Thank you for visiting our site and your interest in the Crescenz VA Medical Center Podiatry Residency Program!

The Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency program at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center has been active for over 30 years.  Our residents enjoy the opportunity to learn in a friendly and supportive environment.  Additionally, the resident experience is enhanced by being able to follow patients through the entire course of treatment.  Our hospital based clinic allows for a team approach to limb salvage with multiple specialties including infectious disease, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, and medicine providers with frequent interaction and coordination as a multi-disciplinary approach to wound care. 

We have high volume, high complexity and diversity of wounds within a medically complex patient population as the VA strives to become a high reliability organization (HRO.)  Our residents perform complicated wound debridements in the clinical and operating room setting and have the opportunity to apply a variety of biologic wound products.  Due to our high clinical volume, residents quickly improve manual dexterity skills and develop clinical confidence.

Over the past year, we have had three Attendings join our staff who bring a variety of new clinical and surgical skills to our program.  All three will be available during the chat hours.  Please see the bottom of this page and the chat room message for a short resume and the individual times.  

Curriculum

PGY1: Anesthesiology, Infectious Disease, Radiology, Internal Medicine, Pathology, Behavioral Health, Dermatology

PGY2: Emergency Medicine, Pain Management, General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

PGY3: Pediatrics at TUSPM

Podiatric Surgery, Podiatric Medicine and Biomechanics, and Wound Management rotations are ongoing when not on a nonpodiatric rotation.

Recently, the Crescenz VAMC administration has approved the proposal for our podiatry residents to attend The American Academy of Foot & Ankle Osteosynthesis Resident Course in Basic Fundamentals of Internal Fixation For Reconstructive Surgery and Trauma of the Foot & Ankle.  We are very excited about this new opportunity for our residents!

The Crescenz VAMC is located in the heart of University City right next to the University of Pennsylvania.  There are many available apartment complexes in this area, and there is a significant university security presence that patrol 24-7.Residents form close knit bonds with each other and receive mentorship and support from the Attendings.  When the residents are not working, Philadelphia offers a wide array of experiences including sporting events, unique foods, shows, museums, etc.

Chat Schedule:

11:00 - 12:00   Dr. Karen Galli, Program Director, Diplomate, ABFAS Foot Surgery, Diplomate, ABPM
12:00 - 1:00     Dr. Steven Shannon, Attending, Fellow, ABFAS Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle Surgery, Graduate of Penn Presbyterian Medical Center PMSR/RRA Residency Program
1:00 - 2:00       Dr. Shruti Kommareddy, Attending, Graduate of Crescenz VAMC PMSR Program, Qualified, ABFAS Foot Surgery, Diplomate, ABPM
2:00 - 3:00       Dr. Nick Perfetti, PGY2 Resident
3:00 - 4:00       Dr. Lev Blekher, PGY1 Resident
4:00 - 5:00       Dr. Marija Ugrinich, Attending, Diplomate, ABFAS Foot Surgery, Graduate of Penn Presbyterian Medical Center PMSR/RRA Residency Program