The newest form of regenerative medicine is amniotic-derived fluid or growth factor injections. This type of injection is one of the most promising and safe alternatives to managing chronic foot pain caused by injury, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, neuropathy or even residual pain from prior surgery. “This therapy stimulates the body’s own natural healing process to repair chronically damaged tissue,” explains Zang. “This is exciting because patients who’ve been living with foot pain who have had treatment that didn’t work, now have a chance of feeling better.”

Dr. Zang started practicing in Mesa, Arizona in 1970. He recently joined Comprehensive Integrated Care as the podiatric medical director of its foot and ankle division. He is Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and Chairman of Axolotl Biologix’s Medical Advisory Board.

An innovator in his field, he has recently developed a new, non-surgical treatment protocol for neuropathy of the feet. He has designed implants and surgical devices that are currently being used by surgeons across the country. Dr. Zang is also the co-author of several papers, including a placebo-controlled randomized study on Low-Level Laster Therapy at 635nm for Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis published in The Journal of Foot and Ankle surgery.

Respected among physicians for his unique diagnostic skills, he is often consulted on complicated and challenging cases. During his years in practice, he has learned that one of the more important aspects of treating patients is listening.

PUBLICATIONS

Zang, Kerry, Robert Sullivan, and Steven Shanks. “A Retrospective Study of Non-Thermal Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Toenail Onychomycosis.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 10.5 (2017): 24–30. Print., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5479474/.

Zang, Kerry, et al. “Low-Level Laser Therapy at 635 Nm for Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study.” The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery, vol. 54, no. 5, 2015, pp. 768–772., www.jfas.org/article/S1067-2516(14)00642-5/pdf.

Heuser, Richard R, Kerry Zang, and Arthur Mollen. “A Step Forward: The Use of the CrossLock Catheter in a Patient with Critical Limb Ischemia and a Popliteal Occlusion.” Journal of Invasive Cardiology, 30 Dec. 2015, www.invasivecardiology.com/articles/step-forward-use-crosslock-catheter-patient-critical-limb-ischemia-and-popliteal-occlusion.

Zang, K., DPM, Kroleski, J., DPM, Askari, S., DPM, & Kaner, S., DPM. (2011, May 26). “Can Low-Level Laser Therapy Have an Impact For Small Fiber Neuropathy?”, www.podiatrytoday.com/can-low-level-laser-therapy-treat-diabetic-peripheral-neuropathy.

Zang K, and Hayes D. Diabetic small fiber neuropathy: modern assessment and disease-modifying therapy. Podiatry Today. 2009; 11(Supp):1-12.

Zang, Kerry. “An Alternative Approach to Plantar Plate Derangement.” Podiatry Today, vol. 19, no. 10, Oct. 2006, pp. 72–75., www.podiatrytoday.com/article/6185.

Zang, Kerry, et al. “First Metatarsal Pathology: Can an Implant Provide A Long-Term Solution?” Podiatry Today, vol. 19, no. 3, Mar. 2003, www.podiatrytoday.com/article/5250.

“Laser Treatment of Hypertrophic Synovitis.” Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, by Kerry Zang, 3rd ed., vol. 9, Elsevier, 1992, pp. 749–761.

Zang, Kerry. “Laser Overview.” The Journal of Current Podiatric Medicine, vol. 35, no. 4, Apr. 1986, pp. 22–27.

Co-Author: “Classification of Osteomyelitis and Case History.” Archives of Podiatric Medicine and Foot Surgery, vol. 4, no. 2, 1977, pp. 37-51.

Zang, Kerry, et al. “Tests Used in the Determination of Peripheral Arterial Disease.” Current Podiatry, Aug. 1969, pp. 14-15.

Locke, Raymond, and Kerry Zang. “Controlled Intra-lesions Deposition of a Sclerotic in Verruca Therapy.” The Journal of the American Podiatry Association, vol. 59, no. 10, Oct. 1969, pp. 377–384., onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-4362. 1970.tb04742.x.

RECENT STUDIES

Zang, Kerry, Principal Investigator. “Study of Low-Level Laser Light Therapy to Improve Blood Circulation in People with Chronic Heel Pain.” Full Text View – ClinicalTrials.gov, clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01882725.

Zang, Kerry and Michael Coughlin, Principal Investigators. “Study of Low-Level Laser Therapy to Treat Chronic Heel Pain Arising from Plantar Fasciitis.” Full Text View – ClinicalTrials.gov, clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01835743.

PATENTS

EDUCATION

• Doctorate Podiatric Medicine

New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, NY, 1969

• Bachelor of Science

Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford, NJ, 1965

RESIDENCY

• Luke’s and Children’s Hospital (Currently James Giufre Medical Center) Philadelphia, PA, 1969 – 1970

CERTIFICATIONS

• Board Certified – American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, 1983
• Board Certified – American Board of Podiatric Surgery, August 1976

MEMBERSHIPS

• Member, Arizona Podiatric Medical Association
• Member, American Podiatric Medical Association
• Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Often, patients are given medication to address their symptoms rather than to diagnose what is creating the problem. Through diagnostic technology we can identify why patients are experiencing the symptoms and often correct the why.

For many patients, these symptoms may be due to poor circulation. There are new diagnostic techniques that are now in use to learn if there are blockages in the blood vessels below the ankle. “Discovering this condition can be life changing,” explains Askari. “If you’re not finding relief with your current treatment, it’s important to know other potentially more effective options may be available.”

Dr. Askari graduated from the College of Podiatric Medicine, Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and completed his residency at St Luke’s Medical Center in Phoenix, under the directorship of Kerry Zang, DPM. Dr. Zang was so impressed with his abilities and compassion, he asked him to move his family to Arizona and join Arizona Institute of Footcare Physicians. They have worked together since 2005.

He recently lectured at the Superbones Superwounds East Conference in New Jersey on “Regenerative Medicine Therapy in a Clinical Setting.” Dr Askari is also the co-author of “Low-Level Laser Therapy’s Impact on Small Fiber Neuropathy,” published on podiatrytoday.com.

Dr. Askari joined CiC Foot & Ankle in April. He is excited to be part of a compassionate team committed to giving patients the highest-quality care possible. In addition to specializing in rheumatoid reconstructive foot surgery, he also treats conditions ranging from bunions, hammertoes and ulcers to ingrown nails, heel pain, and ankle sprains.

PUBLICATIONS

Zang, K., DPM, Kroleski, J., DPM, Askari, S., DPM, & Kaner, S., DPM. (2011, May 26). “Can Low-Level Laser Therapy Have an Impact for Small Fiber Neuropathy?”, www.podiatrytoday.com/can-low-level-laser-therapy-treat-diabetic-peripheral-neuropathy.

PRESENTATIONS

Superbones Superwounds East Conference, April 6 – 8, 2018, Teaneck, NJ, Regenerative Medicine Therapy in a Clinical Setting.

 World Congress of Podiatry, October 17 – 19, 2013, Rome, Italy, Biomechanics: Diagnosing & Treating Biomechanical Conditions and Surgical Techniques for Foot Deformities.

American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeon – Division IV Seminar, October 8-10, 2010, Scottsdale, AZ, New Modalities in Treatment of Small Fiber Neuropathy.

EDUCATION

• Doctorate Podiatric Medicine

Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 1997

• Bachelor of Science

University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 1992

RESIDENCY

• Luke’s Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, St. Luke’s Medical Center Surgical Residency (PSR-12) Phoenix, AZ, 2004 – 2005.
• Neumann Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, Primary Podiatric Medical Residency, (PPMR) Philadelphia, PA, 1997 – 1998.

LICENSURES:

• Arizona, Issued 2008
• California, Issued 2007

LANGUAGES

• English
• Farsi
• German

MEMBERSHIPS

• Member, Arizona Podiatric Medical Association
• Member, American Podiatric Medical Association

 Inspired by treating multiple metal allergic patients while having his own nickel allergy, Dr. Schulman researched and developed an implant made from human cadaver bone for patients needing a bunionectomy, hammertoe correction or fracture repair. This implant holds bones together in a way that over time it completely becomes part of their own bone.

 This implant option lowers the possibility for a second surgery. “Having a metal implant may potentially cause problems like an allergic reaction or rejection,” explains Schulman. “I believe it’s a more natural solution that will give the best outcome because it’s material your body already knows.”

Dr. Schulman earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the prestigious Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois in 1997. He completed his residency training as Chief Podiatric Surgical Resident at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Phoenix, under the guidance of Dr. Kerry Zang. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

In April 2019, he joined CiC Foot & Ankle in Sun City. Dr. Schulman is excited to be part of team of interventional radiologists and vein specialists who are trained to treat the underlying vascular issues faced by those living with neuropathy and diabetes. Prior to that he was with Arizona Institute of Footcare Physicians in Mesa and Phoenix.

Dr. Schulman takes care of foot problems affecting both children and adults, from surgically correcting a wide range of foot deformities to non-surgical conservative care utilizing advanced regenerative medicine techniques. He also provides care for people living with diabetes, ingrown nails and non-healing wounds. To learn more, www.linkedin.com/in/dr-daniel-schulman-90970a6/.

PATENTS

TRADEMARKS

EDUCATION

• Doctorate Podiatric Medicine

William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Chicago, IL, 1997

• Bachelor of Arts, Biochemistry

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 1992

RESIDENCY

• Chief Podiatric Surgical Resident, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, St. Luke’s Medical Center Surgical Residency (PSR-12) Phoenix, AZ, 1998-1999
• Primary Podiatric Medical Residency, Illinois Masonic Medical Center Chicago, IL, 1997-1998

CERTIFICATIONS

• Board Certified – American Board of Podiatric Surgery, September 2002 

MEMBERSHIPS

• Member, Arizona Podiatric Medical Association
• Member, American Podiatric Medical Association
• Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

A leader in the field, Dr. Kaplan has served on the Arizona State Board of Podiatric Examiners for over 25 years as President and Board Member. In addition to his years of service on the podiatric medical board, he has also held positions as President, Officer and Board Member with the Arizona Podiatric Medical Association and was a Board Member with the International College of Podiatric Laser Surgery.

Over the past 40 years, he has taken care of a range of foot problems, from bunions and hammertoes to ingrown nails and ankle sprains. He believes that proper treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root cause of the issue and creating an appropriate treatment plan to address those causes. Being a well prepared physician allows him to provide the best care for his patients.

Publications

Kaplan, Barry. “Carbon Dioxide Laser in Podiatric Medicine.” Clinics in Podiatry, Saunders, 1985.

Kaplan, Barry. “Use of Calnan-Nicholle Joint Implants for the Lesser Metatarsals.” Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Volume 66: Pages 165-172, 1976

Education

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York

Residency

Ohio Foot Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio

Certifications

American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery

Memberships

American Podiatric Medical Association

Arizona Podiatric Medical Association

Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgeons

International College of Podiatry Laser Surgery

“Carbon Dioxide Laser in Podiatric Medicine”, Clinics in Podiatry, Saunders, 1985

“Use of Calnan-Nicholle Joint Implants for the Lesser Metatarsals”, The Journal of Podiatric Medicine, 1975

She began her career in 2002 at Arizona Institute of Footcare Physicians, and continues to work with many of those same colleagues at CiC Foot & Ankle. As part of the medical team at CiC she will be able to continue to offer the highest quality of footcare care to her patients, while working with endovascular and vein specialists. This team approach will help improve her patients’ overall quality of life.

Dr. Leach knows each patient is unique and her patients appreciate the time she takes to thoroughly evaluate each condition and develop an individualized care plan. She treats a range of foot problems affecting both children and adults, including: bunions, hammertoes, ingrown nails, and ankle sprains with an additional focus on proper foot care for those living with diabetes. She believes that foot health is essential for overall wellness and is a key to staying active.

Education

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Barry University

Miami Shores, Florida, April 2001

Residency

Phoenix St. Lukes Medical Center, PSR -24

July 2001 – July 2003

Work History

CiC Foot & Ankle, Gilbert, Arizona, September, 2019

Arizona Institute of Footcare Physicians, Mesa, Arizona, 2001 – 2019

Dr. Weiss became interested in podiatry after dealing with his own sports injuries. He earned his degree from California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1994 and completed a two-year residency training program. He started his career at Arizona Institute of Footcare Physicians, before opening West Valley Foot & Ankle in Sun City West. He earned his board certification through the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery. Dr. Weiss in on staff at Banner Del E Webb Medical Center.

Education

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, California College of Podiatric Medicine

San Francisco, California, 1994

Residency

California College of Podiatric Medicine–One-year Surgical residency

July 1995-June 1996

California College of Podiatric Medicine–One-year Rotating residency

July 1994-June 1995

Certification

American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery

Work History

CiC Foot & Ankle, Sun City, Arizona

West Valley Foot & Ankle, Sun City West, Arizona

Arizona Institute of Footcare Physicians, Mesa, Arizona

She graduated from Western University of Health Sciences, in Pomona, California. Dr. Perry received her residency training at Englewood Hospital, in New Jersey, and served as Chief Resident of Clinical Education her last year there. She then went on to complete a Fellowship program at Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Dr. Perry was the recipient of a WICHE PSEP Scholarship. As part of the award, she has committed to caring for underserved communities in Northern Arizona. “It’s so important to be connected to the community,” says Dr. Perry. “One of my goals is to help provide good footwear to those who are not able to buy a sturdy pair of shoes. I’ve worked on drives in the past and the look on people’s faces when they get a pair of good shoes is pure joy…that’s health, that matters.”

As part of the CiC team, Dr. Perry works closely with specialists in interventional radiology, cardiology, and phlebology. This team approach leads to improved outcomes and better lifestyles for patients.

PUBLICATIONS

Perry, D., DPM, Yuan, J., DPM, and Demoleas, S., DPM. When a patient with multiple comorbidities has excessive bleeding from a nodular lesion and ulceration on her left fourth toe. Podiatry Today; 2019:32(10).

Pappalardo, J., DPM, Perry, D., BS, Armstrong, D. G., DPM, PhD, MD. A 10-Step Guide To Applying Split Thickness Skin Grafts. Podiatry Today; 2013:26(3).

Braun, J. D., Trinidad-Hernandez, M., Perry, D., Armstrong, D. G., & Mills, J. L. Early quantitative evaluation of indocyanine green angiography in patients with critical limb ischemia. Journal of Vascular Surgery; 2013:57(5).

Perry, D., Bharara, M., Armstrong, D. G., & Mills, J. Intraoperative fluorescence vascular angiography: during tibial bypass. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology; 2012:6(1), 204-208.

Lepow, B., Perry, D., & Armstrong, D. The use of SPY intra-operative vascular angiography as a predictor of wound healing. Podiatry Management; 2011:8, 141-148.

RESEARCH

COVID-19 and the Art of Proning: A Multi-disciplinary Proning Protocol for Improved ICU Patient Mortality 2020

The Application of Antibiotic Eluting Tricalcium-phosphate Bone Substitute After Partial Metatarsal Resection to Prevent Re-ulceration and Osteomyelitis Recurrence (in process) 2019-2020

Steven Johnson’s Syndrome in a Podiatric Patient: A Case Study, presented at Poster Session at Englewood Hospital 2019

Balloon Angioplasty with Thrombolysis to Treat Chronic Venous Ulceration, presented at American Venous Forum Spring Convention 2018

EDUCATION

Doctorate Podiatric Medicine

Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, 2017

Bachelor of Science

University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 2004

RESIDENCY

Surgical Podiatry Faculty (Fellow), Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 2020 – 2021.
Chief Resident, Clinical Education Englewood Hospital, Englewood, New Jersey 2019 – 2020.
Resident, Englewood Hospital, Englewood, New Jersey, 2017 – 2020.

LANGUAGES
English
Spanish

He is pleased to be part of the medical team at Comprehensive Integrated Care (CiC). “Medicine is not linear and being a part of a multi-specialty practice will allow me to gain additional insight on how to best treat my patients with the upmost care while taking a ‘whole person’ approach. I am truly honored to join a compassionate and patient oriented group of health care professionals,” says Dr. Gillihan.

He values the relationship that develops between patient and doctor. “One of the most humbling parts about being a physician is the ability to build a strong rapport with people trust my guidance and care of their health,” he says. “For many of my patients their treatment can be life altering and working together as a team is crucial towards reaching positive, obtainable long-term outcomes.”

Dr. Gillihan moved to Arizona in 2018 with his wife and four children. When not taking care of his patients, he enjoys spending time traveling and hiking with his family.

Education
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Barry University School of Medicine & Surgery, Florida, 2013
Masters, Biochemistry Cell Molecular Biology, Binghampton University, New York, 2007
Bachelors of Science, Albany University, New York, 2005
Associate in Science, Broome Community College, New York, 2003

Residency
Yale New Haven Health at Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, Connecticut 2015 – 2018

Research and Publications
Epidermal Skin Graft for the Treatment of Post-Surgical Wounds in High Risk Patients, Yale New Haven at Bridgeport, CT, Ceaser, Irby, Gillihan, P

Treatment and use of Bone Matrix Putty for Osteochondral Tumors of the Foot, Yale New Haven at Bridgeport, CT, McGinness, Kristen, Gillihan, P

Calcaneal Fractures and Incidence in Diabetic Populations, Barry University School of Medicine & Surgery, Miami, FL, Singh, Bibi, Gillihan, P

Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures can be Treated both Surgically and Conservatively, Barry University School of Medicine & Surgery, Miami, FL, Buchman, Jacqueline, Gillihan, P

West Nile Virus Research, Binghampton University, Binghampton NY, Shepherd, Julian, Gillihan, P

His focus is on the correction of the underlying pathology as a way to relieve painful symptoms. Dr. Gifford has a special interest in regenerative medicine and believes that early detection and treatment is the key to better outcomes. It’s his goal to get his patients back to their everyday activities as soon as possible.

Dr. Gifford is looking forward to becoming an active member of the medical community in Yuma. “As an Arizona native, I am very excited to work and live in the Yuma. I hope my passion and skills in podiatric medicine will be a valued addition,” says Dr. Gifford. “My family is also excited for the new opportunities and adventure that awaits us.”

Education
College of Podiatric Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences — Pomona, California
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), 2009-2014 (Second Graduating Class)

Arizona State University — Tempe, Arizona
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies: Business & Biology, 2005-2007

Mesa Community College — Mesa, Arizona
Pre-Medical Course Work, 2003-2005

Residency
Winthrop University Hospital – Mineola, New York
Comprehensive training in foot and ankle surgery, July 2014 – 2017

Certifications
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Certification, 2015
Advanced Cardiac Life Support, American Heart Association
Basic Life Support, American Heart Association

Memberships
American Podiatric Medical Association
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons