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.

Carl Jean, DPM, FACFAS from The Foot Specialty Practice in the Kings County of Brooklyn, New York, has been practicing podiatry since 2000. He always knew he wanted to be a doctor but chose podiatry due to the vast opportunities that this specialty afforded. 

Unlike many other medical specialties, podiatrists are trained in a region of the body and not just a system. As a doctor and surgeon, Dr. Jean is able to treat various conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. 

Based on this understanding, Dr. Jean can treat various skin problems, bone and joint problems, certain types of painful nerve conditions, and other soft tissue abnormalities. He also treats biomechanical problems that occur as a result of different types of pathologic foot and ankle conditions. Dr. Jean practices both podiatric medicine and podiatric foot & ankle surgery.

Dr. Jean is considered by his peers to be a talented and skilled surgeon. However, he takes pride mostly in his personable approach to patient care. He believes having a great bedside manner allows for open communication with his patients. He feels that the atmosphere in his office is that of a family-type of environment. 

Dr. Jean spends the necessary time to ensure that patients understand their problems and/or conditions. He also prioritizes the discussion of various conservative and surgical treatment options that may be available. Dr. Jean feels it is very important to be up front and honest with his patients, just as he would be with any family member.

Dr. Jean has worked with The Foot Specialty Practice since 2008. He assumed the position as principal owner in 2010. Dr. Jean currently works with Dr. Roxann Clarke, DPM.

Dr. Jean has a great zeal for life. He loves to travel. He keeps himself busy playing sports such as basketball and soccer, and he also likes to run. Most of all, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and son. 

Dr. Jean is proud to say that he practices podiatry because he loves it. He actually feels that he was meant to do this. He feels that podiatry allows him the privilege to improve peoples lives in a meaningful way.

Dr. Jay Bhuta

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.

Dr. Aamir Ahmed

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

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.

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.

Specializing in foot and ankle surgery. With extensive training in foot and ankle reconstruction, Dr. Paternina is proud to serve patients at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists, with locations Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne, Ridgefield, & Bloomfield, NJ.

After graduating in 2008 from Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, with a  Bachelor of Science in biology, Dr. Paternina enrolled in Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. In 2014, she graduated in the top 5% of her class and completed her residency at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a Level II trauma center. 

During her time as a resident, Dr. Paternina received comprehensive training in reconstructive surgery of complex foot and ankle deformities, including foot and ankle joint replacement, flatfoot, trauma, limb salvage, and advanced training techniques in treating difficult wounds. Her surgical abilities were so impressive that she earned the title of chief resident during her final year.

In addition to her surgical abilities, Dr. Paternina’s areas of expertise include pediatrics, sports medicine, arthroscopy, cartilage transplantation, plastic surgery, dermatology, and general foot care. She is passionate about education and has devoted her time to lectures and medical studies, both nationally and internationally. With a deep respect for medical missions that help underserved communities, Dr. Paternina often donates her time and expertise to various nonprofit endeavors. She is also affiliated with Meridian Healthcare System. 

When she is not working with her patients, Dr. Paternina enjoys traveling to new places, cycling, Zumba, kayaking, watching movies, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Kyle Yi is a fellowship trained foot and ankle surgeon who specializes in trauma and reconstructive surgery.  He is proud to serve patients at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists, with locations in Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne, Ridgefield & Bloomfield, NJ. 

He graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and continued his education at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA, where he obtained his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). 

Dr. Yi then began his surgical training at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.  He was selected to serve as Chief Resident during his final year and graduated with credentials from the Council of Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) to perform reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery.  In addition to surgery, he also received training in sports medicine, arthroscopy, plastic surgery, wound care and general foot care.

To further his surgical training, he spent an additional year completing a fellowship, accredited by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), in trauma and reconstructive surgery at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.  Dr. Yi received extensive training with cutting edge technology including total ankle replacements and use of custom 3D implants in foot and ankle surgery.  

Throughout his training, Dr Yi has authored and co-authored articles and research publications focusing on ankle fractures, ankle instability, and diabetic neuropathy, with his most recent regarding a total calcaneus replacement with a custom 3D printed metallic implant.  

When he is not serving patients, Dr. Yi enjoys cooking, traveling, golfing, watching TV/movies and spending time with his friends and family.  

Jonathan Shalot, BS, DPM, AACFAS, is a skilled foot and ankle surgeon at Foot & Ankle Premier Specialists, with locations in Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne, Ridgefield, & Bloomfield, NJ. 

Dr. Shalot graduated from Long Island's distinguished Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, in May of 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Minor in Chemistry. He obtained his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from The New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City. 

During his time in podiatry school, Dr. Shalot served as president of the Student Chapter of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and as president of the NYCPM Student Organization. He completed a three-year Foot and Ankle Surgery residency program at the prestigious Montefiore Medical Center, affiliated with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx. He was elected Chief Resident during his last year. Dr. Shalot graduated with honors from the program in May 2023, specializing in forefoot surgery, rearfoot surgery, trauma, and ankle surgery.

During his time at NYCPM and Montefiore, Dr. Shalot has authored and co-authored articles and research publications, most focusing on his interest in the Role of anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) repairs in Chronic Ankle Instability.   

Dr. Shalot is certified in CPR and also served as a lifeguard. His interests include sports medicine, biomechanics of the foot and ankle, treating athletes, and assessing patients for orthotic therapy. He enjoys playing the guitar, working out, and swimming in his spare time. 

Dr. Howard Reifer received his medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. His primary podiatric residency was completed at the Brunswick General Hospital and podiatric surgical fellowship training was completed at the Brooklyn Hospital Center. He is a current member of American Podiatric Medical Association.

Dr. Howard Reifer has practiced podiatry for over 15 years and has earned a reputation for excellent care. He is extensively trained in providing comprehensive care of the foot and ankle, whether trauma from sports injuries, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, ingrown toe nails, corns, calluses, and warts.  Each patient is thoroughly evaluated and all treatment options are explained completely and in terms that are easily understood.