Program summary / training goals
The Fellowship at the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute is longest established (34 Fellows) and one of the premier foot & ankle surgical fellowships in the United States, designed to enhance and refine the skills of residency-trained podiatric surgeons. Under the guidance of Fellowship Director Jonathan L. Hook, DPM, MHA, FACFAS, and Weil Foot & Ankle Institute CEO Lowell Weil Jr., DPM, MBA, FACFAS, fellows are exposed to all aspects of foot & ankle surgery — including forefoot, hindfoot, and ankle reconstruction, total ankle replacement, Charcot foot reconstruction, sports medicine, and trauma. Fellows are also heavily involved in clinical decision-making, post-operative management, foot & ankle research, practice management and how to be successful in private practice.
Number of positions
- 1 or 2
Duration
- 1 Year (August 1 – July 31)
Application deadline
- August 1
Stipend
- $60,000/year with benefits
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Malpractice Insurance
- Attending either ACFAS Annual Meeting (Fully paid)
Requirements
- Completion of High Level Surgical Residency
- Illinois Licensure – prior to beginning
Sugical Procedures
Foot and Ankle Reconstruction
Ankle Fracture
Meet the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute Fellows
Amer Rifai, DPM
Dr. Amer Rifai is a podiatric physician and this year’s Fellow with Weil Foot & Ankle Institute.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Elmhurst College in 2019 before receiving his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in 2023. Dr. Rifai completed his residency at Loyola University Medical Center in 2026, where he received comprehensive training in both conservative and surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions.
Dr. Rifai provides comprehensive foot and ankle care with expertise in both conservative and surgical treatment. His clinical interests include minimally invasive surgery, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, bunion correction, diabetic foot care, Charcot reconstruction, pediatric foot conditions, total ankle replacement, trauma care, wound management, and revision surgery. He is committed to delivering individualized, evidence-based care that helps patients restore mobility, relieve pain, and return to their daily activities with confidence. His research interests in complex foot pathology and pediatric foot conditions further reflect his commitment to advancing patient care.
Outside of work, Dr. Rifai enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, and discovering local hidden-gem restaurants. Dr. Rifai supports patients in English and Arabic.
Education
- Elmhurst College — B.S. Biology, 2019
- Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery — Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, 2023
- Loyola University Medical Center — Residency, 2026
Certifications
- ABFAS® Board Qualified Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (RRA)
Hospital Affiliations
- Advocate Lutheran Hospital
- Elmhurst Hospital
- MacNeal Hospital
- Greater Chicago Surgery Center
- North Suburban Pain and Spine Surgery Center
- Illinois Bone and Spine Institute
Publications
- Rifai ZJ, Faiek S, Rifai AJ, Bakir MH. Endobronchial Mycobacterium avium Complex and Palisaded Neutrophilic Granulomatous Dermatitis Discovered Amidst IRIS: A Case Report. CHEST. Accepted for publication, June 2024.
Presentations
- Pediatric Pedal Bilateral Abductor Hallucis Tendon Transfer and Excision of Longitudinal Epiphyseal Brackets – ACFAS Poster Presentation.
- Pediatric Pigmented Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (Bednar Tumor) in the Foot – ACFAS Poster Presentation.
- Pediatric Medial Calcaneal Neuritis Following Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Lengthening – ACFAS Poster Presentation.
Donovan Perry, DPM
Dr. Donovan Perry is a podiatrist with Weil Foot & Ankle Institute and is the WFAI Fellow for the 2025-2026 Year.
He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry from North Central College in 2017. He completed his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2022. Dr. Perry completed his residency at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital in 2025.
Dr. Perry is board-qualified by ABFAS® in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (RRA). He offers comprehensive foot and ankle care, with a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, sports medicine, and reconstructive procedures. He is experienced in managing bunions, trauma, diabetic foot conditions, wounds, and complex rearfoot and ankle deformities using advanced techniques, including Lapiplasty®, TAR, and regenerative treatments.
Dr. Perry’s hobbies include running, functional strength training, and traveling.
Education
• North Central College, B.S. in Biology and Chemistry, 2017
• Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, DPM, 2022
• HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, Residency, 2025
Board Certifications
• ABFAS® Board Qualified in Foot Surgery
• ABFAS® Board Qualified in Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (RRA)
Awards
• SAM Conference Oral Presentation (1st Place), 2025
• SAM Conference Poster Presentation (5th Place), 2024
Presentations List
• Tibial Cortex Transport: A Lifeline to Limb Salvage
• Hypertrophic Tendinopathy After Haglund’s Resection and Secondary Repair of Achilles Tendon
• Word to the Weiss: Talo-Naviculo-Cuneiform Arthrodesis for AVN of the Navicular
Hector Santiago, DPM
Dr. Hector Santiago is a native of Lakeland, Florida, and a fellow physician with Weil Foot & Ankle Institute.
Dr. Santiago earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida. He pursued his medical education at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami. There he was elected as the National Alternate Delegate for the American Podiatric Medical Student Association (APMSA), playing a pivotal role in expanding the field of podiatry through various committees.
Before commencing his Fellowship at Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, Dr. Santiago completed his residency at Baptist Health Bethesda East Hospital in Boynton Beach, FL, where he served as Chief Resident during his third year. His residency was marked by active participation in research, leading to first place recognition at the Florida Podiatric Medical Association’s Annual SAM Conference for his research presentation on the topic of Total Ankle Replacements.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Santiago has a passion for traveling to explore diverse cultures, enjoys spending time with friends and family, and following Formula 1 and hockey.
Dr. Santiago supports his patients in both English and Spanish.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of South Florida
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine – Miami, FL
- Residency at Baptist Health Bethesda East Hospital – Boynton Beach, FL
- Fellowship in Reconstructive Rearfoot and Trauma at Weil Foot & Ankle Institute
Kristina Corley DPM
Dr. Kristina Corley is originally from Northern California where she attended Sonoma State University earning her Bachelors in Biology with a minor in Business. In college, she spent time volunteering for clinics to help the underserved community.
She attended medical training in Northern California at the California School of podiatric medicine where she received her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine. During her time in podiatry school and residency, she was passionate about furthering the field of podiatry. She had the opportunity to work closely with the top leaders of podiatry as the California Podiatric Medical Association student representative and the resident representative of the membership committee for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Dr. Corley completed her residency at Jefferson Health NE in Philadelphia, PA serving as Academic Chief Resident during her third year. During residency, she was able to participate in a medical mission to the Philippines through the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California where she was able to use her skills and training to directly impact the lives of children and adults.
Dr. Edgar Sy
Dr. Edgar Sy joins Weil Foot & Ankle as a 2022-2023 Fellow.
Dr. Edgar Sy is a native of Orange County, California. He attended California State University, Fullerton earning his Bachelor of Science Kinesiology with a minor in Sports Psychology where he worked closely with the athletic training and exercise science department assisting in injury prevention for collegiate athletes.
He then took his experience and worked at Nike where he educated retail stores in the Orange County region proper shoewear selection and gait analysis, earning Employee of the Year during his time.
He attended medical training in Miami at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine where he received his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine and earned Barry Excellence in Clinical Science Award and Florida Podiatric Medical Association President’s Scholarship Award.
Prior to beginning his Fellowship at Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, Dr. Sy completed his residency at Jackson North Medical Center in Miami, FL serving as Chief Resident during his third year. During his residency, he served as Barry University Athletics Team Resident Physician and was awarded Resident of the Year under Barry University’s Distinguished Clinical Education.
In his spare time, Dr. Sy enjoys watching soccer, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.
Dr. Tyler Sorenson
Following completion of his undergraduate education, Dr. Sorensen enrolled in Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery and then completed a Foot & Ankle Surgical residency at Regions Hospital/HealthPartners Institute for Education & Research in St. Paul, MN.
He served as the Chief Resident for the Foot & Ankle Surgical Residency program during his final year.
Dr. Chris Betrus
Dr. Betrus grew up in the Metro-Detroit area of Michigan where he was an accomplished baseball and basketball player.
While at University of Michigan he began focusing his energy on clinical research. After completing a teaching commitment with Teach for America, where he taught high school Biology for several years, he attended Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine where he earned his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine.
Prior to beginning a Fellowship at Weil Foot & Ankle Institute, Dr. Betrus completed his residency at the renowned Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA under the directorship of Dr. Alan R. Catanzariti, serving as Chief Resident during his third year.
When he is not working, Dr. Betrus enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Andrea, cooking, cycling, and playing with their miniature schnauzer Ollie.
“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to continue my surgical training as the new fellow at WFAI and I look forward to caring for the people within the greater Chicagoland area.” – Dr. Christopher Betrus
Dr. Mark Magnus
Dr. Mark Magnus was born in Chicago and raised in the northern suburbs of Illinois. He attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and graduated magma cum laude.
He earned his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine at the Dr. William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, where he graduated top of his class and earned the Scholl Distinguished Scholar Award.
Prior to starting his fellowship at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute, he completed three-year surgical residency training at the Gundersen Medical Foundation in La Crosse, Wisconsin. While in residency he authored several scientific articles and served as Co-Chief resident.
His personal interests include guitar, hockey, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
“My fellowship experience at Weil Foot and Ankle Institute has been both professionally and personally transformative. While my residency training developed a solid clinical and surgical foundation, fellowship provided me with the skills necessary to excel. Working with Dr. Weil Jr. and Dr. Sorensen instilled a new level of confidence in my abilities and greatly improved my efficiency. The opportunity to learn practice management from one of the lead podiatric private practices is unparalleled. Equally important is the emphasis placed on work-life balance that will help keep me grounded for the entirety of my career. Lastly, one aspect of this program that particularly interested me was the sense of camaraderie shared amongst current and past fellows. The bonds created between the tremendous pedigree of physicians are invaluable and last far beyond the year of training.” – Dr. Mark Magnus
Dr. Christopher Collazo
Since I was little I have always known that medicine was a career path that highly interested me. As I got older and started to learn more about medicine I became focused on going into medicine.
Through high school and college because of baseball, I was exposed to various aspects of medicine but Podiatry always stuck out to me because of all the opportunities that it allowed the physician including being a surgeon.
Following graduating from Texas A&M International University with a BS in Biology, I decided to focus on the care of the foot and ankle and I enrolled in Des Moines University. Upon graduating with my DPM in 2016, I began my residency at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.
In June 2019, I graduated from my residency and have now started my Fellowship with the Weil Foot, Ankle & Orthopedic Institute.
I am beyond excited to be in Chicagoland and to be a part of the Weil Foot and Ankle team.
Dr. Timothy McConn
Dr. Nathan Shane
Dr. Jeeten Singha
Dr. Jeeten Singha attended Olivet Nazarene University and received his undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry.
Dr. Singha then attended Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago for his medical training.
Following that, he completed his residency at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, one of the premier academic teaching hospitals in the country, where he focused on lower extremity trauma, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, elective surgery, as well as limb salvage.
After completing his residency, Dr. Singha pursued a fellowship in advanced foot and ankle reconstructive surgery at Weil Foot, Ankle & Orthopedic Institute. He has particular interest in treating athletic injuries, elective foot and ankle surgery, trauma, and variety of reconstructive foot, rearfoot, and ankle surgeries. Dr. Singha firmly believes in early rehabilitation and intervention to prevent further injuries.
Having been an avid athlete his whole life and playing tennis at a national level growing up, he enjoys working with patients to get them back to their active lifestyle.
Dr. Singha currently has hours at Kenosha, Des Plaines & Lincoln Park.
“The WFAI Fellowship is an amazing experience that helps you to develop into the best surgeon and physician while being surrounded with even better individuals.” -Jeeten Singha
Dr. Michael Matthews
Dr. Michael Matthews earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles where he studied international relations and premedical science. He then continued his medical training at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and completed his clinical rounds at UCSF in San Francisco.
Dr. Mathews accomplished his residency training at the Harvard Medical School Mount Auburn Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgical program, and also served as clinical faculty at the Harvard Medical School. While at Harvard, Dr. Matthews authored numerous publications in peer reviewed journals, lectured nationally, and served as Chief Resident in his final year of training.
After residency training, his surgical focus centers around arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery, joint replacement, and sports medicine.
“The Weil fellowship changed my life, it’s a very special and unique family that I’m blessed to be a part of.” -Michael Matthews
Sarah Haller
“Fellowship was a monumental year for me, not only as a surgeon but as a young professional. My experience at the Weil Institute provided me with exposure to authorship, surgical training and pioneering new surgical ideas. This is all done in a close knit family type setting that I look forward to reuniting with year after year.” – Dr. Sarah Haller
Brett Waverly
“WFAI provides a unique opportunity for high level, quality research within the podiatric and orthopedic fields not found in the vast majority of fellowships through ACFAS. This valuable experience pays dividends with job placement, working with industry, and future involvement in the profession. WFAI has provided the important next step into becoming an excellent practitioner by gaining experience in practice management to efficiently manage high volume individualized patient care, while delivering a comprehensive patient experience. This is reflected in my clinical and surgical patient satisfaction in my current practice. Once your fellowship is complete, you join a long list of alumni who have completed meaningful work within the profession. You have an experienced, robust network of friends/colleagues to provide insight on patient care, collaborate on research, and assist with any needs no matter where you are at in your career. You have access to great minds for the continuation of your career.” – Dr. Brett Waverly
John M. Baca, DPM
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital
Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery
Pittsburgh, PA 2012-2015
“Completely changed the course of my professional career. I would not be the practitioner I am today without the WFAI fellowship.” -John Baca, DPM
Keith Arbuckle, DPM
Hennepin County Medical Center
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
Minneapolis, MN 2012-2015
“The WFAI fellowship was a crucial part of my training. I went to a residency that offered everything I wanted. However, at the end of the residency, I knew I could still improve in surgical skills, clinical knowledge, and become an overall better foot and ankle surgeon.
Fellowship offered a totally new perspective on what I learned in residency. Fellowship had a large focus on outcomes, research, and attention to detail which has shown me what is possible as a foot and ankle surgeon. I learned that each detail of each procedure is done for a reason for surgery to work the best. The WFAI experience blends the techniques and concepts of master surgeons from many different backgrounds giving the program more depth. Some of the most meaningful learning experiences happened with discussions in the clinic when deciding what we would do for our patients in the OR, and why. This insight has been critical for my practice.
The Weil’s and all of the fellowship staff are incredibly generous to take their time with this mentorship. They continue to pour out their time and resources to us as previous fellows, they have helped to answer questions and guide me through challenges in practice. One highlight of the year was getting to know the family better with Christmas at the Weil’s home. You are treated like family at this WFAI.” – Dr. Keith Arbuckle
Brian P. Gradisek, DPM
PGY-3 and Chief Resident
Christiana Care Health System Podiatric Medicine
Surgery Residency with Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery
Wilmington, DE 2011 – 2014
2013-2014
“I have nothing but positive things to say about Dr. Weil and the Weil fellowship program. As a graduating resident, I felt as though I was well trained and well prepared for working in the real world. Although I was confident in my knowledge and surgical skill set at that time, I still chose to seek fellowship training to become the best version of myself that I possibly could be. I didn’t know what I didn’t know at that time, and I spent a year as a fellow learning the things that I had no idea I didn’t know. As I look back I realize that residency did not adequately prepare me for practice, but being a Weil fellow did.” -Brian Gradisek, DPM, AACFAS
Michael Bowen, DPM, AACFAS
“My year spent at the Weil foot, ankle and orthopedic Institute during my fellowship year was one that truly propelled me five years ahead into practice. I gained a significant amount of insight in advanced surgical techniques, research as well as the business of running a practice with balancing a family and social life. Truly one of the best decisions of my career!!” -Michael Bowen DPM, AACFAS
Nicholas G. Argerakis, DPM
Silverstone Podiatry
115 East 61st Street
Suite 6A
New York, NY 10065
(646) 657-0070
2012-2013
“After residency I felt I had the ability to go out and conquer the world. And I was right. 95% right. I could have gone out there and conquered the top 95% of it. However, the Weil Fellowship gave me the exposure, knowledge, relationships, and tools for that top 5%. To this day, I am constantly learning, changing, and I am a composition of all previous experiences in my life. But that extra shiny polish, thought process, attention to detail, and humbleness is due to my fellowship. Today, I owe 95% of my success to that 5%.” -Dr. Nick Argerakis
Catherine A. Feuerstein, DPM
South Chicago Foot
1706 E 87th St
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 374-5300
2011-2012
“A roller coaster ride of learning and adventure. Never a dull moment. Learning how to manage medicine with many personalities. “ – Dr. Catherine Feuerstein
Erin Klein, DPM, MS, FACFAS, DABPM
Wenjay Sung, DPM, FACFAS
White Memorial Medical Group
1701 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Suite 510
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Phone: (323) 987-1362
2009-2010
“I arrived early, stayed late, published 12 papers, and received one grant. But my best experience was sitting for dinners with Lowell and the entire Weil family. I was welcomed without hesitation and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for them all.” – Wenjay Sung
Kelly A. Malinoski, DPM, AACFAS
Collier Foot & Ankle Care Center
7955 Airport Pulling Rd. N. Suite #101
Naples, FL 34109
Phone: 239-260-5181
Fax: 239-260-5183
2008-2009
“I came to the WFAI Fellowship after graduating a Level-1 Trauma residency program heavily focused on rearfoot and traumatic reconstructive surgery. I wasn’t confident in transitioning to private practice in forefoot surgery. I’ve graduated the program and opened my own private practice and am in my 9th year. I still quickly and easily consult with and refer to/receive referrals from Dr. Weil And the institute on patient treatments and inquiries. The Fellowship program is remarkable and the training you will receive is solid. And socially, we are a lot of fun!” – Kelly Malinoski, DPM
Shine John, DPM, FACFAS
Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists
5000 Bee Cave Road, Suite 202
Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 328-8900
2007-2008
“Invaluable, then and now. My Fellowship experience helped refine, sharpen and add to the great residency training I received. The lessons learned, perspectives gained, and guidance received influence the Practitioner I am today. The Fellowship provided knowledge in a multitude of facets. Clinical practice pearls, Surgical and Research principles, and Practice Management wisdom were among a few. Now, as a Past Fellow, I get to enjoy a community of past and present WFAI Fellows whom continue to shape the profession. I consider myself fortunate to have taken part in such a tremendous opportunity, and privileged to part of the WFAI Fellowship family.” – Shine John, DPM.
Jason Glover, DPM
Rutherford Orthopaedics
139 Dr. Henry Norris Drive
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Phone: (828) 287-9260
2006-2007
Bobby Kuruvilla, DPM, FACFAS
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
26 City Hall Mall
Medford, MA 02155
Phone: (781) 306-5100
2006-2007
“Before I arrived at the Weil Institute, I was told by previous fellows that becoming a Weil fellow was the greatest decision of their lives. Many of those fellows have gone on to become presidents of our professional societies, entrepreneurs, leading researchers, and leaders in our profession and communities. When I first started I thought that I would learn the newest and latest techniques from the best surgeons and that is why I figured it would also be a great decision for me. It’s only after a decade that I realized the true reason why. We typically meet once a year at professional conferences. What I found surprising is that Dr. Weil and the team at the Weil Institute have learned just as much about me as I know about them. I wasn’t fellow number 9. I was Bobby, the guy who is secretly competitive, could eat his weight in wings, and committed every Super Bowl and World Series to memory. That approach to people applies to their patients as well. Each patient is unique and sometimes requires a unique solution. This is why the Weil institute has been so innovative because they see each patient as unique and not some problem that has a matching solution in the textbook. That lesson- more than any surgical technique – is why my year at the Weil Institute has shaped who I am.” – Bobby Kuruvilla, DPM
Daren J. L. Bergman, DPM, FACFAS
Framingham Podiatry Associates
88 Waverly Street
2nd Floor
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 872-9288
Fax: (508) 620-7368
2005-2006
“Spending a year at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute as a Fellow was an extremely rewarding experience both professionally and personally. The knowledge I obtained clinically and surgically is unparalleled. I cannot overstate the importance of learning the business side of our profession, and the ease to which I transitioned from Fellow to Practitioner. Most importantly I gained lifelong mentors/friends to continue my education in the practice of medicine.” -Daren Bergman
Jarrett D. Cain, DPM, MS, FACFAS
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
30 Hope Drive #2400
Hershey, PA 17033
Phone: (800) 243-1455
Fax: (717) 531-0983
2005-2006
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.’ This famous quote by the legendary Vince Lombardi defines the impact of this renowned fellowship on my career. In one year, I was taught to chase perfection in the operating room, diagnosis of pathology, research protocol, and presentations of publications. This relentless drive for progress in combination with discipline and work ethic provided by this world renowned fellowship created a standard by which excellence is measured in the speciality of foot and ankle and has become the foundation upon which I have built my career.” – Dr. Jarrett Cain
Robert Fridman, DPM, FACFAS
Foot Associates of New York
60 East 56th Street
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10069
Phone: (212) 355-4229
2004-2005
“Podiatric residency models have been restructured as mandatory 3-year comprehensive medicine and surgery programs. The thinking is that this type of training would incorporate a more detailed clinical, academic, and didactic experience. Following that logic, residents would inherently be more qualified, and therefore, be prepared for the various aspects of private or academic practice in podiatry.
With rapid advancements and improvements in medical techniques and devices, it has becoming increasingly difficult to “get it all in” during residency training. Additionally, as much as the residency governing bodies would like us to believe, not all programs are created equally, and certain skills may not have been as developed as possible. So what does one do after residency training is over?
Many fellowship programs have been established over the past few years, and have truly upgraded the status of podiatric training. I carry a bias regarding this topic; I completed a fellowship in Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery and Research at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute in Chicago. Many residents, students, and practicing physicians ask me why I chose to enter a fellowship, namely WFAI, and what I got out of my experience. Here’s my chance:
1. Proficiency. Right off the bat, I want to mention that I had a great residency experience. I was Chief Resident at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, and completed a 3-year PM&S-36 residency. I felt that my director and attendings equipped me with the ability and knowledge to enter a successful practice, and I was confident in my skills. Confidence? Yes. Mastery? Not exactly. That’s what a fellowship like WFAI does. It potentially takes a “good doctor,” sharpens up their skills, and attempts to make them a “great doctor.”
2. Extra Attention. Most residencies programs have 3-5 participants per year. That’s 9-15 hungry, eager brains starving for learning.A fellowship usually has one or two candidates per year and everyone’s focus is on that person. The personal attention that I received at WFAI was bar-none.
3. Special Skills. One of the most attractive features of any fellowship is who the fellowship director is. Most of them are pioneers and leaders in the field, and are involved in complicated specialties, such as reconstruction and advanced wound care. Some are great business people and excellent at practice management. Were a resident to desire to improve on that training, it would be a good idea to seek out the fellowship director who is doing that type of work. Luckily, WFAI’s fellowship directors and clinicians are world renowned innovators and business people.
4. Research. I think that research and fellowships go hand-in- hand. The time management issues that accompany residency somehow prevent adequate quality research time. Most fellowships require publication-worthy research as part of their requirements. Research advances medicine and the profession as a whole. Individually, it also focuses and forces one to critically think about what they’re doing. It helps one grow as physician. I was able to learn how to design research projects from the ground up, and have the time and assistance to put that research in action. Those skills have aided me in my publications post-WFAI, and taught me how to be a scientist-physician in clinical practice.” -Robert Fridman, DPM, FACFAS, CWSP
Richard Schilling, DPM, FACFAS
ABC Podiatry
5350 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43214
Phone: (614) 267-4917
Fax: (614) 267-8611
2003-2004
“The Weil Fellowship experience continues to shape me even after more than 15 years in practice. All of my training and education allowed me to call myself a doctor and a surgeon, however, my time at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute allowed me to be a successful practicing Podiatric Physician and Surgeon. The polishing of my surgical skills gave me confidence. Learning from all the amazing doctors I worked with exposed me to all facets of business and medicine. As I run my practice, talk to patients and reps, do complex surgical reconstructions and even preside over a state medical association as President, I think back to my time at WFAI and know that without that education, experience, comradery, and networking, none of that would have been possible.” – Richard A Schilling, DPM, FACFAS, Weil Fellow 2004-2005
Jeffrey Baker, DPM
John Anderson, DPM, FACFAS
Podiatry Associates of Florida-Yant Division
1914 Southside Boulevard #1
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: (904) 726-9901
2000-2001
“You see I had the unique opportunity of training under Dr. Weil, Sr. And Dr. Weil, Jr. on a daily basis. WFAI was a little smaller back then but still with a lot of moving parts as you can imagine. I was able to have intimate conversations and interactions as well as observances with both Dr. Weil, Sr. and Dr. Weil, Jr not only on the surgical aspect of podiatry but also the business and life aspect as well. Having this daily interaction, especially in the operating room, with both of them allowed me to not only grow as an individual but hone my surgical skills by keenly observing a precision in detail of every procedure and understanding why that procedure was being done. All of these aspects have allowed me to progress in ways that have brought me to where I am today. As far as what the fellowship has done to my career, a plethora of doors have been opened to me because of the Weil Foot and Ankle Fellowship. I was hired because I had completed a surgical fellowship. The person who hired me was specifically looking for a fellowship trained foot and ankle surgeon. I have been involved in multiple sports teams as either team podiatrist or consultant in Jacksonville including the NFL, AFL as well as MLB and the PGA Tour. Being a past Weil Fellow also introduced me to Industry partners which allowed to me to work with them in academic surgical teaching labs as well as being part of product development in order to further advance surgical technology. Everything that I have accomplished in my career has a lot to do with the basis of me completing the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute Fellowship
But most importantly, Dr. Weil, Sr. and Dr. Weil, Jr truly care and show genuine interest in the people they have trained and worked with over the years. I don’t think you will find more gracious and personable people whom strive to be the best they can be in all aspects of life. Thank you. “ – Dr. John Anderson
Thomas Roukis, DPM, PhD, FACFAS
Gunderson Lutheran
1836 South Ave
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: (608) 775-2427
Fax: (608) 775-6668
1999-2000
“After graduating my residency at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 2000, I was accepted as the first fellow at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute in Des Plaines, Illinois under the direction of Drs. Lowell Weil, Jr. and Lowell Scott Weil, Sr. I cannot express in words how profoundly this year changed my professional life for the better. These individuals taught me about the technical, theoretical and ethical aspects of foot and ankle surgery. They taught me who to operate on, who would be best treated conservatively and how to be critical of my own work. It is during this time that I learned the art of surgery and what it would take to one day become a master surgeon like them. I am especially indebted to Dr. Lowell Weil, Jr. who, from the first day I started my fellowship, embedded confidence in me that remains unparalleled in my life. He was then, and remains, a true mentor. He supported my decisions if they were sound, provided gentle guidance if I overlooked other options, and challenged me to always be better. The mentorship and the academic possibilities afforded to me during my fellowship provided a springboard for the rest of my career. Without question, 20 years after graduating, my fellowship at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute remains the single most impactful year of my life.” -Thomas S. Roukis, DPM, PhD, FACFAS
David Linde, DPM
Foot Specialists of Birmingham
1 Independence Plaza, Suite 530
Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: (205) 445-0661
Fax: (205) 445-0664
1994-1995
Dimitrios Anagnostopoulos, MD
Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Athens, Greece
2009
Felipe Sena, MD
Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Joao Pessoa, Brazil
2008
YeongChul Choi, MD
Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Korea
Bruno Air Machado da Silva, MD
“Lowell Weil Jr. has become a mentor to me. Since my first day at WFAI in 2013, I have ben able to see how amazing the whole team treats every single people. Lowell has a super energy to work and take care of all details to make the best treatment for patients. In addition to learning how to manage a variety of foot and ankle diseases, I could absorb WFAI philosophy, which is: do your best for your patient. I had opportunity to be with many great surgeons while doing my international fellowship. Dr Weil Jr is certainly one of the best I have seen. Being at WFAI was the best professional decision I have made in my life. Since that experience, I have become a decent surgeon, chief of the residency program at my hospital, obtained my master’s and Phd. Today, I am proud of saying that I am friend of entire WFAI family! Thank you so much WFAI team.” -Bruno Air Machado da Silva, MD
2025 Annual Scientific Conference – American College Of Foot And Ankle Surgeons and 2025 Kaiser Permanente National Podiatric Surgical Conference
3rd Place Manuscript, 1st Place Student Poster Competition (respectively)
Reunion of Providers and Past Fellows
2017 Annual Scientific Conference – American College Of Foot And Ankle Surgeons
1st Place Manuscript
Does Second Metatarsal Length Correlate with Plantar Pressure Measurements Beneath the Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint During Walking?
- Shenche Hshieh, PharmD, MS (CMS class of 2018)
- Ryan Crews, MS
- Jacob Jones, BS (SCPM class of 2019)
- Lowell Weil Jr., DPM
- Lowell Scott Weil Sr., DPM
- Erin Klein, DPM
- Adam Fleischer, DPM
