ANKLE & FOOT ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the American College of Foot
Andrew Woods, DPM, is a warmhearted podiatrist that's certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive/Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Woods provides quality podiatric care for men, women, and children at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, in the Valdosta, Georgia, location. He specializes in advanced and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, total joint replacement, sports medicine, diabetic foot care, limb salvage, and external fixation.
Dr. Woods grew up in a small town in central Wisconsin and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He earned his doctor of podiatric medicine degree from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Woods finished a three-year surgical residency at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, where he served as chief resident and underwent highly specialized training in foot and ankle surgery.
Dr. Woods is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Podiatric Medical Association. He's best known by his patients for his friendly and empathetic demeanor and his efficiency and precision when it comes to the latest podiatric technologies, tools, and techniques.
Dr. Woods treats a range of simple and complex foot and ankle conditions, such as hammertoes, diabetic feet, ankle sprains and fractures, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, arthritis and joint disease, birth deformities, and flatfeet. He advocates for his patients to lead healthier, more active lifestyles and strives to offer affordable services in a timely fashion.
Dr. Woods truly cares about helping his patients relieve pain and improve physical functioning, so they can get back to their lives and what matters most.
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Podiatric Medical Association
We are excited to announce Dr. Barry Efron joined Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC on May 1, 2021. He is
Dr. Efron is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and Florida Podiatric Medical
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the American College of Foot
Brian Fallon, DPM, is certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery with nearly 20 years of experience. Trained in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Fallon currently works with the men, women, and children of Savannah, Georgia, at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC.
A native of upstate New York, Dr. Fallon graduated from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2000 as a member of the Pi Delta National Honor Society. He later completed a three-year residency at St. John North Shores Hospital in Harrison Township, Michigan, where he focused on reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle and diabetic wound care, as well as limb salvage.
Dr. Fallon is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, as well as a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and a diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He is certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Danielle McKenna, DPM, is a knowledgeable podiatrist certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rear foot/Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, in Waycross, Georgia. Dr. McKenna is known for her attentive care and friendly, likable demeanor. Growing up, Dr. McKenna moved around to a few different places, including New Jersey and Buffalo, New York.
Dr. McKenna earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, before teaching one year of high school level science classes in biology, earth science, and advanced chemistry. She also coached junior varsity high school basketball.
Despite enjoying the challenges and rewards of teaching, Dr. McKenna couldn't shake her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor and helping others enhance wellness and quality of life.
Dr. McKenna earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree from New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City before finishing a three-year surgical residency at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. She's also a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Before joining Ankle and Foot Associates in 2019, Dr. McKenna was in private practice for over seven years. She loves feeling like part of the supportive medical community at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, and the research and opportunities that the field of podiatry brings.
Dr. McKenna treats a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, such as bunions, ankle sprains, flat feet, hammertoes, diabetic feet, arthritis, joint disease, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs. She has a special interest in limb salvage and sports medicine injuries.
An athlete at heart, Dr. McKenna relishes the satisfaction of helping her patients live a healthier lifestyle and getting them back into the game, on the field, or back to the activities that bring them joy.
David Murphy, DPM, is a dedicated and diligent physician who is honored to treat the patients of Waycross and its surrounding communities. Dr. Murphy is originally from Canada and came to the United States to play collegiate hockey.
Dr. Murphy graduated from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (formerly the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine) in Independence, Ohio, and completed his surgical residency at Westview Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Murphy has lived in Georgia for over 20 years.
Dr. Murphy is certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and a diplomate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He's a member of the Georgia Podiatric Medical Association and the American Podiatric Medical Association.
In 1998, Dr. Murphy began his private practice in Waycross, Georgia. He enjoys relieving pain and enhancing the function of the foot and ankle for his patients, leading to improved overall wellness
Bennett Evans, DPM, has joined Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC. He currently works at our Jesup location and provides coverage for other Ankle & Foot Associates locations in Southeast Georgia.
Dr. Bennett Evans is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Evans graduated from Brigham Young University in Rexburg, Idaho, and received his doctorate from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence, Ohio.
As Chief Resident, Dr. Evans completed his residency at WOMACK/Cape Fear Valley Surgical Residency in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He is currently an active-duty Military Podiatrist at Winn Army Community Hospital in Hinesville, Georgia.
Dr. Evans is originally from San Diego, California. He is married to Jenessa Evansand has threebeautiful children; Mason, Brodie, and Kyleigh.
Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC welcomes Dr. Brian Farrell to our team. Dr. Farrell will begin seeing patients at our new Thomasville location in August 2021. He is Board Qualified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Farrell graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and received his doctorate from the William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Brian Farrell completed his residency at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, at Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, where he received extensive reconstructive rearfoot and ankle training and also served as Chief Resident during his final year of residency. In addition to foot and ankle reconstruction, his professional interests include limb salvage, trauma, and wound care.
Dr. Farrell enjoys running, traveling, hiking, and playing golf when he is not in the operating room. He is excited to join Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, and looks forward to serving the community of Thomasville.
Dr. Derek A. Barker 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 is a graduate from Western Michigan University, received his doctorate from the William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
Dr. Barker completed his residency at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township, Michigan, where he received extensive training in both conservative and surgical treatment of foot and ankle deformities along with wound-care.
Outside of work, Dr. Barker enjoys spending time with his two young children, Brynn & Nolan, and their dog, Ellie. Dr. Barker joined Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC in February 2021, and is looking forward to serving the people of Hinesville.
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the American College of Foot
Dr. Emily Quinn began her medical career with Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC in 2015. She moved back to the Midwest for two years to be closer with family but realized she missed the people and the culture of South Georgia. Dr. Quinn recently returned to Ankle and Foot Associates on August 2, 2021, and is working alongside Dr. Eric Massa to provide high-quality podiatric care for people of all ages at the Tifton and Cordele locations.
Dr. Quinn grew up in a small town in north-central Iowa. She completed her undergraduate degree at Briar Cliff University while playing collegiate softball. She completed her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Dr. Quinn finished a three-year surgical residency at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. She served as chief resident and underwent highly specialized training in foot and ankle surgery.
Dr. Quinn is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a Diplomat with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. She holds two board certifications, Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery, through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. She also serves on the Georgia Podiatric Medical Education Foundation Board of Directors.
Job Titles:
- Fellow With the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgery
Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Robert Yant.
After receiving his Undergraduate Degree in Biological Sciences from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and his Medical Degree from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Finch University in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Yant completed his Residency at the Foot Clinic of Youngstown in Youngstown, Ohio.
Dr. Robert D. Yant has over 40 years of experience in the successful resolution of lower extremity ailments. He opened his Northeast Florida practice in 1980 with a desire to bring the best podiatric care to Jacksonville's First Coast community. He specializes in treating all foot and ankle diagnoses, including, but not limited to, diabetic foot treatment, advanced foot, and ankle reconstruction, post-traumatic ankle reconstruction, plantar fasciitis, and sports medicine. Dr. Yant continues to use the latest state-of-the-art techniques, such as Platelet Rich Plasma, Stem Cell Injections, ultrasound-guided injections, and advanced wound healing procedures.
Dr. Yant is a Fellow with the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgery and certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He has served as Chief of Podiatry at Memorial Hospital and as a Board Member at many surgical centers. Dr. Yant has also been an attending physician to several residency programs. Presently, he is one of the team physicians for the Jacksonville Sharks of the National Arena Football League. He is also a consulting podiatrist for many colleges, numerous professional teams, and organizations, including the NFL, MLB, and PGA.
Eric Massa, DPM, is certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, and provides care at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, in Tifton, Georgia. He is originally from Southern Illinois, and is proud to call Tifton his home.
Dr. Massa received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, before attending Independence, Ohio's Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, where he graduated with honors.
He later went on to complete a three-year surgical residency at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, earning the title of chief resident. At the end of his training, Dr. Massa became the first podiatrist in Columbus to complete an orthopedic foot and ankle fellowship.
Before joining Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, Dr. Massa was in private practice in Columbus. He's performed thousands of foot and ankle surgeries and was active in podiatric resident training. During his time at Grant Medical Center, Dr. Massa served as an assistant residency director.
Additionally, Dr. Massa was the past president of the American Podiatric Medical Association Central Academy. He is heavily involved in podiatric research, presenting at both state and local levels, and his research has been published in highly regarded podiatric and orthopedic journals.
Dr. Massa has had specialized training in peripheral nerve surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a member of the American Association of Lower Extremity Peripheral Nerve Surgeons, a member of the American Diabetes Association, and a member of the Georgia Podiatric Medical Association.
Dr. Massa and his wife, Kim, have been married for nearly 20 years. Together they have four children: Katie, Meghan, Christian, and William. Outside of the office, Dr. Massa enjoys playing sports, golfing, and fishing.
Erin Dodson, DPM, is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. She treats all aspects of the foot and ankle, with a special interest in sports injuries and diabetic infections. She currently serves the Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC location in Valdosta, Georgia.
Growing up in Valdosta, Dr. Dodson attended Lowndes High School, where she met her husband, Nicholas Dodson, DPM. She earned a basketball scholarship to North Carolina's Elon University, where she was a point guard. Dr. Dodson and her husband later returned to their hometown to complete their undergraduate studies at Valdosta State University in Valdosta.
Shortly after graduation, Dr. Dodson earned her podiatric medicine doctorate from Des Moines University - College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa. She then completed a three-year surgical residency at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Podiatric Medical Association
Dedicated expert podiatrist Gregory Kramer, DPM, enjoys delivering high caliber podiatric services at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, in their locations in Douglas and Fitzgerald, Georgia.
Dr. Kramer is originally from Buffalo, New York, and grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. He graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1986 and completed his doctor of medicine degree at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in North Chicago, Illinois, in 1995.
Dr. Kramer finished a two-year podiatric surgical residency at Westview Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was a member of the residency training committee.
Active in his field, Dr. Kramer is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He's certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Dr. Kramer is on staff at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Georgia, Irwin County Hospital in Ocilla, Georgia, Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald, Georgia, and the Institute for Corrective Surgery of the Foot and Ankle in Douglas, Georgia.
Dr. Kramer spends valuable time educating patients on how to optimize general health and wellness and live a healthier lifestyle. He enjoys seeing patients feel and function better by relieving pain and other symptoms.
Howard Gale, DPM, is certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery with nearly 30 years of professional experience. Born in Syracuse and raised in Buffalo, New York, Dr. Gale now serves the communities of Statesboro and Rincon, Georgia, at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1988, Dr. Gale attended Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in North Chicago, Illinois. Throughout his time in school, he volunteered on the campus ambulance corps as an emergency medical technician, and he served as president of the Student Alumni Chapter before winning the Senior Leadership Award.
Upon graduation, Dr. Gale completed a two-year surgical residency at Trinity Regional Hospital in central Iowa, where he met his wife, Colette.
As a well-known podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Gale is a Diplomate of the American College of Podiatric Surgery and a fellow of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. He has been voted as the local community's Best Podiatrist in the Boro since 2010.
Dr. Gale has also served as the private insurance resource for his colleagues since 2007. He was even voted in as a board member of the Georgia Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Gale is a member of the governing body of the American Podiatric Medical Association and was president of the Georgia Podiatric Medical Association in 2018 and 2019.
Job Titles:
- Foot & Ankle Surgeon / Fellowship
Dr. Rizkalla is a compassionate provider who believes in treating every patient according to their individual needs.
He believes it is essential to maintain a healthy body and mind, so you can understand the importance of getting back on your feet to do the things you love!
Job Titles:
- Foot & Ankle Surgeon / Orange Park, FL
Lauren Thornberry, DPM, retired from the United States Navy, following in the footsteps of her mom and dad, who retired from the Navy. She joined Ankle & Foot Associates full-time on August 2021 at our Hardeeville, SC, location. She is Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. She is dedicated to her profession and is always up-to-date with new techniques and procedures that can benefit the needs of her patients. Dr. Thornberry always has a smile. She takes the time to listen to her patients to diagnose their issues and develop a viable treatment plan accurately.
She is a graduate from North Carolina State University and received her doctorate from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (formerly the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine) in Cleveland, Ohio. She completed her surgical residency at the Baltimore VA Medical Center which included rotations through Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Walter Reed Medical Center and Ft Meade Medical Center. Dr. Thornberry is also a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Dr. Thornberry treats a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, such as bunions, ankle sprains, flat feet, hammertoes, diabetic feet, arthritis, joint disease, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs. Her office also offers fitting for diabetic shoes and custom orthotics.
Dr. Thornberry's main goal is for her patients to live a healthier lifestyle and allow them to get back to their normal daily activities.
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
Compassionate podiatrist Lee Hlad, DPM, believes that all patients deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. He provides exceptional podiatric services for men, women, and children at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, at the Waycross, Georgia location.
Dr. Hlad is originally from upstate New York and earned his bachelor of arts degree from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York. Dr. Hlad moved from his hometown of Lowville - where it's said there are more cows than people - to Harlem, New York City.
Dr. Hlad received his doctor of podiatric medicine degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City. He then completed a three-year surgical residency and extensive training in reconstructive medicine at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio - a level one trauma center where he was a chief resident.
To continue his education, Dr. Hlad finished a one-year pediatric and adult limb lengthening and reconstruction and deformity correction fellowship at The Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Hlad is active in surgical medical missions and often leads groups to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, performing complex reconstructions and training staff and native surgeons.
Recognized for his hard work, Dr. Hlad was named Attending Physician of the Year in 2017 at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. He's authored numerous articles and continues to participate in research.
Dr. Hlad is a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. He's also certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rear foot/Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery. Before joining Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, in 2019, Dr. Hlad was in private practice in Columbus, Ohio, for over six years. He decided to move to Georgia in part due to the brighter and warmer weather.
Dr. Hlad has a special interest in deformity management and correction. He's traveled and spoken around the world on these topics.
Around the country, Dr. Hlad frequently teaches fellow and resident courses and speaks about important podiatric topics, such as pediatric flatfoot, minimally invasive procedures, Charcot reconstruction, external fixation for deformity corrections, and advances in bunion correction. He's certified on a number of total ankle systems, and he's highly skilled in performing minimally invasive podiatric procedures.
Nicholas Dodson, DPM, is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine specializing in trauma and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, in Moultrie, Georgia.
A Valdosta native, Dr. Dodson earned a baseball scholarship to attend Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia, playing on the university's team as a pitcher and third baseman. He later moved and completed his undergraduate education at Valdosta State University in Valdosta.
Dr. Dodson then earned his podiatric medicine doctorate at Des Moines University - College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa. He later completed a three-year surgical residency at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he served as chief resident during his final year.
While Dr. Dodson is highly trained in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery, he has a special interest in trauma, flat foot reconstruction, and diabetes-related foot and ankle conditions.
Nicole Wilson, DPM, is a skillful and knowledgeable podiatrist who offers attentive and personalized care for men, women, and children at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, in their Douglas and Fitzgerald, Georgia locations.
Dr. Wilson is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and earned her bachelor of science in community health sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Champaign County, Illinois, where her education focused on hospital planning and administration and health education.
Dr. Wilson worked in the health field as the director of the Cancer Resource Center at the University of Chicago Hospitals. She was inspired by her patients and her family to become a physician and graduated with her doctor of podiatric medicine degree in 2011 from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (formerly the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine) in Independence, Ohio.
While completing her three-year surgical residency at University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center in Richmond Heights, Ohio, Dr. Wilson had the honor of serving as the chief resident of her program in addition to being named resident of the year in 2013 and 2014.
In 2015, Dr. Wilson completed fellowship training in Advanced Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Wilson has actively published clinical research in numerous journals. She has had the honor of lecturing on various topics in Podiatric Medicine, and is currently a board member of the Georgia Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Wilson is also a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, and is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Wilson has a special interest in diabetic foot and ankle care, foot and ankle reconstructive surgery, total ankle joint replacement, pediatrics, wound care of the lower extremities, and flatfoot. She enjoys the comradery and team spirit of working at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC.
Dr. Wilson is on staff at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Georgia, Irwin County Hospital in Ocilla, Georgia, Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald, Georgia, Bacon County Hospital in Alma, Georgia and the Institute for Corrective Surgery of the Foot and Ankle in Waycross, Georgia.
Dr. Wilson is known by her patients for her compassion and kind, gentle nature. Outside of the office, she enjoys singing meandering melodies, reading, volunteering, and helping others through ministerial work. She spends much of her free time with her beloved husband, Brandon.