Dr. Michelle Yoakim is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon with University Foot and Ankle Institute. She earned her medical degree from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, graduating with honors as a member of the Pi Delta Honor Society for academic excellence. She completed her residency at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado, where she served as Chief Resident in her final year. Her training provided comprehensive experience in trauma, pediatric foot disorders, wound care, nerve releases, sports medicine, elective surgery, and advanced reconstructive techniques.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Yoakim has made notable contributions to podiatric research and education. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and case studies, and presented her work at national conferences. Her passion for service extends globally, having participated in surgical missions to the Yucatán, where she screened and treated children with congenital foot deformities and performed reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Yoakim combines her extensive education and specialized training with meticulous attention to detail and a deep commitment to patient care. She is dedicated to creating personalized, patient-centered treatment plans designed to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Yoakim enjoys spending time with her family and pets, traveling, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Education
- UC Riverside, B.S. in Biological Science, 2013
- Midwestern University – Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, DPM, 2021
- North Colorado Medical Center, Residency, 2024
- Newport Advanced Foot and Ankle Surgery, Fellowship, 2025
Board Certifications
- ABFAS® Board Qualified in Foot Surgery
- ABFAS® Board Qualified in Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (RRA)
Awards
- ACFAS 2024 Student, Resident, Post Grad Fellow Poster/Manuscript Support
- ACFAS/Zimmer Biomet Resident Scholarship Award (2023)
- Pi Delta Podiatric Honor Society (2021)
- Kaiser NCAL Podiatry Student Extern Travel Stipend Award (2020)
- MWU Spirit of Service Scholarship (2020)
- William F. Todd, DPM Biomechanics/Sports Medicine, Student Initiated Research Scholarship (2020)
- MWU College of Health Sciences Travel Scholarship (2020)
- CSUEB Merit Award (2014 & 2015)
- UCR Commencement Speaker – College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences (2013)
- UCR Undergraduate Research/Creative Activity Mini-Award (2013)
- UCR Dean’s List
Presentations List
- Rare Presentation of Subungual Exostosis Mimicking Pyogenic Granuloma of the Hallux: A Case Report (2025 APMA)
- Primary Fusion Following Traumatic Pilon Fracture: A Case Report (2025 ACFAS ASC)
- Repair of Traumatic Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendon Rupture by Stingray Injury: A Case Report (2025 ACFAS ASC)
- Management and Outcome Following Reimplantation of a Posterior Total Talus Extrusion: A Case Report (2025 ACFAS ASC)
- Midfoot Charcot Reconstruction Utilizing A 3D Custom Implant: A Case Report (2025 ACFAS ASC)
- 3D Printed Titanium Trusses for Arthrodesis Procedures in Foot & Ankle Surgery (2024 OC Podiatric Medical Association)
- Examining Initial Results of a Novel Approach to PIP Joint Arthrodesis: A Case Study (2024 APMA)
- Outcomes Following Repair of Tibial Nerve Transection from TAA: A Case Report (2024 ACFAS ASC)
- Additional earlier presentations (2018–2022), available upon request
Publications List
- Full publication list available upon request or via ACFAS Scientific Literature Review Archive