Lara Kozin, DPM is a highly qualified podiatrist and is excited to join the talented team at Foot and Ankle Specialists of New Jersey, where she will be welcoming patients at office locations in Westfield, Union and Morristown.

As an undergraduate, Dr. Kozin attended Tufts University in Massachusetts, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree. At Tufts, she was an All-American collegiate lacrosse player, and to this day holds four Tufts records in Women's Lacrosse. She then went on to receive her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City. At NYCPM she continued her interest in athletics as President of the Sports Medicine Club and volunteering at events such as the New York City Triathlon.

After earning her doctorate, Dr. Kozin completed a highly selective 3-year comprehensive and rigorous surgical residency at the Hoboken University Medical Center. She had extensive training in all types of foot and ankle reconstructive surgery, trauma, elective surgery of the forefoot and rearfoot, sports medicine, pediatric flat foot deformities, diabetic limb salvage and wound care. 

As an avid athlete, Dr. Kozin has a passion for sports medicine. She specializes in traumatic sports injuries of the foot and ankle, and focuses on lower extremity pathology including achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, tendon tears, and overuse injuries. Dr. Kozin has a conservative minded approach to her treatments, but will perform surgical intervention if necessary.

Dr. Kozin is board certified by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Kozin has participated in multiple half marathons. She loves hiking in National Parks, playing tennis, and skiing. She also enjoys movies and curling up with a good book.

Yu-Ching Terence Chi, DPM, is a highly skilled podiatric surgeon and part of the elite team at Foot and Ankle Specialists of NJ. He brings a rich knowledge of his field, a compassionate bedside manner, and a fluency in Mandarin Chinese to his patients in Westfield and Union, New Jersey.

Dr. Chi began his medical education at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he completed his pre-medical requisites while graduating cum laude with a degree in music composition. He earned his doctorate in podiatric medicine and surgery from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City, where his diligent work ethic and high aptitude were recognized with the president’s award for academic and clinical excellence.

Dr. Chi completed a comprehensive three-year surgical residency at Northwell-Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, and North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset. He attended to a wide variety of cases and patients during his residency, affording him the opportunity to diversify his experience and refine his skill set. He’s provided emergency care to pediatric patients with acute foot and ankle pathologies, treated patients who were suffering from various vascular diseases, and even cared for division one athletes from Fordham University as part of a sports medicine physicians team.

After completing his residency, Dr. Chi practiced in New York City, where he continued his passion for educating residents in the podiatric residency programs at Lenox Hill Hospital and the Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Dr. Chi is board certified in foot surgery and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He has extensive training in managing all aspects of foot and ankle pathologies, including trauma, reconstructive, elective surgeries, and limb salvage. He looks forward to helping you heal!

Dr. Krupa Patel is a talented podiatrist who practices at the Scotch Plains and Union, New Jersey offices of the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Jersey. Dr. Patel specializes in podiatric surgeries, diabetic foot wounds, and treatments for bunions, hammertoes, and diabetic issues including wound care, infections, and poor circulation.

Dr. Patel was an outstanding student. After earning her bachelor’s degree from New York University, she went on to complete her doctor of Podiatric Surgery and Medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, graduating at the top of her class. She won a number of awards including the ABMPS Diabetic Wound Care Award. She went on to serve her residency at the Morristown Memorial Hospital where she not only became chief resident but also performed over 1500 foot and ankle surgeries. She also completed additional published research on diabetic foot wounds and surgical treatment for bunions.

Dr. Patel is dedicated to providing excellent care to all of her patients. When she is not practicing podiatry, she enjoys reading, going to the movies, and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Dr. Obinna Mgbako is a gifted podiatrist providing care to patients at the Scotch Plains & Union, New Jersey offices of the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Jersey. Dr. Mgbako is certified to treat all foot and ankle pathology and specializes in lower leg limb salvage, diabetic wound care, and reconstructive and reparative foot and ankle surgery including minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques.

Dr. Mgbako completed his bachelor’s degree at New York University before earning his doctor of Podiatric Surgery and Medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He served his residency at the Morristown Memorial Hospital. He is a fellow of the American Professional Wound Care Association, an associate member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a member of the American Diabetes Association, the American Podiatric Medical Association, the American Podiatric Association of Sports Medicine, and the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management.

Dr. Mgbako takes a special interest in treating sports-related injuries and enjoys learning new insights to sports medicine, putting them into practice for the benefit of his patients.

Dr. Chudi Mgbako is one of the gifted podiatrists treating patients from the Westfield and Union, New Jersey at the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Jersey. Dr. Mgbako specializes in foot and ankle surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, infections, wound care, and arthroscopy.

Dr. Mgbako earned his bachelor’s degree from Pace University in New York City before completing his doctorate of podiatric medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He went on to service a 3-year podiatric medical and surgery residency at Montefiore Medical Center, also in New York. He is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society.

Dr. Mgbako stays abreast of the innovations in minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgical techniques so that he is best equipped to provide high-quality patient care. He helps his patients with treatments that allow for quick recovery and return to normal activities as quickly as possible. Dr. Mgbako looks forward to welcoming new patients at the Foot & Ankle Specialists of New Jersey.

Samantha Sheppard, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, which has six convenient locations: Edison, Woodbridge, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Linden, New Jersey. She’s highly skilled in treating all foot and ankle pathologies with both surgical and conservative treatments. 

Dr. Sheppard graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, with a dual bachelor’s degree in biology and Italian studies. She earned her medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City, graduating at the top of her class.

Dr. Sheppard went on to complete her surgical training at the Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey. She served as the chief resident in her third year and developed an impressive proficiency with a variety of surgical procedures, including foot and ankle trauma, diabetic Charcot reconstruction and limb salvage, flatfoot reconstruction, application of external fixation devices, ankle arthroscopy, and all forefoot pathologies. 

Dr. Sheppard is board-qualified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and looks forward to working with new and returning patients at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists.

Richard Corbin, FACFAS, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist on the team of providers at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, which has convenient locations in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Linden, New Jersey. He’s extensively trained in a wide array of foot and ankle pathologies and specializes in conservative and surgical treatment options, including trauma and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Corbin completed the revered podiatric residency program at Hoboken University Medical Center in New Jersey, serving as chief resident. He then went on to serve as the podiatry section chief at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield, New Jersey, working in the role for over eight years until the hospital closed.

It has been over 25 years since Dr. Corbin joined Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, and during this time, he has served on the podiatric residency committee at two of the top programs in New Jersey at Morristown Medical Center and Hoboken University Medical Center. He’s also a staff member several local surgery centers, including Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey, and Overlook Medical Center in Summit, New Jersey.

Dr. Corbin is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He welcomes new and existing patients to Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists.

Michael Kaminsky, DPM, is a highly skilled and compassionate podiatrist on the team of providers at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, which has four conveniently located clinics in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Linden, New Jersey.

Dr. Kaminsky graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Delaware in Newark. He earned his medical degree from the School of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he graduated at the top of his class.

He went on to postgraduate training at Hoboken University Medical Center in New Jersey. He completed his three-year residency in foot and ankle medicine and surgery and served as the chief resident in his final year of the program. During his residency, he focused on trauma and reconstructive surgery and developed a remarkable skill in fracture repair and elective reconstructive surgical techniques.

Dr. Kaminsky lives with his wife in Hoboken, New Jersey. When he’s not working with patients at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, he likes to run and play tennis.

Dr. Kaitlin Dickert Gonzales believes in engaging with her patients, through kindness and respect, to provide individualized patient focused medicine. She partners with her patients to provide the highest level of timely care through integrated clinical practices, education, and compassion. Dr. Gonzales graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey, Magna Cum Laude and went on to attend the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. During this time she was elected to the Honor Council, participated in medical mission work in Vicente Guerrero, Mexico, and was awarded the Dr. Sidney Solid Award for clinical excellence, research, and service. After completion of her doctorate she participated in a three year surgical residency at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, serving as chief resident during her third year. In her off time, Dr. Gonzales enjoys playing with her two children, home improvement projects with her husband, and is an avid gardener.

Dr. Jay Bhuta

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Dr. Jay Bhuta, DPM, is a podiatric surgical expert at Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey located in Millburn and Livingston of New Jersey. Dr. Bhuta specializes in both conservative and surgical treatments of ankle and foot using the most advanced tools available. He values his relationships with his patients and spends the time necessary listening to and educating his patients to help them feel more at ease about their ailments. Dr. Bhuta may focus on the ankle and foot, but he knows that each of his patients has very unique health care needs, and he designs a personalized treatment based on those needs

Dr. Bhuta treats a number of ankle and foot conditions including foot and ankle fractures, Achilles tendon ruptures, ankle sprains, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, drop foot, foot and ankle arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Charcot arthropathy, high arch, and flat feet. He also provides foot and ankle care for people with diabetes and cerebral palsy. Dr. Bhuta specializes in foot and ankle injuries, including sports injuries and reconstruction.

Dr. Bhuta has trained in the United States and internationally, which allows him to bring a different perspective to his patients. He received his doctorate of podiatric medicine from New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City and completed his residency and training at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey.

Dr. Bhuta is the Residency Director at Saint Barnabas Medical Center where he is responsible for training all the residents. He is very active in their education and is on top of the most current technology and treatments.

Foot and Ankle Specialist Scott Hanauer, DPM, believes excellent patient care is based on a foundation of compassion, trust, and expertise. At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, he works with his patients throughout Clifton, West Orange, Edison, and Jersey City, New Jersey, to build relationships of mutual respect in order to help them return to what they love doing as safely and pain-free as possible.

Dr. Hanauer is trained in sports-related injuries, including ankle arthroscopy, ankle ligament repair and reconstruction, fracture repair, Achilles tendonitis and tears, and tendon injury and cartilage restoration surgery. He also specializes in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, including ankle replacement, flat foot and cavus foot reconstruction, and ankle and midfoot fusions. Dr. Hanauer is also trained in advanced minimally invasive forefoot surgery, including bunion correction, hammertoe deformity correction, and arthritis.

Dr. Hanauer completed his undergraduate education at the University of Maryland, earning his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiological Sciences. He earned his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine Degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City, where he graduated in the top 10 of his class with Cum Laude honors while receiving numerous scholarships and awards. Dr. Hanauer went on to complete his residency at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus in Northern Virginia. 

During training, he served as Chief Resident. His training focused on complex surgical reconstruction of the foot and ankle. He is active in research and is an author of a number of publications and posters in peer-reviewed journals and national conferences. As an attending physician, he continues to play an active role in the training and education of residents.

Dr. Hanauer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, an associate member of the board of American Foot & Ankle Surgeons, and a member of the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society. He is from Livingston, New Jersey. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golf, NYC sports, and spending time with his wife Jessica, family, friends, and his dog, Finn.

Dr. Jyotsna Thapar, DPM, has practiced podiatric medicine at Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. since 2008. She believes that the doctor/patient relationship is very special and that this relationship requires building mutual trust through frank and open discussions and confidentiality. Dr. Thapar’s door is always open, and she welcomes and appreciates patients’ questions and comments.

After graduating from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in New Brunswick, Dr. Thapar went on to earn her doctor of podiatric medicine degree at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City. She completed her podiatric medical training at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, and podiatric surgical training at the Northport VA Medical Center in Long Island, New York. 

Dr. Thapar is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS).

She obtained additional training in the Dellon Techniques for Nerve Surgery at the Dellon Institutes for Peripheral Nerve Surgery in Baltimore. This type of procedure reverses the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Dr. Thapar is also a published author and has lectured on podiatric vascular ultrasound. She is on the staff at three New Jersey hospitals: JFK Medical Center in Edison, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, and Essex Surgical Arts Surgery Center in Belleville.

Dr. Umeer Sheikh DPM is a well-trained podiatrist here at Ankle & Foot Specialist of NJ. After graduating & earning Summa Cum Laude honors from St. John's University (NY); he went on to earn a DPM degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Following this, Dr. Sheikh completed his residency training at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (a Level 2 Adult & Pediatric Trauma center).  He is currently board qualified by the American Board of Podiatry Surgery and is a member of American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons. He is adept in the field of podiatric medicine, adult & pediatric foot care, diabetic limb salvage, wound healing, sports medicine, foot & ankle surgery, and trauma.

Dr. Sheikh places an emphasis on understanding & education with regards to the patient's concerns & symptoms. He believes that each & every patient should be given the time/effort/respect that they deserve.  He is always flexible with regards to patient circumstances while also giving the utmost importance to evidence-based medicine/practice. In his free time- Dr. Sheikh enjoys board games, sports & outdoor activities, as well as eating at different restaurants around the NY-NJ area.

Dr. Jordan Hoachlander, DPM, is a podiatric surgeon at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists. He focuses on all facets of clinical podiatry: nail care, ingrown nail procedures, biomechanical evaluations, fracture care, and sports medicine. Dr. Hoachlander joined the team after practicing for several years in Pittsburgh, PA and central NJ. He has an informed and approachable bedside manner, and strongly believes in patient-centered care. He aims to communicate with his patients clearly about their diagnosis and individualized treatment plan in a way that empowers them to be in control of their own health and well-being.

He obtained his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University, with a B.A. in Exercise Physiology and an emphasis in Aquatic Therapy. Dr. Hoachlander later attended Temple University School of Podiatric medicine where he graduated with his doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. After graduation, he completed his podiatric medicine and surgical residency training at Suburban Community Hospital in Norristown, PA.

Dr. Hoachlander is board qualified by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). He primarily focuses on reduction of bunion and hammertoe deformities, removal of arthritis of the big toe joint, cyst excision, and plantar fascia release. He also has expertise in the prevention and treatment of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, arterial, and venous wounds. In light of his knowledge on these topics, Dr. Hoachlander was invited to lecture at the Advances in Wound Healing Conferences in 2018 and 2020.In his spare time, he enjoys running, outdoor activities, college sports, playing with his dog, travel, community outreach, and exploring new restaurants.

Richard Corbin, FACFAS, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist on the team of providers at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, which has convenient locations in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Linden, New Jersey. He’s extensively trained in a wide array of foot and ankle pathologies and specializes in conservative and surgical treatment options, including trauma and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Corbin completed the revered podiatric residency program at Hoboken University Medical Center in New Jersey, serving as chief resident. He then went on to serve as the podiatry section chief at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield, New Jersey, working in the role for over eight years until the hospital closed.

It has been over 25 years since Dr. Corbin joined Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, and during this time, he has served on the podiatric residency committee at two of the top programs in New Jersey at Morristown Medical Center and Hoboken University Medical Center. He’s also a staff member several local surgery centers, including Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey, and Overlook Medical Center in Summit, New Jersey.

Dr. Corbin is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He welcomes new and existing patients to Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists.

Samantha Sheppard, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, which has six convenient locations: Edison, Woodbridge, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Linden, New Jersey. She’s highly skilled in treating all foot and ankle pathologies with both surgical and conservative treatments. 

Dr. Sheppard graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, with a dual bachelor’s degree in biology and Italian studies. She earned her medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City, graduating at the top of her class.

Dr. Sheppard went on to complete her surgical training at the Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey. She served as the chief resident in her third year and developed an impressive proficiency with a variety of surgical procedures, including foot and ankle trauma, diabetic Charcot reconstruction and limb salvage, flatfoot reconstruction, application of external fixation devices, ankle arthroscopy, and all forefoot pathologies. 

Dr. Sheppard is board-qualified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and looks forward to working with new and returning patients at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists.

Michael Kaminsky, DPM, is a highly skilled and compassionate podiatrist on the team of providers at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, which has four conveniently located clinics in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Linden, New Jersey.

Dr. Kaminsky graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Delaware in Newark. He earned his medical degree from the School of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he graduated at the top of his class.

He went on to postgraduate training at Hoboken University Medical Center in New Jersey. He completed his three-year residency in foot and ankle medicine and surgery and served as the chief resident in his final year of the program. During his residency, he focused on trauma and reconstructive surgery and developed a remarkable skill in fracture repair and elective reconstructive surgical techniques.

Dr. Kaminsky lives with his wife in Hoboken, New Jersey. When he’s not working with patients at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, he likes to run and play tennis.