UAB Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery Kyle Mauk, DPM, FACFAS, ABPM, recently appeared on the UAB MedCast podcast to discuss the new Limb Salvage Program at UAB as well as the new advanced Podiatric Limb Salvage and Reconstruction Fellowship, which he directs.
In this podcast episode, Mauk spoke about the new fellowship – the first-of-its-kind in Alabama. He explained the specialized training that podiatric surgeons undergo: after completing a four-year podiatry medical school and a three-year surgical residency focusing on foot and ankle pathology, podiatric surgeons can then access fellowship opportunities like the one at UAB to gain more advanced training in limb salvage and reconstruction.
Mauk explained that podiatrists at UAB receive extensive experience in treating a wide range of lower extremity conditions, from common issues like bunions and hammertoes to complex foot and ankle fractures, sports related pathologies and arthroscopy surgery involving neurovascular conditions.
What makes our program unique is that from day one, podiatric surgeons focus exclusively on the lower extremity, gaining specialized knowledge that allows them to address a variety of issues ranging from osseous to soft tissue pathologies,” Dr. Mauk said. “UAB’s program stands out because it’s integrated within a larger academic medical center, giving our fellows access to a range of resources and expertise that aren’t available in smaller community-based programs.”
One key feature of the program is the emphasis on limb salvage, particularly for diabetic patients, a large patient population in Alabama. The Limb Salvage Program at UAB addresses severe complications of diabetes, such as foot ulcers and infections. Mauk highlighted the importance of UAB’s integrated approach, where podiatric surgeons work alongside colleagues in vascular surgery, infectious disease, and wound care. The program’s integrated approach ensures that all providers involved in the patients’ care are on the same page, making it easy to coordinate treatment and monitor progress.
As the program continues to grow, Mauk looks forward to expanding both the scope and podiatric treatments available at UAB and the opportunities for fellows to work with cutting-edge technologies and multidisciplinary teams. Mauk believes the Limb Salvage Program will play a vital role in improving the lives of patients with complex, chronic conditions.
Listen to the full episode here.