2024 Conference Chairs
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.
2024 Faculty
Matthew Dodge
Area Sales ManagerRedi-Thotics
Brookfield, CT
Matthew Dodge works for Redi-Thotics as their Trade Show Coordinator and Area Sales Manager for Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Dallas Area; he has been with them for 7 plus years. He was introduced to Podiatry while working for Procyon Corporation as their National Sales Manager. He can be reached at [email protected].
Dave Gibb
PresidentGlobal Physicians Alliance, LLC
Highland, UT
David Gibb is the President of Global Physicians Alliance and has extensive experience in the healthcare and business industry spanning the past 25 years; including starting and managing his own businesses in both the private sector and public arena. Mr. Gibb has authored and created several small business educational programs, which have been successfully marketed throughout North America. He has had articles published addressing specific areas of concerns to small businesses. He and his wife Amy have been married for 23 years, and are the parents of 5 children.
Keith Greer, ESQ
Greer & Associates, APCSan Diego, CA
C. Keith Greer, Esq is an attorney who has been handling the legal needs of Podiatric Physicians for nearly 30 years. He is lead defense counsel for PICA in California, and is General Counsel for the CPMA and the ABPM. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Juris Prudence at the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University.
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.
Warren S Joseph, DPM, FIDSA
Adjunct Clinical ProfessorArizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University
Glendale, AZ Editor - Journal of the APMA
Warren S Joseph, DPM, FIDSA is a specialist in the treatment of lower extremity infectious diseases. He received his podiatric degree, magna cum laude, from W.M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. Dr Joseph completed his postgraduate training in podiatric medicine/surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and a fellowship in infectious diseases at Hahnemann University School of Medicine, both in Philadelphia. He is currently an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. Dr Joseph is a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and sits on the IDSA Diabetic Foot Infection Guidelines Committee. He is also certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, and currently serves as Editor of the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr Joseph lectures extensively and his presentations have focused on the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections of the lower extremity. He has authored close to 100 publications in the field of lower extremity infections and is the author of the Handbook of Lower Extremity Infections, now in its third edition.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, DAPFAS, DABMSP
CEOPark DPM
Partner
PARE Coding & Compliance Services
Oceanside, NY
Paul Kesselman, DPM, DAPFAS, DABMSP 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.
Edward Lee, DPM, FACFAS
Foundation Foot & AnkleAuburn and Tacoma, Washington
Edward Lee, DPM, FACFAS is a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon practicing in the greater Seattle area of Washington. He graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) and completed his residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, where he served as the Chief Resident during his final year of residency. Before coming to Washington, Dr Lee practiced in Houston, Texas where he trained residents from St Joseph Medical Center. Dr Lee continues to work with residents here in Washington from the VA residency program.
Benjamin D Levine, MD
Benjamin D. Levine, MD is a Professor of Radiology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital. He serves as Director of both the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Program and the Elite Sports Imaging Program in the Department of Radiological Sciences.
Tea Nguyen, DPM
CEOPacific Point Podiatry
Santa Cruz, CA
Tea Nguyen, DPM is the CEO of Pacific Point Podiatry, a nontraditional Direct Specialty Care practice in Santa Cruz, CA. She is fellowship trained in wound healing and is board certified in foot and ankle surgery. Dr Tea helps people avoid unnecessary leg amputations through education, preventive foot care and minimally invasive surgery. She also founded Coaching with Tea, LLC and is the host of The Direct Care Way, helping other specialists walk away from declining insurance reimbursement and reclaim their time, energy & peace through Direct Care.
David A Pougatsch, DPM
PresidentLos Angeles County Podiatric Medical Association
Los Angeles, CA
David A. Pougatsch, DPM is a fellowship-trained Podiatrist specializing in advanced wound care, diabetic limb salvage, and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. He is the author of numerous publications and has been involved with various clinical research studies. Dr. Pougatsch is active in mentoring Podiatric residents and students by serving as a Clinical Instructor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA and is on the attending teaching staff for the Podiatric Surgery residency program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Pougatsch co-founded a multi-specialty private outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy center in Southern California and is a key opinion leader on all things lower extremity wound care, including billing and coding. Dr. Pougatsch currently runs a consulting service for hospital-based and private-office wound clinics, as well as for physicians and wound care patients. Dr. Pougatsch currently serves as President of the Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Association.
Deo Rampertab, DPM
Wound Care AdvisorElite Wound Care Consultants
Deo Rampertab, DPM is the Wound Care Advisor for Elite Wound Care Consultants, helping their clients to navigate the waters of wound care compliance. He assists with proper patient choice, documentation and proper use and application of these advanced products. Dr Deo received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the State University of New York at Stony Brook prior to receiving his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr Rampertab received his residency training in Medicine and Surgery at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ. He has practiced podiatry in the Phoenix Metropolitan area for over 25 years. Dr Rampertab started a Mobile Podiatry practice in 2021 when COVID-19 made it clear that at-home care for certain high risk patients was a necessity. Mobile Podiatry services are also available for patients who are homebound, can not leave home unattended, do not drive, or in cases where it would take a considerable and taxing effort for the patient to leave home. Our practice became Onsite Podiatry Services continues to grow and add other services and specialties available to our patients. Dr Rampertab has lived in the Valley for 30 years and has enjoyed most of the recreational activities the Southwest has to offer. He is an avid hiker and mountain climber having climbed several 14,000 foot mountains and several high points in the western states. He is also an avid sailor and has recently completed the rigorous United States Coast Guard requirements for a certified Licensed Captain.
Jarrod Shapiro, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM
Private Practice Associate, Empire & Ankle CenterPomona 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 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 for the past 13 years and is a full professor and associate dean of clinical affairs. He is the residency program 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. Curriculum Vitae
Laura Shin, DPM, PhD
Assistant Professor of Clinical SurgeryKeck Medicine at USC
Program Director of the Limb Salvage Podiatric Fellowship
Laura Shin, DPM, PhD, is a reconstructive surgeon and physician-scientist who specializes in podiatry, including foot and ankle deformities, Charcot neuroarthropathy, limb salvage, wound care and diabetic feet and ankles. Her interest in stem cell biology and the potential for using stem cells to repair diabetic wounds, along with her passion for patient care, led her to pursue a dual PhD and DPM degree. In her clinical and research pursuits, Dr Shin is dedicated to preserving and restoring mobility, which she believes is crucial to quality of life. She has a special interest in patients with diabetes and other high-risk conditions. Her research focuses on stem cell regeneration and the body's capacity for healing. In particular, she is examining tissue and stem cell repair in older adults, people with diabetes and people whose immune systems are compromised.
Scott Shindler, DPM, FAPWCA
Ledesma Foot and AnkleScottsdale, AZ
Scott Shindler, DPM, FAPWCA grew up in southeastern South Dakota and was inspired by his father, Dr Edward Shindler, a practicing podiatrist, to study podiatry. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City and earned his doctoral degree in podiatric medicine (DPM) at William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in North Chicago, Illinois. After graduating, Dr Shindler completed his surgical residency at St. Francis Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Following graduation, he practiced with his father in South Dakota and eventually purchased the practice. He has served as the PPAC Chairman for the State of South Dakota Podiatric Association and has been a delegate to the Podiatric National House of Delegates for many years. Throughout his career, Dr Shindler has been published in several leading podiatric publications regarding advanced foot and ankle treatment options. In 2017, Dr Shindler began a new chapter by relocating to Arizona to be closer to his family and play more golf. He brings over 30 years of experience to the practice and enjoys providing the utmost quality in patient care. He is excited to join Dr Ledesma in the vision of advanced treatment for the foot and ankle.
Mark Spier, DPM
Mark Spier, DPM received his BS in Microbiology from the University of Maryland after which he attended the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, where he received his DPM degree. After graduation, he completed a surgical residency at The Lutheran Hospital of Maryland. He started practicing the year after the Baltimore Orioles won their last World Series. Dr Spier is a Diplomate of The ABFAS and is an item writer for their Lead Assessment program. He is a member of the Council for Nail Disorders and the Gout Education Network. Dr Spier specializes in the advanced treatment of gout. He is the owner of The Maryland Gout Institute and has spoken nationwide for Horizon Therapeutics.
Wenjay Sung, DPM, FACFAS
Dr Wenjay SungUSC Arcadia Hospital
Arcadia CA
Wenjay Sung, DPM, FACFAS, practices in the Greater Los Angeles, Pasadena, Arcada, CA area.. He completed his advanced surgical fellowship at the ACFAS recognized Weil Foot-Ankle and Orthopedic Institute (2011, Chicago, IL) after graduating as chief resident from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2010). 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. He has been heavily involved in Special Olympics International Healthy Athletes and served as an international Clinical Director during the World Summer Games in Shanghai, China (2007) and Los Angeles (2015). Currently, he serves on the board of the Convalescent Aid Society (Pasadena, CA), a non-profit that provides free medical equipment for those in need and the Miss Asian North American Organization. More recently, due to the unexpected passing of his youngest brother David Wen Sung, his family is establishing a scholarship fund and not-for profit organization that aims to build awareness and acceptance for mental health issues in Asian American communities.
Zwelithini Tunyiswa
Chief Executive OfficerOpen Wound Research
Zweli, a proficient healthcare management professional and seasoned entrepreneur with expertise in quantitative marketing and data science, embarked on his journey in wound care back in 2011. At that time, he joined forces with Wound Healing Solutions, a prominent post-acute wound-care consultancy in the nation, where he played a pivotal role in its development and eventually became a partner. The consultancy was successfully acquired in late 2022, and today, Zweli is the CEO of Open Wound Research, a venture he co-founded in the same year.