Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dr. Kumar is currently seeing patients in our Mount Juliet and Hermitage offices.
Dr. Kumar was born in South India but grew up in Philadelphia, PA and moved to the Nashville area to be closer to her parents. At a very young age, diabetes had a significant impact on her family’s life and opened the doors to podiatry. Her undergraduate studies were split between Villanova University and Alderson Broaddus College in West Virginia. Her desire to pursue her love for surgery and medicine led her to Cleveland, OH, where she completed 4 years at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. In June 2013, Dr. Kumar graduated from the 3 year Atlanta Veterans Affairs Residency program with a PMSR Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle certificate. During her residency, Dr. Kumar was given the opportunity to lecture at national and regional podiatry conferences as well publish podiatric literature.
Dr. Kumar credits her husband Jonathan, her family, and most importantly, God’s guidance for helping her achieve her goals. Her greatest achievements to date have to be the births of her four sons, James, Judah, Jaren and Jace.
Dr. Barrow is currently seeing patients in our Gallatin office
Dr. Barrow grew up in Wigan, England, and moved to San Antonio, Texas at age 9. After completing her undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin Dr. Barrow moved to Philadelphia to complete her podiatric medical degree and residency. During her residency, she trained in all facets of podiatric medicine, including trauma and reconstructive foot & ankle surgery.
Dr. Barrow and her family live in Nashville with their two miniature dachshunds Walter and Beatrice. When Dr. Barrow is not in the office she is fulfilling her self-proclaimed title of “foodie”-exploring new restaurants or baking and cooking at home.
Education/Training:
Residency: Bryn Mawr Hospital (Main Line Health), Bryn Mawr, PA - Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery
DPM: Temple University College of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Undergraduate: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Memberships/Certifications:
Board Qualified, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Foot Surgery & Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery
Member of Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association
Member of American Podiatric Medical Association
Member of American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Dr. Chockalingam is currently seeing patients in our Midtown and Mt. Juliet offices.
My path to podiatry is a bit of a different one. I did not know as a child that I wanted to be a doctor, I did not come from a family of physicians, and I had no knowledge of podiatry until later on in life. That all being said, I can tell you with 100% certainty that podiatric medicine is both my passion and calling in life.
I have always been drawn to both the social sciences and natural sciences. While doing my undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!), I majored in biology and took a multitude of psychology classes. As I began to consider life after college, I wanted to pursue a career that would combine both interests. A job in the medical field was exactly what I was looking for. I would have a foundation in the sciences, but at the same time, I would be able to interact with people on an individual basis. My years of running and soccer also influenced me to become a podiatrist. Many of my teammates encountered foot and ankle injuries, and I learned firsthand how devastating these injuries could be. However, I also discovered the pivotal role a podiatric physician played in getting athletes back on the field.
Private practice allows me to apply my medical knowledge and skills without feeling like I have to provide ‘cookie cutter’ treatments. Every patient is unique, and my goal is to provide personalized care based on an individual’s concerns and expectations. The foundation of my care also focuses on the relationship between foot health and a patient’s overall wellbeing. Studies have shown that foot pain as well as general foot health are correlated to an individual’s quality of life. I strive every day to keep patients’ feet healthy and pain-free so that they can continue to live their lives to the fullest.
Medicine has not only been a calling for me, but also a privilege. I look forward to taking care of you and your feet.
Dr. Kumar is currently seeing patients in our Mount Juliet and Hermitage offices.
Dr. Kumar was born in South India but grew up in Philadelphia, PA and moved to the Nashville area to be closer to her parents. At a very young age, diabetes had a significant impact on her family’s life and opened the doors to podiatry. Her undergraduate studies were split between Villanova University and Alderson Broaddus College in West Virginia. Her desire to pursue her love for surgery and medicine led her to Cleveland, OH, where she completed 4 years at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. In June 2013, Dr. Kumar graduated from the 3 year Atlanta Veterans Affairs Residency program with a PMSR Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle certificate. During her residency, Dr. Kumar was given the opportunity to lecture at national and regional podiatry conferences as well publish podiatric literature.
Dr. Kumar credits her husband Jonathan, her family, and most importantly, God’s guidance for helping her achieve her goals. Her greatest achievements to date have to be the births of her four sons, James, Judah, Jaren and Jace.
Dr. Hurless is currently seeing patients in our Hermitage office
Dr. Jeffrey S Hurless is a Podiatrist and Foot and Ankle Surgeon with a distinguished career spanning over two decades, dating back to 1999. He holds the title of Diplomat of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and is board-certified by the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). Dr. Hurless commenced his academic journey at the University of Akron in Ohio, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Biology.
Demonstrating unwavering commitment to academic excellence, he furthered his scholarly pursuits by obtaining a master's degree in physiology at the same institution. Venturing to San Francisco, Dr. Hurless pursued his doctorate at the renowned California College of Podiatric Medicine, where he garnered the highest honors. His thirst for knowledge and commitment to excellence led him to refine his podiatry and surgical expertise through a rigorous residency training program at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara, CA, culminating in a comprehensive three-year surgical residency within the Department of Orthopedics.
Beyond his clinical proficiency, Dr. Hurless is a respected lecturer, having delivered captivating presentations across the nation on a wide range of topics, including Orthotic Therapy, Sports Medicine, and Pediatric Foot Pathology. His depth of knowledge and engaging speaking style have made him a sought-after authority in the medical community.
Dr. Hurless's dedication to his chosen field stems from the diverse patient population it affords him the privilege to serve, ranging from infants to elderly grandparents. With a substantial track record of successful bunionectomies and reconstructive forefoot surgeries, Dr. Hurless has solidified his reputation as an accomplished expert in the field.
Beyond his role as a dedicated healthcare professional, he is a devoted husband and father of three, taking great pride in fostering a true family-oriented medical practice. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, watching college football, wine tasting and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Neuhaus is currently seeing patients in our Smyrna office.
Dr. Matthew Neuhaus, originally from Madison, Wisconsin, has been in private practice in Nashville since 2003. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Allyson, and together they have 11 children.
Dr. Neuhaus is a graduate of Brigham Young University. During college, he took 2 years off so he could serve as a missionary in Spain for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and he received his doctorate from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in 2000. He spent his fourth year of podiatric medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio. While in Texas, he received extensive training in diabetic foot care. He did his residency training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery in Louisville, Kentucky, in association with the University of Louisville. Dr. Neuhaus is fluent in English and Spanish.
Kentucky Podiatric Surgical Residency Program / University of Louisville Health Care, July 2000 to June 2003
Residency Highlights
University of Louisville Department of Orthopedics Trauma Service, 8 months
University of Louisville Rotations: Vascular Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Anesthesia, Infectious Disease, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, and Rheumatology
Education
California College of Podiatric Medicine, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, San Francisco, California, August 1996 to May 2000, Honors list 1996-2000, 4th year spent at The University of Texas – San Antonio with an emphasis in the diabetic foot.
Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, Bachelor of Science – Zoology – Pre Med, 1996.
Professional Interests
Bunions
Heel Pain
Ingrown Toenails
Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery
Athletic Injuries – Sprains / Strains / Fractures
Diabetic Foot Care – Ulcers / Orthotics
Personal Interests
Spending time with his family
Traveling around the world
Using Spanish (Speaking, Reading, Writing)
Working with his sons, as they are involved in the Boy Scouts of America
Youth sports coach – Baseball, Basketball, Football
Dr. Khalsa completed their undergraduate studies at Indiana University before earning their medical degree from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Following medical school, Dr.Khalsa pursued an intensive surgical residency at United Health Service Hospital in New York, where they gained comprehensive training in advanced podiatric surgical techniques.
With a patient-centered approach and multilingual skills, Dr. Khalsa is passionate about fostering clear communication and ensuring personalized care for diverse communities. Whether addressing common foot ailments or complex surgical needs, Dr.Khalsa is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal foot health and improved quality of life.
Dr. Keeter is currently seeing patients in our Smyrna office.
Dr. Emily Keeter is a fellowship-trained Foot and ankle surgeon originally from Central Florida. She grew up in a very athletic military family and following several sports injuries including: a broken leg and stress fractures her passion for foot and ankle injuries was formed. After a brief stint at the Air Force Academy, she finished her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Science at the University of Florida. Go Gators! From there she attended Podiatry school at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a medical student, Dr. Keeter was president of the sports medicine club and organized events alongside the Philadelphia 76ers as well as working the medical tent at the Boston Marathon.
Dr. Keeter moved to St. Louis, Missouri to complete her surgical residency where she was trained in all facets of Podiatric medicine and lower extremity surgery including trauma, Charcot reconstruction, forefoot, ankle reconstruction, etc.
Following residency, Dr. Keeter completed a one-year foot and ankle reconstructive surgical fellowship at the American Foundation of Lower Extremity Surgery and Research. As one of the highest-ranked programs in the country and one of the oldest fellowships, Dr. Keeter received advanced training and complex to formally correction arthroscopy, total ankle replacement, external fixation, sports medicine, trauma.
She has recently moved to Nashville and when she is not working you will likely see her on a run, DIY-ing or at a coffee shop. Dr. Keeter loves everything Nashville has to offer and is excited to give her patients the best care possible.
Dr. Parolie is currently seeing patients in our Brentwood offices.
Dr. Natalia Parolie grew up in Brazil and moved to the United States when she was 15. She moved to Nashville after residency to live closer to family. Dr. Parolie, previously known as Dr. Batista, got married in 2018. They now have 3 kids.
Dr. Parolie is a graduate of Valdosta State University in Georgia, where she also studied abroad in Spain for one year. Dr. Parolie received her doctorate degree from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2013. She received her residency training from Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida.
She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Dr. Parolie's interests include watching new TV shows with her husband, reading, going to orange theory, traveling, dancing and spending time with her 3 kids.
Her clinical practice consists of treating all aspects of the Foot and ankle including sports injuries, skin lesions, diabetic wounds and bunion surgeries.
Dr. Benac is currently seeing patients in our Lebanon office
Dr. Christopher Benac is originally from Portage, Indiana. He is married to his wife, Julie and has a beautiful daughter named Leah. Prior to getting into podiatry, Dr. Benac was a military police officer in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years and was a police officer for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department for 5 years. He was a volunteer at the Vanderbilt emergency department in 2003. It was there that he developed a passion for medicine, which led him to become a podiatrist.
In podiatry school, he was heavily involved in community service and was the community service chairman for 2 years. He organized fundraisers for local charities, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Association. He also organized volunteer events at homeless shelters to provide free medical screening and foot care.
Dr. Benac met his wife Julie in Atlanta during residency, and they are excited to start a family in the Nashville area. They are big fans of music, concerts, and karaoke.
David Smith, DPM, FAPWCA, FACFAOM, is a podiatrist and founder of Gateway Foot and Ankle Center. He treats patients in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, he graduated from the University of Memphis in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in biology, a minor in chemistry, and a Bachelor of Arts in german language and literature.
Dr. Smith continued his education at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Illinois, Chicago. He then completed his training in Iowa at the highest designation type podiatry residency. There, he acquired training in arthroscopic ankle surgery, internal and external fixation of foot and ankle trauma, Charcot reconstruction, adolescent and adult flatfoot correction, and extensive wound care/amputation prevention, besides the standard podiatry training for the surgical and non-surgical treatment of bunions, hammertoes, warts, plantar fasciitis, etc.
Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. He is looking forward to raising his children and settling in for the long haul.
Matthew Truscello, DPM, FACFAOM, is a highly skilled podiatrist serving patients at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee.
Dr. Truscello joined the Gateway Foot and Ankle Center team in the summer of 2011 after completing his residency training in Louisville, Kentucky. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, he considers himself a “mutt,” as he moved around quite often as child.
Dr. Truscello enjoys working in Tennessee and looks forward to further expanding to the surrounding areas. Prior to Louisville, he received his Bachelor of Science in biology from North Carolina State University, where he was also a member of the men’s varsity soccer team. Dr. Truscello then moved north to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine for his medical education.
In 2008, Dr. Truscello relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, where he completed his high-level surgical residency training at Norton Hospital. Dr. Truscello is board-certified and trained in all ailments of the foot and ankle. His knowledge and skills allow him to perform the highest and most difficult surgical procedures on the forefoot and rearfoot as well as ankle reconstruction and trauma.
From palliative nail care and heel pain to severe forefoot/rearfoot and ankle surgical reconstruction, Dr. Truscello is here to offer his services to the community. Whether it’s an ingrown toenail or a traumatic ankle fracture, Dr. Truscello is eager to treat you and get you “back on your feet.”
Dr. Truscello believes he has been very blessed and appreciates the support of his family. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, hunting, and his dogs. He loves work but always looks forward to getting home to his wife Whitney, their daughter Piper and son Brooks.
Gateway Foot and Ankle Center has been providing high-quality podiatry services to people living and working in the Clarksville, Tennessee, area since August 2009. The practice also has offices in Nashville and Erin, as well as Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
The Gateway Foot and Ankle Center team of experienced podiatrists offers hospital-based foot and ankle services, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and comprehensive limb salvage (amputation prevention) for patients with severe ulcers.
The team handles everything from ingrown and fungal toenails, corns and calluses, bunions, and plantar fasciitis to foot wounds, infections, fractures, and ankle sprains. Patients with diabetes can benefit from ongoing diabetic foot care at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center. The team’s expert surgeons also excel at complex reconstructive surgery for patients with severe injuries or abnormalities.
Everyone at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center has exceptional skills and knowledge that ensure patients receive the best possible care for these and other foot and ankle disorders. The team also uses advanced technologies to support patient care, including digital X-ray facilities and fully electronic health records.
To find out more about the outstanding services available at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center, call their nearest office today or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool.
Benjamin Palmer, DPM is a podiatrist and practitioner with Gateway Foot & Ankle Center. He treats patients in Clarksville and Erin, Tennessee.
Originally from Illinois, Dr. Palmer graduated from Judson University in Elgin, IL with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 2012. He then furthered his education at the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, IA, where he received his doctorate of Podiatric Medicine in 2017.
He completed his residency at Amita (Ascension) St. Joseph Hospital in 2020. There, he acquired training in lower extremity surgical procedures which included peripheral nerve repair, microsurgery, limb salvage, orthoplastics, trauma, forefoot & rearfoot reconstruction, pediatric lower limb deformity, and ankle arthroscopy. This was in addition to the standard podiatry training of care for diabetic patients, wound care, skin and nail disease, biomechanical treatments, traumas (fractures, lacerations, ligamentous and tendinous disruptions,) bunions, calluses, plantar fasciitis, ingrown nails, cysts, lower limb deformities, and pre/post operative care. Dr. Palmer joined Gateway Foot & Ankle Center in January of 2023.
Dr. Palmer enjoys spending time with his wife and child, watching and participating in sports, hiking, climbing, and cooking in his spare time.
Gateway Foot and Ankle Center has been providing high-quality podiatry services to people living and working in the Clarksville, Tennessee, area since August 2009. The practice also has offices in Nashville and Erin, as well as Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
The Gateway Foot and Ankle Center team of experienced podiatrists offers hospital-based foot and ankle services, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and comprehensive limb salvage (amputation prevention) for patients with severe ulcers.
The team handles everything from ingrown and fungal toenails, corns and calluses, bunions, and plantar fasciitis to foot wounds, infections, fractures, and ankle sprains. Patients with diabetes can benefit from ongoing diabetic foot care at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center. The team’s expert surgeons also excel at complex reconstructive surgery for patients with severe injuries or abnormalities.
Everyone at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center has exceptional skills and knowledge that ensure patients receive the best possible care for these and other foot and ankle disorders. The team also uses advanced technologies to support patient care, including digital X-ray facilities and fully electronic health records.
To find out more about the outstanding services available at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center, call their nearest office today or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool.
Christina Bridges, DPM, is an experienced orthopedic surgeon and doctor providing exceptional care for patients at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee.
Dr. Bridges started her educational journey in the golden state of California. She first attended the College of San Mateo in 2007. After two years of general studies, she relocated to Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
Dr. Bridges completed her Bachelor of Science in biology at California State University East Bay in Hayward in 2012. After a small break, she pursued further education in podiatric medicine and finished a doctorate program at the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University.
Throughout her education and career as an experienced orthopedic professional, Dr. Bridges has given back to local and underserved communities. She’s provided quality podiatric services for people in Nicaragua and San Ysidro during medical missions. Additionally, Dr. Bridges frequently volunteers her expertise for local marathons and educational committees.
More recently, Dr. Bridges completed a pediatric and adult foot and ankle surgical fellowship at Village Podiatry Group, LLC, in 2021. Here, she honed her surgical skills to provide complex and general medical care, with an emphasis on reconstructive surgery.
Currently, Dr. Bridges resides in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee, where she is accepting new clients.
Gateway Foot and Ankle Center has been providing high-quality podiatry services to people living and working in the Clarksville, Tennessee, area since August 2009. The practice also has offices in Nashville and Erin, as well as Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
The Gateway Foot and Ankle Center team of experienced podiatrists offers hospital-based foot and ankle services, including minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and comprehensive limb salvage (amputation prevention) for patients with severe ulcers.
The team handles everything from ingrown and fungal toenails, corns and calluses, bunions, and plantar fasciitis to foot wounds, infections, fractures, and ankle sprains. Patients with diabetes can benefit from ongoing diabetic foot care at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center. The team’s expert surgeons also excel at complex reconstructive surgery for patients with severe injuries or abnormalities.
Everyone at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center has exceptional skills and knowledge that ensure patients receive the best possible care for these and other foot and ankle disorders. The team also uses advanced technologies to support patient care, including digital X-ray facilities and fully electronic health records.
To find out more about the outstanding services available at Gateway Foot and Ankle Center, call their nearest office today or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool.
Benjamin Palmer, DPM is a podiatrist and practitioner with Gateway Foot & Ankle Center. He treats patients in Clarksville and Erin, Tennessee.
Originally from Illinois, Dr. Palmer graduated from Judson University in Elgin, IL with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 2012. He then furthered his education at the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, IA, where he received his doctorate of Podiatric Medicine in 2017.
He completed his residency at Amita (Ascension) St. Joseph Hospital in 2020. There, he acquired training in lower extremity surgical procedures which included peripheral nerve repair, microsurgery, limb salvage, orthoplastics, trauma, forefoot & rearfoot reconstruction, pediatric lower limb deformity, and ankle arthroscopy. This was in addition to the standard podiatry training of care for diabetic patients, wound care, skin and nail disease, biomechanical treatments, traumas (fractures, lacerations, ligamentous and tendinous disruptions,) bunions, calluses, plantar fasciitis, ingrown nails, cysts, lower limb deformities, and pre/post operative care. Dr. Palmer joined Gateway Foot & Ankle Center in January of 2023.
Dr. Palmer enjoys spending time with his wife and child, watching and participating in sports, hiking, climbing, and cooking in his spare time.
