Lifetime member, Dr. Joseph Pasquino was attending graduate school in Cleveland, Ohio, when he was first introduced to the world of podiatry.

While investigating the intricacies of obtaining an Earth Shoe franchise, Dr. Pasquino visited the Clinical Director at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine). He wanted to understand the biomechanics and effects of the Earth Shoe’s negative heel. Encouraged to seek a career in podiatry, he continued his path. He relocated to Southern California to pursue his plans of owning an Earth Shoe franchise.

Several years later, while running on the beach on the West Coast, he engaged with a podiatrist lecturing on running shoes and sports injuries. He was intrigued. After shadowing this podiatrist and further investigating a podiatrist career, Dr. Pasquino was confident that he had found podiatry to be a “good fit.” He reconnected with the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM) Clinical Director, who enthusiastically encouraged him to enroll.

While at OCPM, he became involved in the Ohio Podiatric Medical Students’ Association. This experience began a path of involvement that led to building a network that supported Dr. Pasquino’s podiatric career, as Dr. Pasquino furthered his involvement in organizations serving in leadership roles. Ironically, he later served on the Board of Trustees at the school.

Dr. Pasquino completed his residency training at the James C. Gioffre Medical Center in Philadelphia, where he studied with and was mentored by some of PPMA’s future leaders. Under the mentorship of Dr. John Mattiacci, his interest in leadership was further piqued. This vital connection resurfaced later in his career as he was introduced to the First National Guild for Healthcare Providers of the Lower Extremity (OPEIU, Guild 45).

Upon completing his residency, he relocated to Pittsburgh, where he opened a practice. Dr. Pasquino started his practice from scratch, getting off the ground with a line of credit. He possessed robust confidence in his endeavor. Like many podiatrists who started their own practice, he learned the business piece on the job. It took four years for his practice to begin being profitable.

The key to his success was getting involved in his community and networking. He slowly and purposely built a thriving practice by getting deeply involved in the local community, hospitals, and service organizations. In giving his time, he raised awareness of the benefits of Podiatry within his community and grew his practice.

Dr. Pasquino recognized the need to both educate and inspire others.

Dr. Pasquino felt the need to invest in his people in-house by making continuing education a part of his practice culture, ensuring continuing education was an employee benefit that his workforce could take advantage of. As a result of these practices and at his urging, many of his employees enjoyed successful careers in nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, medicine, and veterinary medicine.

He introduced others to podiatry by lecturing at high schools and colleges, encouraging young students to shadow and observe him in practice and surgery.

For decades, he participated as an instructor, moderator, and adjunct faculty member for several Podiatric and medical residency programs and hospitals.

As his practice grew, he renewed his thirst for advocacy and “giving back”. Dr. Pasquino initially served locally (Pittsburgh, PA), holding offices and positions in the PPMA, hospital boards, and service organizations. This eventually led to more prominent roles at the state and national levels (Past President of PPMA, Board Member of the William L Goldfarb Foundation). This allowed him to expand his professional influence and network, forming alliances with like-minded Podiatrists and leaders nationwide.

He enjoyed participating in the early developmental stages of the Guild and the John Yurconic agency and being a longtime delegate, PAC, and PA coordinator of the APMA.

 About ten years before his retirement, he sold his practice to an extensive, multi-specialty medical practice. He remained employed there, functioning as Department Chief and Board member.

This past year, Dr. Pasquino retired but remained active in podiatry and his community.

Dr. Pasquino is an ambassador who recruits and mentors’ young Pennsylvanian podiatrists to serve the PPMA.

A volunteer in his local community, he volunteers his Podiatric services twice a month for a free clinic. He serves on several Boards in the Pittsburgh community, including the Civic Light Opera, Medical Bureau, American Diabetes Association, and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

Dr. Pasquino enjoys traveling, dining, and spending precious time with his family.

In reflecting on his career choice, he responds with great enthusiasm: “Podiatry offers the opportunity to build great relationships. It allowed me to grow and hone professional and social skills while providing valuable service to individuals and communities. It allowed me to improve my life while learning humility and self-worth.” He adds that what he best likes about podiatry is that “I liked helping others.”

Dr. Pasquino lives in the Greater Pittsburgh area. He is an active consultant in the PPMA and the Goldfarb Foundation, and continues to serves on the Board of OPEIU, Guild 45.