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 Frykberg, DPM, MPH

Medical Director
DM Prevent Clinics Dubai
Phoenix, AZ

Robert G Frykberg, DPM, MPH 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. 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, DABPS, DHLS

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’s basketball hall of fame. Dr Williams was recently requested to be a Keynote Speaker for Immaculata University and received the Doctor of Humane Letters for her humanitarian efforts in May 2018.

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 J Bevilacqua, DPM, DFACFAS is a board certified, fellowship-trained, foot and ankle surgeon. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Binghamton University and then 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 went on to complete an additional year of fellowship training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and limb salvage at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, Illinois. Dr Bevilacqua also completed a fellowship at the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Centre for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics in Kurgan, Russia. Dr Bevilacqua is board certified in both 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 a few surgeons in Bergen County actively performing the surgery. He was selected as Bergen County's Top Doctors for 2019 by Bergen Magazine. He has written extensively about foot and ankle surgery and has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. He has also written many book chapters on the subject. Dr Bevilacqua continues to lecture at the state and national levels. Dr Bevilacqua is a member of the Surgical Skills Committee for ACFAS. He is also a member of the Medical Education Committee for Holy Name Hospital and Medical Center.​

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 now serving the surrounding community of Clifton, NJ. After graduating from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Dr Brucato was trained at one of the top surgical residencies at Morristown Medical Center. She lectures across the country on a variety of different topics and has published numerous research papers in peer-reviewed journals. She treats all disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg in patients of all ages! She specializes in diabetic limb salvage (saving feet!), pediatrics, and reconstructive surgery. Even though Dr Brucato is a leader in her field, her best attribute is her warm and caring bedside manner.

Jeffrey Cusack, DPM, DABPM

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

Jeffrey Cusack, DPM, 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.

Ron 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’s Course in her work with PRESENT e-Learning Systems and has certifications in clinical education at both the University of Texas Health Science Center, and recently achieved certification and is an Associate Graduate of Harvard Medical School’s Train to Teach in Medicine program. She has been appointed as a Board Member of the Kent State University’s Foot and Ankle Clinic.

Sarah Haller, DPM, AACFAS

Essex Union Podiatry
Rahway, NJ

Sarah E Haller, DPM, AACFAS is fellowship trained and board qualified in foot and ankle surgery. She specializes in musculoskeletal deformities, sports medicine and post-traumatic and cosmetic reconstruction. She is the founder of the New Jersey Foot and Ankle Foundation and acts as an expert reviewer for medical journals.

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’s degree in Public Health Epidemiology & Biostatistics. While working as a research analyst, she became familiar with the field of podiatry after shadowing a local podiatrist. She went on to earn her podiatric medical degree from Barry University and is currently completing her residency training at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Dr Jean has particular interest in diabetic limb salvage, research, and education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and creating social media content.

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’s Charcot center, in complex Charcot reconstructive procedures. He also utilizes these techniques in general hindfoot reconstruction, along with calcaneal osteotomies in the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Dr Kwaadu also manages a myriad of sport’s medicine injuries. Today, he will be sharing his insight as it specifically relates to minimally invasive surgical techniques for bunion reconstruction. Dr Kwaadu is also the father of two amazing identical twin boys who share his zeal and spirit for life and are currently tearing up his house as we speak. Please help me welcome, Dr. Kwaadu.”

Guido LaPorta, DPM, MS, FACFAS, FACFAOM

Director, Podiatric Medical Education
Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital
Binghamton, NY

Guido A LaPorta, DPM, MS, FACFAS, FACFOAM is Director, Podiatric Medical Education Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital, 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, 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

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

Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH is faculty at NYCPM in the Department of Orthopedics and Pediatrics. She graduated from SUNY College at Geneseo in 2013 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) in 2016, after only two years, the first student to do so in the history of the program. She obtained her DPM degree in 2018. Dr Landau completed her residency at NYCPM/Metropolitan in 2021 as chief resident. COVID intervened while she was at Metro, and for her efforts there, she received Schneps Media’s Health Care Hero Award. (Schneps is a major New York-based publisher of digital and physical media, especially of community newspapers.) She also has Standard Ankle Surgery privilege in New York and is Board Certified by ABPM. Dr Landau has many publications including some being deemed original research. With an interest in surgical biomechanics, Dr Landau completed a fellowship in “Post-Graduate Fellowship Training in Biomechanics and Gait-Related Disorders of the Lower Extremity in Children and Adults" at NYCPM. During her training she spent time at the Hospital for Special Surgery in the Leon Root Motion Analysis Lab, with both Drs Joseph C. D’Amico and Cusack, and in pediatric podiatry by Drs Volpe and Resseque. Dr Landau loves taking biomechanical concepts and incorporating them into surgical applications. Dr Landau is also on the executive board for NYSPMA King Division. NYSPMA is the top organization in New York State that represents the interests of podiatrists with the state legislature as well as with insurance companies.

Catherine Magaña, BS

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Savvy Doc Financial Planners
Carlsbad, CA

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™ for Wolff Wiese Magaña, dba WWM Financial which she helped found in 2011. Catherine is the current President of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of California. She Graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Catherine enjoys golf, hiking and spending time at the beach with her family.

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, FFPM, RCPS Glasg

Full Professor, College of Podiatric Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA
Associate Editor PRESENT Podiatry Online

Jarrod Shapiro, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM is a Board-Certified podiatric foot and ankle physician and surgeon who has been in practice for over 10 years. He is also a fellow with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Diplomat of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr Shapiro has taught at Western University for the past 8 years and was recently made a Full Professor. Prior to that he was in private practice in various aspects of patient care, including multi-specialty hospital-based practice, several wound care clinics, and individual proprietor private practice. 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

Clinical Professor
Department of Podiatric Medicine
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
Philadelphia, PA

Tracey Vlahovic, DPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasg), is a Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and author of the book: Lower Extremity Skin Diseases: A Photographic Guide. She is the first podiatrist to complete a fellowship in dermatology and teaches dermatology to the third year students. She participates in clinical trials and has won numerous teaching awards.