Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Assistant Professor Mark Kunkel, DPM, is retiring after 22 years of service at UAB, where he started on Jul. 1, 1998.

While at UAB, Dr. Kunkel provided podiatry and diabetic foot care to patients from all walks of life, including teenagers, adults and geriatrics. Before joining the department, he graduated medical school from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1986. He also completed his internship at Pacific Coast Hospital in 1987 and his residency at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in 1988.

Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Steven Theiss, M.D., is grateful to Kunkel for his years of service.

“Dr. Kunkel has always been a valued member of our department, said Theiss. “He has always been dedicated to the service of his patients and to UAB. We will all miss his contributions and his expertise.”

Office Services Specialist Mary Shepherd and Podiatry Tech Shawanna Hunter have worked with Dr. Kunkel for years and have many kind words to share.

“Dr. Kunkel has always been an early bird, arriving to his office around 5:00 am. He is a professional with the highest integrity,” said Shepherd and Hunter. “He is hard working, kind, self-sufficient and is a pleasure to be around. He is selfless and always puts the welfare of others before himself whether it be his patients or in his personal life.”

Outside of the office, Dr. Kunkel is very family-oriented and has two sons, two grandsons and one granddaughter. He was involved in the Boy Scouts for several years as a Boy Scout leader, and he has maintained a leadership role in his church for many years.

The department wishes Dr. Mark Kunkel a wonderful, well-deserved retirement.