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. 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. Sandilya's journey in the field of podiatry began with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Exercise Science from Rutgers University, followed by the completion of her Masters in Biomedical Sciences, also at Rutgers University. She then earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from The New York College of Podiatric Medicine. To further enhance her skills, Dr. Sandilya underwent an intensive 3-year residency at Morristown Medical Center, one of the most prestigious podiatric surgical programs in New Jersey. During her residency, she served as Chief of Research, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field through innovative studies and practices. She participated in multiple advanced courses in foot and ankle arthroscopy, limb deformity, bunion correction, and external fixation. She also gave multiple academic lectures during her time in residency and continues to have an active role with the residents.

Dr. Aamir Ahmed

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Aamir Ahmed, DPM, is a fellowship-trained, board-eligible foot and ankle surgeon with extensive training in reconstructive surgery. He currently sees patients at Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey in Millburn, Westfield, and Union, New Jersey.

Dr. Ahmed earned his medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine after graduating cum laude with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He completed his three-year surgical residency at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey, where he gained surgical experience in adult foot and ankle reconstruction, trauma, arthritic joints, Achilles tendon reconstruction, arthroscopy, Charcot neuroarthropathy, and diabetic limb salvage, with advanced training techniques in wound care.

The following year, Dr. Ahmed went on to complete a pediatric foot and ankle fellowship at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, under the mentorships of Dr. Mark Solomon and Dr. Mark Rieger. There, he gained experience treating children with foot and ankle congenital deformities, sprains, fractures, growth plate injuries, as well as sports and dance injuries. Some pediatric conditions that Dr. Ahmed has managed and treated include equinovarus deformities (clubfoot), toe walkers, in-toeing, flatfoot, high arch foot, ankle sprains/fractures, and brachymetatarsia.

His fellowship also included advanced and specialized training in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgical techniques, including minimally invasive bunion surgery and gradual deformity correction with the Ilizarov hexapod external fixator. With such a vast background, Dr. Ahmed is well-equipped to treat foot and ankle conditions for all ages.

Dr. Ahmed is also active in training the next generation of foot and ankle surgeons, educating and mentoring podiatric residents at Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

His hobbies include playing sports, fitness, and nutrition, and spending time with his family and newborn daughter. As a big foodie, Dr. Ahmed enjoys eating out with family and friends.

Dr. Machili Adrien

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Machli Adrien, DPM, is a highly-skilled podiatrist at Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey, with offices in Millburn, Livingston, Union, Springfield, Florham Park, Short Hills, West Orange, Maplewood, and Summit, New Jersey. 

At the practices Millburn, Union, and Westfield locations, Dr. Adrien strives to provide his patients with the best possible individualized care while getting them back on their feet. Here to help with all your foot and ankle concerns, his view is no issue is too challenging to overcome. 

He specializes in sports-related injuries, minimally invasive surgery, foot and ankle surgery, and  general podiatry care. 

Before joining Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey, Dr. Adrien began his career with the Orthopedic Surgery Department at Augusta University Health. While there, he also served as an assistant professor at the Medical College of Georgia, educating medical students, orthopedic residents, and sports medicine fellows in foot and ankle care. His role as an educator is one of his most fulfilling, and he is proud to continue educating residents at Saint Barnabas Medical Center.    

Raised in central New Jersey, Dr. Adrien received his medical education at Barry  University. He went on to complete his surgical training at Hoboken University  Medical Center in New Jersey.   

When out of the office, Dr. Adrien enjoys biking, swimming, traveling, and working through a good book.  

Dr. Adrien welcomes new and existing patients.

Amit Shah, DPM, is an expert foot and ankle surgeon and board-certified podiatrist who has been serving the central Jersey area for over 10 years. Dr. Shah provides compassionate, individualized care to patients of all ages at the North Brunswick, Edison, and Cranbury, New Jersey, locations of his practice Amit Shah DPM. 

Dr. Shah received his Bachelor of Science in biology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, before completing his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

He went on to finish a residency program in primary podiatric medicine at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as a surgical residency program focused on reconstructive ankle and foot surgery at Memorial Hospital - Brown University Health System in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Dr. Shah is an expert at communication and always approaches diagnosing symptoms with care and patience. He treats a wide range of podiatry needs including skin and nail issues, bunions and calluses, as well as foot and ankle pain. 

He also works with children and diabetic patients and is passionate about treating foot issues early on to restore overall health. Dr. Shah can prescribe orthotics to improve mobility or bring his experience as a surgeon to a condition or injury, if necessary. 

Dr. Shah is board-certified in foot and ankle surgery, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, diagnostic ultrasound, and in cryosurgery. He is also a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, and the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society.

Tekchand Thakurdial, DPM, known as Dr. Tek to his many Staten Island, New York, patients, is part of Richmond Podiatry Associates, a practice that offers comprehensive foot and ankle care. While Dr. Tek provides state-of-the-art care for most common foot issues, ranging from bunions to toenail fungus, he is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialists in the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot wounds. 

As part of his diabetic foot care, Dr. Tek avails himself of the latest treatment modalities, such as UltraMIST®, which speeds up healing of diabetic ulcers. He’s also found great success using hyperbaric chambers to address slow-healing foot wounds, allowing him to help his patients safeguard the health of their feet.

Dr. Tek is also an accomplished foot surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, and he uses the latest techniques in bunion surgery, neuroma resolution, hammertoe correction, and diabetic limb salvage.

Dr. Tek is a diplomate of the American Professional Wound Care Association and serves as the director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Staten Island University Hospital, which is a part of the prestigious North Shore LIJ Health System.

Whether it’s an ingrown toenail or a more serious issue like peripheral neuropathy, Dr. Tek Footcare and Dr. Tek provide expert care and management designed to keep patients on their feet and enjoying life to the fullest.

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• Former Director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Staten Island University Hospital
• Board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialists
• Diplomate of the American Professional Wound Care Association

Nicholas Szwaba, DPM, provides wound care and foot surgery to patients at Richmond Podiatry Associates in the Eltingville neighborhood of Staten Island, New York. 

Dr. Szwaba is a Staten Island local who now is serving the Staten Island community as a physician. He attended New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his residency at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital undergoing extensive training in forefoot, rearfoot, ankle reconstructive surgery, and limb salvage procedures. During his final year of residency, he served as chief resident. 

Dr. Szwaba continued his education and training by completing an additional yearlong fellowship following his residency due to his interest in wound care. He completed his wound care fellowship at NYC HHC Coney Island Hospital. During his time at NYC HHC Coney Island, he obtained advanced training in wound care techniques and limb salvage procedures.

Dr. Szwaba is board-certified through the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. In addition, he has attending privileges at both Northwell Staten Island University Hospital and Richmond University Medical Center. Dr. Nicholas Szwaba is able to provide house calls and emergency consultations. 

Paul E. Eckstein, DPM, provides podiatric medicine and surgery to patients at Richmond Podiatry Associates in the Eltingville neighborhood of Staten Island, New York. He has over 20 years of experience as a podiatric physician. He specializes in the treatments of sports injuries, ingrown toenails, neuromas, diabetic foot care, fungal toenails, and plantar fasciitis. He also has an extensive background in public health and clinical nutrition. 

Dr. Eckstein graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1994 and received his postgraduate training at the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and Affiliated institutions. He has a Masters Degree in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University and his many years of experience as a Registered Dietitian and a Licensed Nutritionist has helped him to attain a holistic approach to the management of podiatric patients. 

He is board-certified in foot surgery, a Diplomate of The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle surgery

He is affiliated with Staten Island University Hospital since 1996, presently a part of Northwell Health.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Eric Rockmore, DPM, FACFAS, is an exceptional foot and ankle surgeon, board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Serving patients at Rockmore Foot and Ankle Specialists in Hamilton and Summit, New Jersey, Dr. Rockmore brings the latest advancements in podiatric medicine to the community. 

Dr. Rockmore completed his Foot and Ankle Surgery training at Passaic Beth Israel Hospital in New Jersey. Since then, he has sought and completed advanced training throughout his career. Specializing in nerve problems such as Morton's Neuroma, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, and Peroneal Nerve Compression, Dr. Rockmore welcomes patients dealing with any podiatric ailment to the practice. 

With advanced training in modern minimally invasive techniques for bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and heel spurs, Dr. Rockmore's work earned Rockmore Foot and Ankle Specialists the honor of being designated a Center of Distinction for Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction. He is also a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Rockmore serves as the Chief of Podiatric Surgery at RWJ-Barnabus Hamilton. He also maintains privileges at Overlook Medical Center in Summit.

Dr. Rockmore enjoys spending time with his wife, three children, and their dogs in his free time. He enjoys hiking and mountain biking on trails all over the Garden State.

As a member of the MidJersey Orthopaedics team serving the communities of Flemington and Bridgewater, New Jersey, Suneel Basra, DPM, FACFAS, brings his combination of high-level training and dedicated attitude to provide his patients with expert foot and ankle care. His areas of expertise include foot and ankle surgery, diabetic limb salvage, and orthotic and brace intervention. 

Dr. Basra attended New York University in Manhattan, New York, for his undergraduate education. He then completed medical school at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, also in Manhattan. Following medical school, Dr. Basra was awarded residency training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. 

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Basra is active and engaged in many professional organizations. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a diplomat of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and an evaluator for the Residency Review Committee of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education.

Dr. Basra is also a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society, and the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. In addition, he is a volunteer surgeon for the Health and Education Relief for Guyana (HERG) Clubfoot Project in Georgetown, Guyana.

Dr. Basra is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. His areas of interest include Cartiva Revision Surgery, foot and ankle fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, flat foot treatment, sports injuries of the foot and ankle, heel pain, arthroscopic ankle surgery, and much more.