Podiatric Medicine & Surgery

The Gundersen Health System Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency is a three-year program leading to eligibility for certification examination by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. The program is accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (PMSR/RRA)-36, and in 2010 was approved to accept two residents per year.

Our residency blends inpatient and outpatient experiences to more closely resemble the practice of podiatric foot and ankle surgeons. It also offers both primary care and tertiary care opportunities in a very busy practice. Residents see the routine and more unusual cases in the clinic, hospital and in surgery to gain extensive hands-on experiences from day one. Residents have opportunities to teach students who extern at our program.

The Podiatric Medicine and Surgery department is staffed by board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeons who provide care through nearly 20,000 patient visits in clinic practice and approximately 750 surgical patients per year.

Benefits information

Exceptional certification record

Our exceptional record of 100% of our graduates passing the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery certification exams on their first attempt reflects our faculty's commitment to teaching. Our focus is to train podiatric foot and ankle surgeons who are excellent clinicians and understand the basic science behind surgical procedures. Most of our graduated residents go on to group practices, including clinics with collaborating podiatric and medical specialists. Some of our residents have gone on to foot and ankle fellowships in reconstructive rear-foot procedures

Experience gained

During the three years program, residents rotate through many departments and gain experience with departments including:

Internal Medicine
Anesthesia
Rheumatology
Behavioral Health
Radiology
Infectious Disease
General and Vascular Surgery
Emergency Medicine
Dermatology
Pathology
Endocrinology
Sports Medicine
Plastic Surgery

Residents report to, and work closely with, the staff physician in charge of each teaching service and the other interns and residents, creating a nurturing teaching atmosphere. Residents also rotate through orthopedics, orthopedic trauma and pediatric orthopedics.

Research

Our podiatric foot and ankle surgeons are also interested in clinical research. Residents are expected to publish in a peer-reviewed journal during their residency. We view these requirements as important to developing skills in using medical literature and in creating a desire to find answers to problems that podiatric surgeons experience in practice. We provide the support residents need to do research and publishing and give them full credit for work they do as first author or co-author of these papers.

Research: Recent Publications

Cifaldi A. Commentary on "Arthroscopic Subtalar Arthrodesis: Does the Type of Fixation Modify Outcomes?" Foot & Ankle Quarterly; Arthrodesis Procedures of the Foot. 2019 Spring;30(1):54-57.

Barton E, Cifaldi A, Roukis T. Emerging Insights on Arthroscopic Subtalar Fusion. Podiatry Today 2019 April;32(4):32-38. https://www.podiatrytoday.com/emerging-insights-arthroscopic-subtalar-fusion)

Thompson MJ, Roukis TS. Osteochondral Lesions of the Talar Dome. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2020;37(3):533-551.

Iceman K, Magnus MK, Thompson MJ, Abicht BP. Peroneus Tertius Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Anterolateral Ankle and Rearfoot Pain. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2020;59(1):131-135.

Thompson MJ, Roukis TS. Management of Calcaneal Fracture Malunion with Bone Block Distraction Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2019;36(2):307-321.

Thompson M.J.,DPM Roukis T.S., DPM, PhD, Practice Pearls on Revising a Failed Hallux Hemi-Implant Arthroplasty. Podiatry Today. Vol 31 (12) December 10, 2018

Barton EB. Commentary on: "Combined Subtalar and Naviculocuneiform Arthrodesis for Treating Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity with Medial Arch Collapse at the Level of the Naviculocuneiform Joint." Foot and Ankle Quarterly Vol 30 (1) 2019.

Barton EB, Cifaldi AJ, Roukis TS. Emerging Insight on Arthroscopic Subtalar Fusion. Podiatry Today Vol 32 (4) 04/26/2019.

Research: Recent Poster Presentations

A Novel Technique Utilizing a Fibular Strut Allograft for Reconstructive Midfoot Fusion Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2020

A Rare Case of Aggressive Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma of the Dorsal Foot Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2020

A Rare Case of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans in the Lower Extremity Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2020

Arthroscopic Treatment of Synovial Osteochondromatosis of the Ankle: A Case Series Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2020

A Novel Technique Utilizing a Fibular Strut Allograft for Reconstructive Midfoot Fusion Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2020

A Rare Case of Aggressive Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma of the Dorsal Foot Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2020

A Rare Case of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans in the Lower Extremity Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2020

Management of Calcaneal Fracture Malunion with Bone Block Distraction Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Oral Manuscript, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2019

Revision of a Failed Great Toe Hemi-implant Arthroplasty to a Two Component Total Joint Prosthesis: Two Cases Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2019

A Rare Case of a Displaced, Intra-articular Calcaneal Fracture with Middle Facet Talo-calcaneal Coalition Treated with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2019

Severe Ankle Varus with Chronic Complete Rupture of Both Peroneal Tendons Treated with a Fixed-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement and Free Semitendinosus Tendon Allograft Modified Evans Lateral Ankle Reconstruction Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2019

Peroneus Tertius Syndrome: A Case Series Describing a Rare Cause of Anterolateral Ankle Pain Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2018

Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Foot: A Rare Soft Tissue Malignancy Poster Presentation, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Scientific Conference, 2018

Barton EB, Tokarski AR, Elliott AD. Radiographic Comparison of Partial Versus Complete Second Digit Amputation. Poster presentation - ACFAS National Conference 02/2019.

Cifaldi AJ, Barton EB, Abicht BP. Arthroscopic Treatment of Synovial Osteochondromatosis of the Ankle: A Case Series. Poster presentation - ACFAS National Conference 02/2019

Barton EB, Cifaldi AJ, Tokarski AR, Sieloff MR. Emergency Room Podiatry. Lecture to Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant Fellows. La Crosse WI 01/2020.

Barton EB, Abicht BP, Fuerbringer BA. Limb and Life Salvage in a Case of Necrotizing Fasciitis Complicated by History of Gout. Poster presentation Desert Foot, Phoenix, AZ 12/2019. Third Place Prize in Resident Category.

Barton EB, Cifaldi AJ. Foot & Ankle Examination and Common Pathology. Lecture at Family Medicine Residency Orthopedics Day, La Crosse, WI 04/2019.

Magnus MK, Barton EB, Elliott AD. The Incidence of Heel Ulcerations Following Percutaneous Tendo-Achilles Lengthening for the Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathic Forefoot Ulcerations: A Systematic Review. Poster presentation - ACFAS National Conference 02/2019.

Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Foot: A Rare Soft Tissue Malignancy; Institutional Scientific Poster Presentation, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 76th Annual Scientific Conference, Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 March – 25 March 2018.

Hindfoot Endoscopy for Treatment of Posterior-Medial Calcific Tendinosis and Posterior Impingement; Institutional Scientific Poster Presentation, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 76th Annual Scientific Conference, Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 March – 25 March 2018.

Transmetatarsal Amputation for First Ray Ulceration or Osteomyelitis: A Definitive Procedure; Institutional Scientific Poster Presentation, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 76th Annual Scientific Conference, Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 March – 25 March 2018.

Peroneus Tertius Synrome: A Case Series Describing a Rare Cause of Anterolateral Ankle Pain; Institutional Scientific Poster Presentation, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 76th Annual Scientific Conference, Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee, 22 March – 25 March 2018.

Barton EB, Hjelm LR, Feilmeier M. Prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Patients with Plantar Heel Pain. Poster presentation - APMA National Conference 07/2017.

McClinton SM, Barton EB. The Role of Patient Expectations on Plantar Heel Pain Treatment Outcomes. Poster presentation - Des Moines University Research Symposium 12/2015. Oral presentation - Summer Research Symposium 07/2015.

Oral Manuscript Presentations

Honorable Mention Manuscript Award of Excellence: "Sagittal Ankle and Midfoot Range of Motion Before and After Revision Total Ankle Replacement: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis," American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 75th Annual Scientific Conference, Mirage Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, 27 February – 2 March 2017.

"Hindfoot endoscopy for posterior ankle impingement syndrome: Is there a correlation between radiographs or physical exam with intraoperative findings?" American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 75th Annual Scientific Conference, Mirage Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, 27 February – 2 March 2017.

"Total Ankle Replacement Survival Rates Based on Kaplan - Meier Survival Analysis of National Joint Registry Datam," Institutional Scientific Poster Presentation, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 74th Annual Scientific Conference, Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX 11-14 February 2016.

"Intraoperative Radiation Exposure During Revision Total Ankle Replacement," Institutional Scientific Poster Presentation, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 74th Annual Scientific Conference, Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX 11-14 February 2016.

"Incidence of Revision Following Primary Implantation of the Salto Mobile Version® and Salto Talaris™ Total Ankle Prostheses: A Systematic Review," American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 73rd Annual Scientific Conference, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ 18-22 February 2015

"Incidence of Complications During the Surgeon Learning Curve Period for Primary Total Ankle Replacement: A Systematic Review," American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 73rd Annual Scientific Conference, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ 18-22 February 2015

"Incidence of Complications During Initial Experience with Revision of the Agility™ and Agility™ LP Total Ankle Replacement Systems: A Single Surgeon's Learning Curve Experience," American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 73rd Annual Scientific Conference, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ 18-22 February 2015

"Arthroscopic Synovectomy, Irrigation and Débridement for the Treatment of Septic Ankle Arthrosis: A Systematic Review and Case Series", American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 72nd Annual Scientific Conference, Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, Orlando, FL 27 February-2 March 2014

"Tibio-talo-calcaneal Arthrodesis with Retrograde Intramedullary Compression Nail Fixation for Salvage of Failed Total Ankle Replacement: A Systematic Review", American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 71stAnnual Scientific Conference, Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV 11 February 2013

"Incidence of Re-amputation Following Partial First Ray Amputation Associated with Diabetes Mellitus and Peripheral Neuropathy: A Nine-year Retrospective Review", American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 71st Annual Scientific Conference, Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV 12 February 2013

"Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Débridement and Microfracture for the Primary Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talar Dome: A Systematic Review", American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 71st Annual Scientific Conference, Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV 12 February 2013

"Incidence of Non-union Following Isolated Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review," American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 71st Annual Scientific Conference, Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV 12 February 2013

"Publication Rates of Poster Presentations at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Annual Scientific Conference between 1999 and 2008", American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 70th Annual Scientific Conference, San Antonio Convention Center, San Antonio, TX 2 March 2012

First Place Manuscript Award of Excellence: "A Prospective Comparison of Clinical, Radiographic and Intra-Operative Features of Hallux Rigidus: Long-Term Follow-Up and Analysis", Institutional Scientific Poster Presentation, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 74th Annual Scientific Conference, Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX 11-14 February 2016

"Incidence of Revision Following Primary Insertion of the STAR™ Implant: A Systematic Review," American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 71st Annual Scientific Conference, Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV 11 February 2013

Second Place Manuscript Award of Excellence: "Registry Data Trends of Total Ankle Replacement Use," American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 72nd Annual Scientific Conference, Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, Orlando, FL 27 February-2 March 2014

"Total Ankle Replacement Survival Rates Based on Kaplan - Meier Survival Analysis of National Joint Registry Data," Institutional Scientific Poster Presentation, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 74th Annual Scientific Conference, Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX 11-14 February 2016.