Advancing podiatric medicine and surgery in Northeast Ohio.
About the Balance Fellowship
A one-year post-graduate program in Northeast Ohio dedicated to advancing podiatric medicine and surgery. Fellows gain comprehensive exposure to foot and ankle care with a strong emphasis on rearfoot and ankle reconstruction, including total ankle replacement and trauma.
What You Will Experience
- Comprehensive Training – High-volume clinical and surgical exposure with full physician–patient care from diagnosis through follow-up.
- Research & Scholarship – Conduct original research, present at conferences, and prepare a manuscript for peer-reviewed publication.
- Mentorship – Learn directly from a multidisciplinary faculty committed to advancing your surgical judgment, technical skills, and professional growth.
Curriculum & Expectations
- Clinical & Surgical
- Extensive experience in podiatric medicine and surgery.
- Concentrated exposure to rearfoot and ankle reconstruction, total ankle replacement, and trauma.
- Development of decision-making, imaging, casting, splinting, and post-operative management skills.
- Didactics & Conferences
- Weekly case reviews and didactic sessions.
- Hands-on cadaver labs to refine techniques.
- Active participation in the ACFAS Annual Scientific Conference.
- Research
- Complete an original project.
- Present findings through podium or poster presentations.
- Submit for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Program Leadership & Faculty
- Mark A. Hardy, DPM, FACFAS – Program Director
- Gary Most, DPM, FACFAS
- Joseph Saxon, DPM, AACFAS
- Alex Bischoff, DPM, AACFAS
- Christopher Hehemann, DPM, FACFAS
- Dustin Huntsman, DPM, AACFAS
- Kayla Schaefer, DPM
- Jennifer Prezioso, DPM, FACFAS
Recent Post-Graduate Fellows
- 2025–2026: Lauren Jones, DPM
- 2024–2025: No Fellow
- 2023–2024: Alex Bischoff, DPM, AACFAS
- 2022–2023: Joseph Saxon, DPM, AACFAS
- 2021–2022: Rachelle Randall, DPM, AACFAS
- 2020–2021: Vikram Bala, DPM, AACFAS
- 2019–2020: Scott Walker, DPM, FACFAS
- 2018–2019: Tara L. Harrington, DPM, MBA, MHA, AACFAS
- 2017–2018: Paul Carroll, DPM, FACFAS
- 2016–2017: Matthew Reiner, DPM, FACFAS
Apply Now
Deadline: July 1
Required Materials
- Current CV
- Official podiatry school transcript
- Three letters of recommendation (DPM/MD/DO)
- One-page letter of interest
- PRR case logs
Application Process
Submit the ACFAS Standard Fellowship Application and email all supporting materials using the form below.
