Carly says “your best assets are your staff members, and so hiring the right people for your practice is essential for your success.
Source: Glasshouse & Maleny County News [3/5/26]
03/03/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 2
AL Podiatrist is Keynote Speaker at Alexander City Kiwanis Club
Alexander City’s newest podiatrist, Blake Pritchett, DPM, visited the Alexander City Kiwanis Club Thursday and gave an overview of his specialty. “It's really been a career goal of mine to be a hospital-based podiatrist, because it gives me the ability to do every nook and cranny of my profession,” Dr. Pritchett said. “I don't specialize just in sports or just in geriatrics or just in limb salvage. I'm kind of a jack of all trades, which is nice.”
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Dr. Blake Pritchett |
Dr. Pritchett earned his podiatric medical degree from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his podiatric residency at the University of Louisville Hospital.
Source: Gwen Bishop, The Outlook [2/27/26]
03/03/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY - PART 1
TX Podiatrist Leads New CHRISTUS Health Specialty Clinic
CHRISTUS Health announced the opening of a new podiatry clinic, expanding access to specialized foot and ankle care for patients across Southeast Texas. The new podiatry clinic is led by Frances LaGrone, DPM, podiatrist for CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. “I’m thrilled to join the CHRISTUS team to continue doing what I love to do,” Dr. LaGrone said.
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Dr. Frances LaGrone |
Dr. LaGrone earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences and completed her residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Texas A&M/Baylor Scott & White Health. She is certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Source: Port Arthur News [2/27/26]
03/02/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
VA Podiatrist Opens New Office in Leesburg
District Foot & Ankle has announced the grand opening of its new office in Leesburg, Virginia. The practice is led by Lonny Nodelman, DPM. Dr. Nodelman earned his podiatric medical degree at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his podiatric residency at Cambridge Hospital.
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Dr. Lonny Nodelman |
Dr. Nodelman completed a fellowship at Harvard Medical School, where he honed his skills in advanced surgical techniques and innovative treatment options. He is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Source: Digital Journal [2/2/26]
02/26/2026
PODIATRISTS IN THE COMMUNITY
MD Podiatrists Participate in Special Olympics Screening
USFAS Drs. Gene Mirkin, David Grace, and Lee Firestone, with Carol Mirkin, participated in screening Maryland Special Olympic athletes, through their Fit Feet program, at their Winter Games, February 22, 2026, at Wisp Ski Resort, in McHenry, MD.
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(L-R) Drs. Gene Mirkin, David Grace and Lee Firestone, with Carol Mirkin |
For the medical volunteers, this was more than a screening opportunity. It was a rare and humbling chance to observe unique pathologies, collaborate with peers, and witness firsthand the joy and determination of athletes who compete without limits.
