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It’s that time of year when the general public gives a little more generously in helping those in need of food, warm shelter, or Christmas toys. But when it comes to Medical Mission work, it doesn’t normally follow a certain “time of year” for the medical community to physically travel to other countries and offer much needed medical treatment and education. Our PPMA Members and Residents are no different in giving of their time and expertise to those in dire need throughout the year, or supporting podiatric organizations that give back to the community in a big way.

These podiatric physicians/surgeons bring hope and healing to indigenous peoples like no other profession can in such countries as South America, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Their giving extends beyond a certain time of year, with most returning to follow up or because they get a lot of gratification in bringing much needed healing/treatment for podiatric disorders.

SHUZZ Foundation – Sole Giver

Most children in the states have multiple pairs of shoes to wear for different activities—sports, walking, recreation, school, and formal occasions.  This is not the case in all parts of the U.S., but it is definitely lacking in third-world countries. “Most children across the world have one pair of shoes for school and play,” says Jodi Schoenhaus, DPM, Boca Raton/Boynton Beach, FL, Medical Director, SHUZZ Foundation. Dr. Schoenhaus started the organization because she knows the confidence a pair of brand-new shoes can bring to a child.

The SHUZZ Foundation provides new washable shoes, that can grow with the child, internationally and domestically through fund-raising efforts and donations to underprivileged children. Currently, the organization provides well over 125,000 pairs of shoes. This is no small task, as the Foundation continually runs fund-raising efforts and purchases new shoes to distribute.

The shoes provided range from: Crocs, Natives, New Balance, to Adidas brands. “Domestically, we participate in back-to-school drives and athletic programs in an effort to encourage healthy, active lifestyles for children,” says Dr. Schoenhaus. Here at home is where the SHUZZ Foundation mostly donates cleats and sneakers for the youth.

The program has been extremely successful, according to Dr. Schoenhaus. The SHUZZ Foundation also provides medical relief and medications to a number of clinics in Guyana, South America; specifically providing Grand rounds education because there is a high rate of diabetes and limb-threatening conditions. In one of their Missions, “We met a four-year-old boy from Lethem, Guyana, that had internal tibial torsion [see photos on right]. Through the SHUZZ organization, we were able to get him a Visa; and he and his mother traveled to the United States where surgical reconstruction was performed, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation,” says Dr. Schoenhaus.

The Foundation distributes shoes to Haiti, Guatemala, Columbia, and the Bahamas. Dr. Schoenhaus attributes their success to the love of shoes and for the children! They’ve been going strong for eight years now.

Another Mission in Honduras

PPMA Member Neal Kramer, DPM, kept his word about going back to the Manos Amigos clinic in La Entrada, Honduras. He again was part of a Mission Team this summer, serving the Manos Amigos clinic funded by the “Serving at the Crossroads” organization. The clinic is 10,000 square feet, staffed by two full-time physicians and dentists. Dr. Kramer was joined by podiatric residents Brittany Mayer, DPM, and Shaun Latshaw, DPM, to provide treatment and instruction of the lower extremity, which is normally not available at the clinic.

“Honduras has a very high percentage of diabetes in their population,” says Dr. Kramer. When Dr. Kramer was there in 2016 with Lee Sanders, DPM, he was initially amazed by the large percentage of lower extremity complications. This time around, the team saw approximately 100 patients for evaluation, mostly diabetics, and treatment. Dr. Kramer and the residents:

Performed many surgical debridements of wounds on feet and legs. 
Saw a few congenital problems like brachymetatarsia (congenitally short metatarsals) and pes planus. 

Performed one surgical emergency whereby a patient with a posterior heel wound had fallen, forcibly dorsiflexed her foot, and tore the entire posterior portion of skin and 80 percent of Achilles tendon. 
Performed a few digital amputations as well.


In total, more than 800 patients were seen during the week’s visit by the medical team, which compromised of the three podiatrists; an ER physician; infectious disease physician; two additional general physicians (taking into account the two physicians based at the clinic); several Nurse Practitioners; and 20 non-medical personnel. “Extremely rewarding for everyone,” says Dr. Kramer.

“Healing the Children” in El Salvador

One of the Chief Residents at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Andreas Kaikis, DPM, felt it was “a tremendous opportunity” to participate in the Healing the Children organization’s Mission that took him and three other podiatric surgeons to El Salvador in September.  This marked the 25th Anniversary of the Mission trip, which focused on pediatric congenital lower extremity limb deformity and was sponsored by the Rotary Club. 

Dr. Kaikis expressed that this experience left an indelible mark on him. “You are seen as a beacon of light for these individuals, and it truly allows you to reflect and realize how we take our daily routine for granted.” The podiatry team:

According to Dr. Kaikis, the Mission’s success was due to the coordinated efforts of the team of surgeons, residents, anesthesiologists, nurses, prosthetists, and ancillary members. “Every individual played an integral part to allow us as surgeons to make a difference in the lives of the children,” he says.

He challenges his peers to also become a “beacon of light” and “a part of the human experience of these families” by participating in a Medical Mission. Because at the end of the day, serving others is serving the profession!