Podiatry Center of New Jersey

Bios

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  Dr. Russell Samofal

  Dr. Russell Samofal is a podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle treatment. He is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, ABPM. Dr. Samofal attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where he earned his doctorate degree in Podiatric Medicine, and was on the Dean’s List. He completed his residency in foot and ankle surgery at the Millcreek Community Hospital in Pennsylvania. He also graduated with a Masters of Medical Education degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Samofal received his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis College in New York where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Biomedical Science. Dr. Samofal particularly enjoys developing a personalized treatment plan to match the lifestyle of his patients. He takes the time to understand his patient’s symptoms and overall health goals to give correct diagnoses to ensure the continued well-being of his patients. He is particularly passionate about developing non-surgical solutions for his patients. Click here for a full list of podiatric conditions treated at the Podiatry Center of New Jersey by Dr. Samofal.

  Link: Dr. Russell Samofal

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  Dr. Dolan Chowdhury

  Dr. Dolan Chowdhury is an outstanding podiatric physician. Dr. Chowdhury is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, ABPM. He is also a Certified Wound Specialist Physician, CWSP. Dr. Chowdhury received his doctorate degree in Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, NYCPM, where he was on the Dean’s List. He completed his residency in foot and ankle surgery at the VA Hospital in Manhattan.

  Link: Dr. Dolan Chowdhury

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  Dr. Jaclyn Ramirez

  Dr. Jaclyn Ramirez is an experienced podiatrist who specializes in conservative and surgical management of the foot and ankle. She treats all conditions related to the foot and ankle in both children and adults. She graduated Cum Laude from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Ramirez then received her medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, and completed surgical residency training at Passaic Beth Israel Medical Center (now St. Mary’s General Hospital) in Passaic, NJ. Dr. Ramirez is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. She is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, and has over 10 years of professional experience.

  Link: Dr. Jaclyn Ramirez

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  Dr. Chris A. Obiarinze, DPM

  Dr. Chris A. Obiarinze, a first generation Nigerian-American, is a graduate of Temple University where he received his graduate training in podiatric medicine. After graduation, Dr. Obiarinze served as Chief Resident in podiatric trauma and reconstructive surgery at Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital (Level 1 Trauma and Burn Center) residency program. He specializes in advanced wound care/diabetic limb salvage, biomechanics, orthotic evaluation, sports medicine, management of foot and ankle injuries and surgery, heel pain-plantar fasciitis, bunion, hammertoes, calluses, fungus infection, warts, ingrown toe nails, flat foot deformities, disability medicine, Achilles tendon injury, and pediatric foot problems. Although he has an extensive surgical background, Dr. Obiarinze prides himself on being able to treat patients with primarily conservative measures and he believes that all conservative measures should be exhausted prior to the consideration for surgical intervention. He is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

  Link: Dr. Chris A. Obiarinze, DPM

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  Dr. Meltem Ates, DPM

  Dr. Meltem Ates graduated summa cum laude from St. Francis College in Brooklyn with majors in Biology and minors in Chemistry. Upon graduation, she attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine where she was recognized in the dean’s list. She completed a four-year surgical residency training at New York Presbyterian/ Queens where she was comprehensively trained in reconstructive and elective surgery of the foot and ankle at a Level-I Trauma Center. She completed multiple educational courses focusing on both internal fixation as well as arthroscopic surgery. She is an Associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Ates is also fluent in Turkish.

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  Dr. Eric Freiler, DPM

  Dr. Eric Freiler is an ABPM Board Certified Podiatrist and active member of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons with extensive experience in orthopedic and podiatric trauma. He is dedicated to educating patients on their medical concerns, so that they become better advocates for their own health. He prevents, diagnoses, and treats medical and surgical conditions of the feet, including those resulting from bone and joint disorders, muscular pathologies as well as neurological and circulatory diseases. Dr. Freiler graduated Cum Laude from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. He then received his medical degree from Kent State University’s College of Podiatric Medicine where he graduated with honors. Dr Freiler completed his 4-year Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency at SBH Health System – a level II Trauma center in the Bronx, New York. He served as the Chief Podiatry resident with training in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. Dr. Freiler specializes in treating various podiatric conditions including Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, athlete’s foot, bone spurs, bunions, custom orthotics, diabetic foot care, flat feet, foot sprains, foot trauma, and injuries, fungal toenails, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, neuromas, warts, plantar fasciitis, regenerative medicine, stress fractures, and urgent foot care.

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  Dr. Owen Morris

  Dr. Owen Morris graduated from Ursinus College with majors in Biology and Anthropology. Upon graduation, he attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He attended a new three-year surgical residency program at Central Michigan University. He was the first chief resident and graduate from that program, where he was comprehensively trained in reconstructive and elective surgery of the foot and ankle at a Level-II Trauma Center. He has had extensive training at a wound care center and has completed multiple educational courses focusing on both internal fixation as well as arthroscopic surgery. He has had his research poster accepted at the national meeting of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons where he is an Associate. He is also a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Morris believes in patient-oriented care and treatment. He takes time to listen to their symptoms and works with the patient to not only educate them but develop a treatment plan that will work with their lifestyle.

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  Dr. Farah Lakhram

  Dr. Farah Lakhram is a compassionate podiatrist who strives for the best treatment plan for each individual patient. Dr. Lakhram graduated summa cum laude from the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a biology degree. She then completed her podiatric medicine degree at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine where she graduated cum laude. Dr. Lakhram would then go on to complete her residency training at East Liverpool City Hospital, formerly part of Western Reserve Health Education, in Ohio. During her residency training, she learned extensive surgical and conservative treatments for a variety of foot and ankle pathologies.

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  Dr. Zakiyyah Y. Waters

  Dr. Zakiyyah Y. Waters attended Rutgers University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology & Sports Studies (Kinesiology). She received her post-graduate medical education from The New York School of Podiatric Medicine. Her 3 year Medical and Surgical residency was completed at Bellevue Hospital, a level 1 trauma center. Here she was appointed Chief Resident in her 3rd year. Dr. Waters is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) and is an active member of the American Podiatric Medical Association as well as the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. She has extensive training in elective and non-elective foot & ankle surgeries in addition to participation in seminars, labs, and lectures regarding various foot & ankle pathology. Her areas of interest include diabetic wound care and limb salvage, surgical correction of the forefoot and rearfoot deformity, conservative treatment for gait abnormalities and congenital deformities via orthotic modifications. She also treats common dermatological pathology such as calluses, athlete’s foot, fungal nails, and ingrown toenails. Her philosophical beliefs toward patient care center around cultural competency and compassion. She believes that having patients be active participants in their care plan while focusing on the specific needs of each patient can positively impact the effectiveness of outcomes.

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  Dr. Ashley Kim

  Dr. Ashley Kim is an outstanding podiatric physician who specializes in the treatment of the foot and ankle and is known for her compassionate specialized care. She understands that everyone’s needs are different, and takes to the time to listen closely to each individual patient to develop treatment plans that are right for them. She is deeply passionate about delivering quality and comprehensive foot and ankle care. Dr. Kim received her bachelor’s from New York University and earned her doctorate at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Following her education, she completed a 3-year foot and ankle surgical residency program at the VA hospital in Manhattan.

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  Dr. Riddhi Shah

  Dr. Riddhi Shah is a California native who graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She then continued her education at Western University of Health Science School of Podiatric Medicine and earned her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine degree in 2017. Dr. Shah completed a three-year comprehensive surgical residency at UPMC Pinnacle Health in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She received well-rounded training in foot and ankle surgery and served as chief resident. She is well-versed in all areas of the forefoot and rearfoot pathology in adults and pediatrics. Dr. Shah is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. She has certified training in microscopic vascular repair from The Cleveland Clinic. During her spare time, she enjoys traveling, learning to cook, hiking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.