Jon T. Fitzgerald: Trained Podiatrist

Jon T. Fitzgerald is a podiatrist who practices in Lake Oswego and Portland, Oregon. Part of the team at Ankle & Foot Clinic of Oregon, Dr. Fitzgerald has built a successful career to date and looks forward to continuing to serve his patients.

Education and Training

A solid educational background is essential for any professional in the medical field. Jon T. Fitzgerald earned his undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, this school allowed him to accumulate the experience and basic knowledge he would need to excel in his graduate studies.

After earning his bachelor of science, Jon T. Fitzgerald went to the California College of Podiatric Medicine. Located in San Francisco, California, this educational institution allowed him to learn the specific conditions and treatments associated with the feet and ankles. Additionally, he built up his research capabilities and developed an understanding of what it means to serve patients through a high degree of knowledge. Upon graduation, he was ranked 27th in his class.

All medical professionals have to complete a residency before they can strike out on their own in the healthcare field. Jon T. Fitzgerald performed his residency in two different places. The first position he held was at Holladay Park Medical Center. After a year of surgical training there, he moved to Legacy Portland Hospital for his final year of residency.

During residency, doctors learn a lot about what it means to practice medicine in their field. During undergraduate and graduate school they are provided with a wide range of information. But during residency they learn how to apply this information in a real world setting. Additionally, the years spent in residency allow doctors to become familiar with how the medical industry works and how to interact and collaborate with colleagues while maintaining a focus on the best interest of patients.

During his education and training, Dr. Fitzgerald was bestowed several honors. He graduated with honors from California College of Podiatric Medicine. In fact, he was on the school’s honors list from 1989 to 1992. Additionally, Dr. Fitzgerald was recognized as part of Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges in 1992.

What Services Do Podiatrists Provide?

Dr. Fitzgerald, as a podiatrist, focuses on treating conditions of the feet and ankles. He performs examinations, creates treatment plans, and then carries out these plans by using a long list of treatment techniques. Ultimately, the services that podiatrists perform fall into five categories: reconstructive surgery, dermatology, sports medicine, preventative care, and podopediatrics, or podiatry for children.

Reconstructive surgery encompasses any surgical procedures that are necessary to address a wide range of conditions. These conditions include bunions, neuromas, and flat feet. Additionally, surgery may prove beneficial in the treatment of hammertoes, heel pain, and conditions that affect the Achilles tendon.

Dermatology is more focused on the outside of the foot, or the skin and the nails. This category within the podiatric practice treats ingrown toenails, wounds, and fungus. Furthermore, it can address warts, athlete’s foot, corns, and calluses.

When providing services pertaining to sports medicine, podiatrists are often dealing with conditions that are common to athletes. These conditions might include Runner’s Syndrome, sports-related injuries, tendon and ligament injuries, shin splints, or the need for custom orthotics.

Preventative care is a very important aspect of a podiatrist’s practice—particularly for geriatric patients or those who suffer from diabetes. Geriatric patients, due to their age and the amount of wear that their feet have experienced, often need more care than younger individuals. Diabetics also have to pay close attention to the health of their feet, as this disease can cause ulcers and other complications that can, in severe cases, lead to amputation. By preventing these conditions, podiatrists can help patients keep their feet and ankles in the best health possible.

Finally, the last category pertains to the care that podiatrists offer to children. The most frequent issues that children have with regard to their feet are flat feet or arches, intoeing, and outtoeing. Additionally, podiatrists perform gait analysis to study the walk of children if necessary.

Jon T. Fitzgerald Calms New Patients, Explains What to Expect

Individuals who are visiting a podiatrist for the first time may find themselves a bit intimidated. However, Dr. Fitzgerald and other podiatric professionals assure them that there is nothing to fear. The best way to prepare for a meeting with a new doctor is to understand what to expect.

At Dr. Fitzgerald’s office, new patients fill out registration and record release forms prior to their appointment. When it is time for their examination, they are brought back into a private exam room. Here, Dr. Fitzgerald assesses their foot or ankle concerns and provides his recommendations for treatment.

Dr. Fitzgerald encourages patients to ask any and all questions that they may have about their condition or his recommended treatment plan. He believes that it is important to build a relationship with healthcare professionals, as it helps them to better understand their patients and assist them in reaching their health-related goals. As such, Dr. Fitzgerald urges patients who are unsure about certain details of their treatment or assessment to speak up, as he is happy to answer any questions they may have.

Despite the fact that they bear the brunt of the day’s activities, the feet are actually very sensitive parts of the body. People may feel embarrassed about their feet, or may feel uncomfortable having another person look at them. In fact, many individuals find the thought of having their feet examined disconcerting. But the truth is that a trained podiatrist can help patients understand the importance of addressing certain podiatric conditions and, in the process, build a trusting professional relationship that will make it easier for patients to open up about their concerns.

Jon T. Fitzgerald believes that, through his podiatric practice, he is able to assist individuals in improving their quality of life. This belief is accurate, as podiatric medicine is essential in helping individuals who suffer from foot- and ankle-related conditions get back into their daily routines and engage in the physical activities that they love, such as golf or running. Podiatrists are able to offer a wide range of support to individuals in need of their care, from surgical procedures to dermatological treatments. As such, the efforts of Jon T. Fitzgerald and other podiatric professionals are highly appreciated by the people whom they benefit.