2022 Faculty

2022 Conference Chairs

Chairman

Harold Schoenhaus, DPM, FACFAS

Surgical Editor for PRESENT e-Learning
Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA

Harold Schoenhaus, DPM, FACFAS is a board-certified foot, rearfoot, and reconstructive ankle surgeon by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a past president and current fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He holds staff appointments and operating privileges at the University of Pennsylvania Presbyterian Hospital and Chestnut Hill hospital. Dr Schoenhaus' research and clinical interests are in biomechanics, pathomechanics and reconstructive surgery, including joint replacement surgery and pediatric podiatric surgery. Moreover, Dr Schoenhaus is the surgical editor for PRESENT e-Learning Systems, an online medical education and networking resource dedicated to improving the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals throughout the world. He is a nationally recognized lecturer and pioneer in the field of lower extremity pathomechanics and reconstructive surgery. Dr Schoenhaus has authored several landmark articles in peer-reviewed journals and books. In 2015 Dr Schoenhaus was the recipient of the Gallery of Success Award from Temple University.

Co-Chair

Robert G Frykberg, DPM, MPH, MAPWCA, FRSM, FFPM (Glasg)

Clinical Professor and Residency Director
Department of Orthopaedics
UT Health San Antonio, Division of Podiatry
San Antonio, Texas

Robert G Frykberg, DPM, MPH, MAPWCA, FRSM, FFPM (Glasg) is a graduate of the California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1976. Dr Frykberg went on to complete his residency training at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston. He served as the President of the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society and a Member of the Board of Registration in Podiatry. From 1992 to 1994, he attended the Harvard School of Public Health and graduated with a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in quantitative methods. After 21 years of private practice, Dr Frykberg accepted the position as Clinical Dean of the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery prior to moving to Phoenix. After 15 years of dedicated service to our Veterans, Dr Frykberg has decided to retire from his role as Chief of Podiatry at the Phoenix VA Medical Center and as Director of the Phoenix VA Medical Center Podiatric Residency Program. He continues to hold the academic rank of Professor, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix and Adjunct Professor, Midwestern University Program in Podiatric Medicine. Currently, Dr Frykberg is Clinical Professor and Residency Director, Department of Orthopaedics, at UT Health San Antonio, Division of Podiatry in San Antonio, Texas. His research and writing interests have included all facets of lower extremity disorders, but are specifically focused on diabetic foot ulcers, infections, Charcot foot, and wound care. The author of nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications, he has also been the Editor of two textbooks: The High-Risk Foot in Diabetes Mellitus (1991) and the Diabetic Charcot Foot (2010). His expertise in the Diabetic Foot translated into hundreds of speaking invitations nationally and internationally with numerous lecture engagements in China, India, Russia, South America, the UK, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, Italy, and across Europe.

Co-Chair

Marie L Williams, DPM, DABFAS, DHL

Director, Podiatric Medical Education
Aventura Hospital and Medical Center
Aventura, FL

Marie Williams, DPM, DABPS, DHLS, is board certified in foot and ankle surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr Williams was the first clinical dean at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine and is currently an Adjunct Professor for the school. Dr Williams has been in private practice since 1984. She is currently the Chairman of the Department of Podiatry at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center. She has been involved in residency training since 1986 and a Program Director in Podiatric Surgery and Medicine since 1988. Dr Williams is a speaker in the field of foot and ankle surgery as well as limb salvage. She has published several articles on the healing of complex wounds and limb salvage, while also authoring a chapter: Bone Infections in Foot and Ankle Radiology. In August 2014, Dr Williams was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts along with her teammates from Immaculata College. Their team, the Mighty Macs, captured three consecutive Championships. They were considered trailblazers for women sports, and in the 70s they help bring about Title 9 and equality for women in sports. In June 2015 they received the trailblazer award in the women

2022 Faculty

Johnny Alayon, DPM, MS, FACFAS

Foot & Ankle Primary Care and Surgery
Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC
Youngstown Outpatient Clinic
Youngstown, OH

Johnny Alayon, DPM, MS, FACFAS, received his doctorate at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery in Foot and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery. He continued his post-doctorate training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio from 1998-2001. Upon completion of his residency training, he worked at Austin Diagnostic Clinic in Austin, TX to be able to train the residents from UTHSC-SA. Dr Alayon then furthered his career by joining Mercy Medical Group in Sacramento, CA from 2003-2008. With a one-year sabbatical in Saudi Arabia from Sep 2006 to Jul 2007 where he worked at the International Medical Center. In an effort to return to academic medicine and work again with resident training, he joined the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital as full-time staff in 2009. Dr Alayon then transferred with the VA to Puget Sound Veterans Hospital and served as Director of Medical Education and Residency Director. He is now in Ohio where he worked for 2 years at The Ankle and Foot Care Centers being able to work with their fellowship program. Currently he is at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System at their Youngstown facility. He remains actively involved in clinical practice and resident education.

Nicholas J Bevilacqua, DPM, FACFAS

North Jersey Orthopaedic Specialists
Teaneck, NJ

Nicholas Bevilacqua, DPM, FACFAS is a board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Binghamton University and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He then completed his internship and surgical residency in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Centers in New York. Subsequently, he pursued an additional year of fellowship training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and limb salvage at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, IL. This advanced fellowship focused on the conservative and surgical treatment of diabetic conditions affecting the lower extremity, including Charcot foot and ankle reconstruction. Dr Bevilacqua also visited the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Centre for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics in Kurgan, Russia, where he received advanced training on the Ilizarov technique for correcting acute trauma and complex foot and ankle deformities. ​He is board-certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is trained and certified in Total Ankle Replacement surgery and is one of the few surgeons in Bergen County actively performing this surgery. He has been recognized as one of Bergen County's Top Doctors by Bergen Magazine on multiple occasions. ​Dr Bevilacqua has published numerous articles on foot and ankle surgery in peer-reviewed journals and has also written several book chapters on the subject. He is an active member of his profession and regularly lectures at state and national levels. ​He is frequently invited as a faculty member at the ACFAS Foot and Ankle Arthroscopy Surgical Skills course held at the Orthopaedic Learning Center in Chicago, IL. Currently, he serves as a member of the Medical Education Committee for Holy Name Hospital and Medical Center. Dr Bevilacqua resides in Haworth, NJ with his wife and two children. He enjoys snowboarding and is an avid cyclist.

Maryellen Brucato, DPM, FACFAS

CEO and Owner
Brucato Foot and Ankle Surgery
Clifton, NJ

Maryellen Brucato, DPM, FACFAS is a board certified foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon who owns and operates a private practice in Northern New Jersey. Dr. Brucato has been recognized as a leader in her field serving as faculty for AO North America as well as the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. She is the Chair of the ACFAS Practice Management Committee and sits on the executive board for the ACFAS Tri-state Region. She lectures across the country on a variety of surgical topics and has published numerous research papers in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Brucato remains a committed educator in the field of foot and ankle surgery.

Jeffrey Cusack, DPM, DABPO

Assistant Professor
Department of Orthopedics and Pediatrics
New York College of Podiatric Medicine
New York, New York

Jeffrey Cusack, DPM, DABPO is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedics & Pediatrics, New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He received his BS degree in Chemistry at the University of Miami, Florida. Dr Cusack is passionate about biomechanics; when he sees a foot problem; whether callus or bunion or something else; he thinks about what the cause could be from a biomechanical point of view. Why is the callus or bunion located where it is? The mechanics of the foot determine the location.

Joseph D'Amico, DPM

Board Certified Foot and Ankle Orthopedics
New York, NY

Joseph D'Amico, DPM, DSc, DABPM is a graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) where he also completed his surgical residency training. Dr D'Amico holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Fordham University and in 2021 he was awarded the Doctor of Science degree from NYCPM. He has directed and taught in the Department of Biomechanics at the California College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr D'Amico served as Chairman of the Division of Orthopedic Sciences at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine for over a decade where he is an active professor in orthopedics and pediatrics. For five years Dr D'Amico served and directed foot and ankle care at the New York City Marathon. He is the author of the text "Care of The Feet" as well as over 60 medical research publications dealing with lower extremity biomechanics and computerized gait examination. Dr D'Amico is an expert as well as a pioneer in the relationship between back pain and foot dysfunction and is Board Certified in Podiatric Medicine, a Fellow of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics. He has been elected by his peers to the distinguished status of Diplomat in the National Academies of Practice. Sponsored by an educational grant from a grateful patient, he is the founder and scientific chairman of the Richard O Schuster, DPM Memorial Biomechanics Seminar held annually at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

Nicole DeLauro, DPM

Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Foot and Ankle Center of New Jersey
Bridgewater, NJ

Nicole DeLauro, DPM graduated Lehigh University with an accelerated science degree magna cum laude. She earned her medical degree as salutatorian of her graduating class from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, actively participating in extra-curricular activities. She has also volunteered her time at the New York City Marathon, annual cadet boot fitting at West Point, and other podiatric relevant events. Dr DeLauro completed her residency training at Hoboken University Medical Center, a prestigious training program within the United States. She resided as chief resident and received intense training in reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. Dr DeLauro has also completed courses in AO fixation and ankle arthroscopy, and is currently published in the both the podiatric literature, as well as the current edition of Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. She specializes in both conservative and surgical treatment of all foot and ankle problems. Dr DeLauro is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Foot Surgery, as well as, Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery, and by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine in Podiatric Medicine and Orthopedics. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. She is a member of the American Association for Women Podiatrists, and a Fellow of the American College of Podiatric Medicine, the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow, Scotland.

Michael Friedman, MS, C Ped

Owner and President
Redi-Thotics
Brookfield, Connecticut

Michael Friedman, MS, C Ped, is the owner of Redi-Thotics since 2008. Prior to owning Redi-Thotics, Michael was the owner of Just Sneakers from 1998-2008. Michael received his MS from the University of Miami in 1992, and his C Ped certification in 2002.

Ronald Guberman, DPM

Director of Podiatric Medical Education
Co-Chief, Podiatry Division, Dept of Surgery
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
Brooklyn, NY

Ronald Guberman, DPM, is the Director of the Podiatry Residency Programs at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He serves as a surgical training course director, instructor, and lecturer. Dr Guberman is the author of numerous articles in Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery and Wound Care.

Suhad A Hadi, DPM, FACFAS

Louis Stokes Veterans Administration
Akron Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Akron, OH

Suhad A Hadi, DPM, FACFAS graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, now Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in 1997. She completed a 3-year surgical residency at the University of Texas at San Antonio from 1997-2000. Upon completion of her training, she continued as faculty at UTHSC-SA where she served as Director of Resident Education for 3 years. She then went on to private practice with Mercy Medical Group, now Dignity Health, in Sacramento, California. While there she served as Chief of Podiatry within the group and served as Medical Director of their Timberlake satellite clinic. Dr Hadi was also Section Chief at Mercy San Juan and Mercy General Hospitals and held various leadership roles within the multispecialty group. She has been with the Veterans Administration since 2009 and was Director of the PAVE (Prevention of Amputations in Veterans Everywhere) program in Seattle, Washington. She is now full-time faculty at Louis Stokes Veterans Administration in Cleveland at the Akron CBOC facility. Her training and work have given her a strong background in diabetic foot and limb salvage as well as resident education/training. She founded and developed the Residency Educator

Sarah E Haller, DPM, FACFAS

Essex Union Podiatry
Rahway, NJ

Sarah Haller, DPM, FACFAS is board-certified in both foot and ankle surgery with the ABFAS. In addition, she has a certification in medicine with ABPM. She trained at Hoboken University Medical Center in the comprehensive foot and ankle reconstructive surgical residency. After her years as a resident, she went on to further specialize with a fellowship in reconstructive surgery and trauma in Chicago. She continues to advance her education and training in the profession with courses and educational seminars. Founder of the New Jersey Foot and Ankle Foundation Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Arthroscopy Associate of North America (AANA) Advanced Internal Fixation/Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle (AAFAO). When Dr Haller is not busy treating patients in the office or in surgery, you might catch her in a Pilates class or on her bike. She Is of the mindset that physical and mental wellness are critical for being the best version of herself. You might also find her strolling the streets of Hoboken with her friends or tucked into a library corner with a good book. You can follow Dr Haller and stay up to date by following her Instagram!

Naomie Jean, DPM, MPH

Podiatric Resident Physician
Academic Coordinator
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
Brooklyn, NY

Naomie Jean, DPM, MPH is originally from Haiti and was raised in Miami, Florida. She attended The University of Florida, where she studied Health Education & Behavior in addition to her pre-med studies. Dr Jean later attended Florida International University and acquired a Master

Kushkaran Kaur, MBS, DPM

PGY-3 Resident
Temple University Hospital
Foot and Ankle Surgery Residency Program
Philadelphia, PA

Kushkaran Kaur, MBS, DPM is currently a third year resident at the Temple University Hospital Foot and Ankle Surgery Residency Program in Philadelphia, PA. She has interests in Traumatic injuries of the Foot and Ankle as well as Sports Medicine.

Parneet Kaur, DPM

Chief Resident, PGY-3
Podiatry Residency with Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery
Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital
Binghamton, NY 13905

Parneet Kaur, DPM is Chief Resident at Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital in Binghampton, New York. She attended Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores, Florida. Dr Kaur also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California in Davis, California.

Kwasi Kwaadu, DPM, FACFAS

Assistant Professor
Department of Surgery
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
Philadelphia, PA

Originally from Ghana, Dr Kwaadu completed his residency and fellowship training with Dr. Justin Fleming in 2012 and 2013 respectively in Philadelphia. His training specialized in reconstructive trauma of the foot and ankle. Following his training, D. Kwaadu joined the department of surgery at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine immediately thereafter and is now the current assistant residency director and the Department Chair at Temple University. Over the past 4 years, he delved into minimally invasive surgery and offers this in many iterations beyond distal metatarsal osteotomies for bunions. As he has progressed, he utilized these techniques in a myriad of forefoot reconstructive procedures, and as the director of Temple University

Guido A LaPorta, DPM, MS, FACFAS

Director, Podiatric Residency Program
Guthrie Lourdes Hospital
Binghamton, NY

Guido A LaPorta, DPM, MS, FACFAS, is Director, Podiatric Residency Program at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, NY. He is Director Emeritus, Podiatric Medical Education Geisinger-Community Medical Center in Scranton, PA and Professor of Surgery: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Dr LaPorta is also the President, Pennsylvania Foot and Ankle Society

Rahim Lakhani, BS, DPM

Resident
Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital
Binghamton, NY

Rahim Lakhani, DPM was born in Queens, New York and grew up in Long Island. He went to undergrad at Cornell University where he received a BS degree in Applied Economics and Management. Rahim went on to study Podiatric Medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and is currently in his final year of residency at Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital in Binghamton, New York.

Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, FACFAS, FFPM RCPS (Glasg)

Clinical Instructor and Attending Physician Department of Orthopedics and Pediatrics
New York College of Podiatric Medicine | Touro University
New York, NY

Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, FFPM RCPS (Glasg) graduated from SUNY College at Geneseo with a BS in Business Administration, and with minors in both biology and chemistry. Enrolled in the dual-degree program of NYCPM and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, she obtained her MPH (with an emphasis on healthcare management), after only two years, the first student to do so in the history of the program. She then obtained her DPM from NYCPM. Dr Landau completed her residency at NYCPM/Metropolitan and was elected chief resident in her final year. She then completed a fellowship in “Gait Related Disorders of the Lower Extremity in Children and Adults” at NYCPM, allowing her to become a leading expert within the field and joining the Orthopedics and Pediatrics Departments at NYCPM. She is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and has standard ankle surgery privilege. Dr Landau is involved in NYSPMA and was on the E-board for the Kings Division and now currently the Manhattan Division as well as on numerous committees. As an assistant professor at the school, she teaches biomechanics to the students and instructs the residents within the clinic and operating room settings. She is proud to have this role to train the next generation of the profession. Dr Landau also runs several Gait Lab sessions where she assesses patients’ abnormalities while teaching the students simultaneously. Further, she lectures nationally and internationally for CME conferences on biomechanics related topics. It is her most passionate endeavor to be able to lecture to current podiatrists, residents and students alike. Additionally, she is on the exam committee for the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and writer of biomechanics related questions. Dr Landau is published within the scientific literature as well and is a reviewer for the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association for biomechanics related topics. In her free time, she enjoys giving expert opinions and interviews for podiatry as well as volunteering for the Special Olympics and NYC marathon.

Catherine Maga, BS

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER

Catherine began her financial management career at Smith Barney (now Morgan Stanley Wealth Management) in 1999.? She then partnered with Steve Wolff and Cliff Wiese in 2004 while at Smith Barney and now serves as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER

Aamir Mahmood, DPM

Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic
Michigan City, IN

Aamir Mahmood, DPM, MPH, is a born and bred Chicago native who grew up knowing all too well the importance of podiatric health. He was born with pes planus (flat feet) and spent his childhood wearing orthotics, braces, and dealing with sporadic pain due to rigorous activity. These experiences allowed him to realize very early on that he wanted to pursue a career in medicine. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University of Chicago, Dr Mahmood decided to take a year to complete a Masters in Public Health from Benedictine University to equip him with a better understanding of a different viewpoint of medicine. From here, he completed his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine (formerly known as Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. He then completed a three-year surgical residency at Jesse Brown VA in Chicago, specializing in foot and ankle surgery where he served as chief resident. During his residency, he presented peer-reviewed abstracts at multiple surgical and wound care conferences. His research won an award at the Symposium for Advanced Wound Care in 2018. Dr Mahmood has board qualifications in the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in Forefoot/Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle.

D Scot Malay, DPM, MSCE, FACFAS

Director of Podiatric Research
Ankle and Foot Medical Centers of Delaware Valley
Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA

D Scot Malay, DPM, MSCE, FACFAS, is a staff surgeon and the Director of Podiatric Research at the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he works in a busy surgical practice, trains residents and fellows, and conducts patient-oriented research. He is the former Editor of The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery, and a faculty member of The Podiatry Institute.

Andrew Samuel, MD

Associate Medical Director
RegenLab USA LLC
New York

Andrew R Samuel, MD believes that patient care is the first priority. His work in the regenerative medicine industry has comprised of medical affairs, clinical research (preclinical/discovery to Phase IV), and regulatory affairs.

Jarrod Shapiro, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM

Private Practice Associate, Empire Foot & Ankle Center
Upland and Riverside
Professor and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs
Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine
Assistant Director, Chino Valley Medical Center
PMSR/RRA Podiatric Residency

Jarrod Shapiro, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM is a Board-Certified podiatric foot and ankle physician and surgeon who has been in practice for almost 20 years. He is also a fellow with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr Shapiro has taught at Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine for the past 13 years and is a full professor and associate dean of clinical affairs. He is the assistant director at the Chino Valley Medical Center PMSR/RRA program in Chino, California. Dr Shapiro's training includes a 3-year foot and ankle residency at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan after graduating from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, CA in 2003. After completing his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at the California College of Podiatric Medicine, he did his 3-year postgraduate training at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan from 2003 - 2006. He is also the Editor of PRESENT's Practice Perfect.

Michael J Trepal, DPM, FACFAS

Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dean and Professor
Department of Surgery
New York College of Podiatric Medicine
New York, NY

Michael Trepal, DPM is a Professor of Surgery at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs. In addition, he is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at New York Medical College and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at SUNY Downstate. Dr Trepal serves as Residency Director for the SUNY Downstate Podiatry Residency. He has published multiple scientific articles and has contributed to many textbooks.

Thomas Vitale, DPM

Professor of Surgery
NYCPM
New York, New York

Thomas Vitale, DPM serves as Professor of Surgical Sciences, at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and Director of Residency

Tracey Vlahovic, DPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasg)

Podiatric Physician and Professor
Samuel Merritt College of Podiatric Medicine
Oakland, CA

Tracey Vlahovic, DPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasg), is a Podiatric Physician and Professor at Samuel Merritt College of Podiatric Medicine in Oakland, CA. She is the author of the book: Lower Extremity Skin Diseases: A Photographic Guide. She participates in clinical trials and has won numerous teaching awards.