Lourdes Podiatry Residents
PGY-I
Jacob Larsen, DPM
Hometown: Montesano, WA
Undergrad School: Brigham Young University-Idaho
Medical School: Des Moines University
What drew me to Podiatry: I chose podiatry because I love the specialized aspect and diversity of the field. I initially got a job during undergrad, solely for medical exposure, at a private practice podiatry clinic as a medical assistant/scribe. I quickly realized how awesome podiatry was during the 4 years while working there.
What do I like to do in my free time: I love spending time with my wife and 3 kids. I also enjoy camping, boating, traveling and wood working.
Austin Nichols, DPM
Hometown: Surprise, AZ
Undergrad School: University of Arizona
Medical School: Midwestern University
What drew me to Podiatry: Initially, the mixture of clinic and surgery was what got me interested in Podiatry; but as I began to learn more about how much of a positive difference we can make in the quality of people's lives, I knew it was for me.
What do I like to do in my free time: Outside of Podiatry, I love spending time with friends and family, cooking, 3D printing and painting. I'm a huge sports fan, especially for my Arizona teams!
PGY-II
Tyler Bowers, DPM
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Undergrad School: Purdue University
Medical School: Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine
What drew me to Podiatry: I had the privilege when I was young to grow up in the orthopedic capital of the world. Working with many orthopedic surgeons and podiatrist. I wanted a career that was fulling balancing of family life with my duties as a physician. Working with many talented podiatrists firsthand showed me that we keep America walking every day. I then knew I had to put my best foot forward in this field that has sports medicine, biomechanics, surgery, and clinic time that suited me best.
What do I like to do in my free time: Cycling, Skiing, Hiking, Camping, All Sports
Benjamin Chen, DPM
Hometown: Boston, MA
Undergrad School: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
What drew me to Podiatry: When I was applying for medical school, I found out I was waitlisted and was considering what to do next. One of my college friends who was doing her anesthesia residency at the time recommended I explore podiatry. I shadowed some local podiatrists and thought it was a great career with the possibility of a good balance between clinic and surgery. I applied, was accepted, and I couldn't be happier with my decision.
What do I like to do in my free time: Work out, practice guitar, watercolors.
Tiffany Duong, DPM
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Undergrad School: University of Texas at Arlington
Medical School: Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ
What drew me to Podiatry: I am enthusiastic about Podiatric Medicine due to its diverse range of specialties. The field offers everything from wound care and orthotic modification to advanced procedures such as nerve decompression surgery and rearfoot reconstruction, making each day engaging and dynamic. Additionally, I am passionate about the broad spectrum of patients I have the opportunity to care for in this field.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I like to read thriller books, binge watch reality TV shows, travel the world, try new restaurants, explore nature, thrift shop, and spend time with my family/loved ones.
Naima Yusuf, DPM
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Undergrad School: University of Minnesota
Medical School: Des Moines University
What drew me to Podiatry: The balance between clinic and surgery
What do I like to do in my free time: Travel and visit Art museums
PGY-III
William Bui Tran, DPM
Hometown: Albertville, MN
Undergrad School: University of Iowa
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
What drew me to Podiatry: During my senior year of college, I was completing my final project, which was about monitoring endotracheal tube. The surgeon which I was in the OR with happened to be a foot and ankle surgeon and he was doing Total Ankle Arthroplasty at that time.
What do I like to do in my free time: Travelling and exploring local coffee shops.
Carl Larusson, DPM
Hometown: Carmichael, CA
Undergrad School: University of California, Davis
Medical School: California School of Podiatric Medicine
What drew me to Podiatry: I had the privilege of being introduced to the field of podiatric medicine by my university's healthcare counselor. Intrigued by this newfound knowledge, I embarked on a journey of thorough research to gain a deeper understanding of podiatric medicine. It felt like stumbling on a hidden gem. The specialized nature of podiatric medicine, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle disorders, appealed to me greatly.
What do I like to do in my free time: I like to bike, run, swim, kayak, cook, read, travel, make new frinds and learn new things. My favorite thing would be taking dogs for a long walk.
Kirk Metzger, DPM
Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD
Undergrad School: University of Iowa
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
What drew me to Podiatry: From a young age I was interested in a career in the medical field because my mother is a nurse and I always enjoyed listening to her stories from work. A few sports injuries while growing up sparked my interest in orthopedics and sports medicine, and as I researched it some more my interest in doing surgery also grew. I shadowed a Podiatrist in undergrad and really liked his practice that he ran, the variety of patient pathologies he was able to treat, the instant relief he was able to give some patients from their symptoms, and the work-life balance that Podiatrists are able to have.
What do I like to do in my free time: Explore new restaurants and bars in the Binghamton area with my girlfriend, work out and be active, watch and play sports, go to the farmers market (partially for the hot dog stand), relax with a good movie/show.