2020 Conference Chairs
Co-Chair
Gabriel J Halperin, DPM, FACFAS, FAENS
President and Medical DirectorCalifornia Wound Healing Medical Group
Los Angeles, CA
Gabriel J Halperin, DPM, FACFAS, FAENS, is the president and medical director of California Wound Healing Medical Group located in Los Angeles, California. Dr Halperin graduated from the California College of Podiatric Medicine and went on to do his residency at Western Medical Center. He is the past president of the Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Association and was a board member of the California Podiatric Medical Association. He is presently a member of the Carrier Advisory Committee of Noridian Medicare, and on the Medicare Committee of CPM.
Co-Chair
Robert Lee, DPM
Chief of PodiatrySanta Monica-UCLA Medical Center
Santa Monica, California
Robert K Lee, DPM is a board-certified podiatric surgeon who offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for ailments affecting the foot and ankle. He has performed over a thousand surgical foot and ankle procedures, including common foot conditions such as bunions, neuromas, and hammertoes, as well as specializing in diabetic limb salvage, Charcot foot reconstruction, tendon repairs, foot and ankle arthritis, and ankle arthroscopy. He is also the current Chief of Podiatric Surgery at the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center. Dr Lee graduated with honors from California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. He continued his training at a three-year surgical residency in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at the INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Northern Virginia before completing his training with a Lower Extremity Diabetic Limb Salvage Fellowship at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC. Dr Lee is currently Assistant Clinical Faculty within the David Geffen-UCLA School of Medicine and has been involved with the training of residents and fellows at UCLA Medical Center. He has also lectured for various conferences and seminars on multiple topics. In addition to being a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Dr Lee has also attained the highest level of board certification offered by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. This certification in Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery has been awarded to less than five percent of podiatrists nationally.
Co-Chair
Harold Schoenhaus, DPM, FACFAS
Surgical Editor for PRESENT e-LearningPenn-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.
2020 Faculty
Alan Bass, DPM, FACPM, CPC
Founder and Medical DirectorCentral Jersey Foot & Ankle Care
Manalapan, NJ
Co-Principle
PARE Coding and Compliance
Alan Bass, DPM, FACPM, CPC, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management and has been in private practice in Manalapan, New Jersey for over 25 years. Dr Bass is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Over his entire career, Dr Bass has been involved with business and practice management, having previously served as Medical Director and Senior Consultant for NEMO Health. Realizing the needs of podiatrists nationwide Dr Bass left NEMO Health at the end 2018 and in January 2019, he began his own consulting firm JARALL Medical Management Consulting, providing practice management services practice valuations, reputation management services and much more. In January 2020, Dr Bass, along with Dr Paul Kesselman formed PARE Coding and Compliance Consulting, a firm dedicated to assisting doctors with coding, auditing, and compliance issues. Dr Bass is also a past-president of the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society. He also is active with the American Podiatric Medical Association, currently serving on the Communication committee and having served on the Resolutions committee.
Christopher K Bromley, DPM, FACFAS
Delray Beach, FloridaChristopher Bromley, DPM, FACFAS currently practices foot and ankle surgery in Delray Beach, Florida. Dr Bromley's specialty within the group is Surgery, Sports Medicine, and Homeopathy. Dr Bromley has been passionate about nutrition and complementary medicine since entering private practice. He completed his surgical residency in 1992 in Baltimore, MD. His training included such prestigious hospitals as the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins. An international and national lecturer of foot and ankle surgery, wound care, and regenerative medicine. When not in the office and on the podium, Dr Bromley is an on-track performance driving instructor and motorcycle track day instructor. Dr Bromley is very proud of his three children Sarah, Kent, and Alexander.
Dave Hague, ESQ
Chief Legal CounselClear Lab Consulting Solutions
Lompoc, CA
Dave Hague, Esq is chief legal counsel of Clear Lab Consulting Solutions. Dave is also a tenured professor of law and former partner of a national law firm. He is experienced in business and healthcare law and regularly advises on such. Mr Hague received his law degree from the University of Kansas, graduating in the top 10% of his class, and also served as the managing editor of the Kansas Law Review. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Utah, graduating with high honors. Dave Hague’s scholarship has appeared in the Utah Law Review, the DePaul Law Review, the Nevada Law Journal, the Catholic Law Review, and the West Virginia Law Review.
Jake Hague
VP of Sales and Business DevelopmentClear Lab Consulting Services
Lompoc, CA
Jake Hague is the VP of sales and business development for Clear Lab Consulting Services. Jake has been in the medical field with over ten years of experience in surgical implants, biologics, pharmaceuticals, psychological technology, and laboratories. Jake has built and sold many medical companies over his ten years in the field. Jake earned his bachelor's degree in science from the University of Utah, graduating with honors. Jake has been successful in building and adding invaluable services to medical practices so they can be more efficient, have better patient care, and increase revenue.
Marlena Jbara, MD
Co-FounderGrooveMDs.com
Bone and Joint Radiologist
Simon Med Imaging
Mother, Physician, Artist, and Physician Life Coach, Marlena Jbara MD is a lifelong learner and remains a student at heart. After graduating summa cum laude from Brooklyn College & SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn’s BA-MD Program, she received expert level fellowship training in Musculoskeletal Radiology under Javier Beltran MD, one of the Worlds’ Leading Biomechanical Experts. Certified by the American Board of Radiology in 2001, Marlena Jbara, MD is currently an expert Bone and Joint Radiologist with Simon Med Imaging. She serves as faculty in an International MSK Fellowship with special interest in coaching expert level radiologists in foot and ankle imaging. She is a leader in podiatric radiology, developing curricula for academic programs with a broad experience from delivering grand rounds to publishing articles and book chapters on the shoulder, knee, and ankle . In addition to her active Radiologist practice, her productive career currently includes educating and coaching healers while providing resources to Help Heal our Healers within the Current Crisis of Physician Burnout. With her Cofounding of GrooveMDs.com, her team is active in raising awareness to empower physicians. Additionally, she is currently serving on the American College of Radiology Arts Task Force dedicated to physician wellness, highlighting Art as a source of our Physician Wellness. In all of her endeavors, Dr Jbara is an innovator in designing and implementing educational programs dedicated to our Healers.
Benjamin Kamel, DPM
PartnerGarey Orthopedic Medical Group
Pomona, CA
Benjamin Kamel, DPM FACFAS is a highly trained and Board-Certified foot and ankle surgeon. Dr Kamel received his medical degree at Western University of Health Sciences where he graduated near the top of his class with honors and being inducted into the Pi Delta Honor Society. Dr Kamel completed intensive surgical training locally with the additional credential in Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (PMSR/RRA). He also was elected and served as Chief Resident in his final year of residency. During his residency training, Dr Kamel worked at many different hospitals, most notably completing sports medicine training at Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital as well as a high-level trauma rotation at Kaiser Permanente under some of the best-trained surgeons in the profession. Dr Kamel has received extensive surgical training in all aspects of the foot and ankle including sports medicine, trauma, forefoot and rearfoot reconstructions including flatfoot correction, bunion correction, cosmetic surgery, pediatric foot conditions, as well as surgical treatment of degenerative and arthritic conditions affecting the foot and ankle. Dr Kamel has co-authored and published several research articles in the field of foot and ankle surgery. He has also lectured at national conferences on topics related to sports medicine. He is currently clinical faculty at Western University of Health Sciences where he works with and teaches medical students and residents. He is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr Kamel currently works as a partner at Garey Orthopedic Medical Group in Southern California. He is also a Creative Writer and Video Producer for PRESENT Podiatry’s NewsFlash. Dr Kamel has an interest in Podiatric trauma, reconstructive surgery, and sports medicine.
Jeffrey Kauffman, DPM
FounderPremier Ankle & Foot Specialists PC
York, PA
Jeffrey Kauffman, DPM is the founder of Premier Ankle & Foot Specialists PC, a six-doctor private practice. They focus on using advanced technology to elevate the care of their patients. His personal practice attention is on forward procedures of foot and ankle surgery, wound care biologics and limb salvage. He completed his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thereafter he finalized his training through a four-year reconstructive foot and ankle surgical residency at The University of Pennsylvania Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia. His board certification is through ABFAS. He presides on the Board of Directors of Applehill Surgical Center of Wellspan Health System.
Ara Kelekian, DPM
Chief of PodiatryProvidence St Joseph Medical Center
President
Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Association
Ara Kelekian, DPM specializes in podiatric medicine and podiatric surgery. His clinical areas of expertise include diabetic wound care, foot and ankle surgery, biomechanical evaluation, and sports medicine. Dr Kelekian is certified in cutting edge surgical techniques, such as ankle arthroscopy and other endoscopic foot and ankle procedures. Dr Kelekian received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He then attended the California College of Podiatric Medicine and earned a degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his primary podiatric medical residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in New York, and then spent two years completing his podiatric surgical residency closer to home at Monterey Park Hospital in California. Dr Kelekian is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He is affiliated with several organizations including the American Podiatric Medical Association, the California Podiatric Medical Association, and Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Society. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Paul Kesselman, DPM
CEOPark DPM
Partner
PARE Coding & Compliance Services
Oceanside, NY
Paul Kesselman, DPM, DABFAS has been in private practice for over 35 years in NYC and LI. He has been consulting for medical manufacturers and for a myriad of medical specialties in the areas of DME and wound care regulations for over 20 years. He is the leader for the APMA DME Workgroup, meets regularly with Medicare officials, and has formed liaisons with other orthotic professionals and lectured nationwide. His monthly column appearing in Podiatry Management is primarily dedicated to coding and compliance issues and has been a contributing author to Practical Endocrinology and other medical publications and is an expert panelist to Codingline.com.
Michael Lalezarian, MD
Michael Lalezarian, MDMedical Director
ProVascular MD
Los Angeles, CA
Michael Lalezarian, MD, is a double-board certified Vascular Interventional Radiologist specializing in minimally invasive endovascular arterial revascularization. He is committed to the battle against the devastating consequences of advanced peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI). His daily efforts place him at the forefront of limb salvage and amputation prevention. He has a particular interest in below-knee tibial artery revascularization and pedal arch reconstruction. Timely accessible care is paramount in the effort against peripheral arterial disease and its complications. Dr Lalezarian offers his services in multiple office locations throughout Southern California. Dr Lalezarian values his role as a teaching clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA where he instructs and supervises Residents and Fellows. He serves as Medical Director of ProVascularMD.
David Larson, DPM
Steward Orthopedic & Sports Medicine CenterMesa, AZ
David Larson, DPM, is a fellowship trained foot and ankle surgeon. Dr Larson completed his fellowship at the Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center in Ohio, where he received extensive, specialized training in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery. Prior to his doctoral studies, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years where he excelled through the ranks to sergeant and finished his military career as a platoon commander. As an Arizona native, he was adamant to bring his surgical skill and knowledge to the valley after training to provide quality foot and ankle orthopedic care to his community. Dr Larson continues his accolades in podiatric medicine with multiple professional organization memberships and evolving publication works.
Scott Marshall
OwnerKLM Orthotics
Valencia, CA
Scott Marshall started KLM Labs, Inc with brothers Kirk and Kent Marshall in 1978. KLM fabricates custom and over-the-counter foot orthotics and ankle-foot orthotics. Scott has over 40 years of experience in all aspects of the company including management, sales, marketing, production and product design.
Healio Primary Care
Aaron Rossi, MD
CEOPAL Health Technologies
Bloomington, Illinois
Dr Rossi graduated from Elmhurst College in 2006 and received his medical degree from the University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine in 2012. While still in medical school, Dr Rossi discovered his passion and unique aptitude for the business management of private medical practice. Since graduating from medical school Dr Rossi has served in multiple capacities across the healthcare continuum allowing him to expand his knowledge and develop a diverse skillset which he applies as CEO of PAL Health Technologies. Driven by his passion to help private practice physicians navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape, Dr Rossi has developed a proven model for private practice management. He developed his model as he grew a single provider practice into a robust multi-specialty group, quadrupling the practice’s revenue in less than five years. Following that endeavor, Dr Rossi honed his model while serving as the CEO for an ENT practice in Central Illinois, as well as the podiatry practice he shares with his business partner. In 2018, Dr Rossi and his business partner Gerald Paul, DPM, purchased and re-opened PAL Health Technologies, expanding the organization’s product and service offerings to include our new Practice Management, Revenue Cycle Management and IT service lines, almost completing Dr Rossi’s vision of providing holistic business support and consulting to private practice physicians. He then in June 2019 launched Reditus Laboratories (full-service Pathology lab), which he built off the strong PAL Foundation. Even though Dr Rossi’s primary focus is using his talents as CEO for several healthcare-based organizations in Central Illinois, including PAL Health Technologies and Reditus Laboratories, he continues to assist his business partner with his podiatry practice assisting in surgery as well. He also continues to provide care to patients through his other practice SoundChioce, which he employs a doctor of Audiology. Dr Rossi believes staying in touch with direct patient care allows him to better serve PAL’s practice partners as he understands the challenges private practice physicians experience every day. His main goal that provides his drive is to keep doctors autonomous!
Jarrod Shapiro, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM, FFPM, RCPS Glasg
Jarrod Shapiro, DPM, FACFAS, FACPMPrivate Practice Associate, Empire Foot & Ankle Center
Pomona and Riverside
Professor and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs
Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine
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 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.