MDNews - Greater Kansas

++++++++++++++++ + + ++++++++++++++++ PODIATRY  +++ +++ Keeping Patients in Step With Life: Miki Matsuda, D.P.M., M.B.A. WHEN YOU VISIT the office of Miki Matsuda, D.P.M., M.B.A., you are likely to encounter patients with a wide range of problems, from athletic injuries to bun- ions. That is because a podiatrist is much more than a “foot doctor.” Podiatry also encompasses a background in surgery, dermatology and biomechanics. Whether it is the result of a foot malforma- tion, injury or simply too many years of squeezing into ill-fitting shoes, foot problems can wreak havoc on patients’ feet and on their livelihoods. Podiatric care is designed to ensure continued functionality of the foot and ankle areas. Dr. Matsuda enjoys treating patients with joint and ligament problems, as well as those with congenital deformities, and offers a plethora of surgical and nonsurgical solutions. Scope of Care Since joining Wichita Clinic in August 2010, Dr. Matsuda has enjoyed supporting the multidisciplinary atmosphere and becoming a valued member of the team. “I enjoy working in a collective atmo- sphere,” she says. “If I have any questions about other specialties, there is someone available to answer them. Because of my familiarity with the foot and ankle, I am able to provide comprehensive foot care in areas such as transitional foot fractures and reconstructive surgery for various foot deformities and injuries.” Dr. Matsuda sees patients at both Wichita Clinic Founders’ Circle and Wichita Clinic Northeast and specializes in fracture care, endoscopic plantar fasciotomy for chronic plantar fasciitis, and bunion and hammertoe deformity. “In addition to working closely with trusted medical professionals, a further 12 | Greater Kansas MD NEWS  MDNEWS.COM Miki Matsuda, D.P.M., M.B.A. convenience is the ability to work with ease of access to the surgery center, which is connected to my clinic office. Whether a patient needs an in-office procedure or the support of the surgery center, we can accommodate them quickly and comfortably. As a physician, we have convenient access to medical equipment, staff, CTs and pathology, which speeds up the process for the patient. These are some of Wichita Clinic’s many strong points,” notes Dr. Matsuda. Diabetic Ulcer Management According to a Thomson Reuters study published in the March/April 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, if every American at risk for developing a diabetic foot ulcer visited a podiatrist once before complications set in, the U.S. health care system could save $3.5 billion in one year. “It is always better to be able to see a patient as soon as an ulcer develops,” Dr. Matsuda says. “A cellular immunity of a patient is suppressed, even the slightest bacterial infection can cause a life-threatening problem.” Great Strides in Care Frequent advancement’s in, from common concerns to complex surgeries, are aspects of podiatry that Dr. Matsuda says makes her work so interesting. “Podiatric surgery and care have seen unbe- lievable leaps in development. Technological advances in less invasive procedures have changed so much of how care is approached. Even operations for common foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis or neuromas, can now be approached endoscopically,” she explains. “Not everyone is a strong candidate for endoscopic procedures, so I also rely on traditional procedures when determining what will work best in restoring or preserving functionality. Every patient is truly unique, and we are able to approach each situation with a high degree of individuality.” Taking Pleasure in Personal Care Personal care is high on Dr. Matsuda’s list of priorities. Because of that interest, she decided to concentrate her focus and training on one specific area, providing care in an area that affects so many people. Implementing the latest technologies and proven proce- dures, she sees that patients achieve the most rapid and complete recoveries. “There is an immediate gratification to what I do. Foot injuries are debilitating and can keep a patient from normal activities like playing with their children or enjoying sports. Foot injuries can also be devastating to families when they prevent an income earner from going to work. Even a small injury can seriously disrupt life. When we are able to address the problem in an efficient manner and get patients back to enjoying life, they are very thankful. I get to feel like I make a lasting difference every day, and that gives me great pleasure,” Dr. Matsuda states. At Wichita Clinic, podiatrists are an integral part of the team, keeping patients on their feet in an active world. Whether it is wound management or reconstructive surgery, Dr. Matsuda enjoys helping her patients live passionate, active lives. Dr. Matsuda sees patients at Wichita Clinic Northeast (9211 E. 21st St.) and Wichita Clinic Founders’ Circle (1947 Founders’ Circle). Appointments can be made by calling (316) 613-4640. Visit www.wichitaclinic.com for more information. n

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