Jeff Szczepanski, DPM, FACFAS
Rest assured, Dr. Szczepanski has the most advanced training and Board Certification available by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery ( www.abps.org ). He is Double Board Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rear Foot/Ankle Surgery (Recently Recertified) and is a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
The power of helping and healing people- this is what drew Dr. Szczepanski to become a physician. Dr. Szczepanski has a desire to help those in need; throughout his career he has helped patients that other doctors have thought to be hopeless. He has a true passion for what he does. "I love doing the most simple of procedures and treatments as well as the more complex. It is wonderful when I can do a very simple office procedure, and bring great relief of pain- that is what makes my day"- Dr. Szczepanski
"Our society's current emphasis on fitness and exercise makes my work that much more important", states Dr. Szczepanski. He has a keen desire to further enhance and teach young doctors during their training. "The thirst for knowledge and keeping up to date on cutting edge technology and research is the hallmark of all great doctors which I have met during my training", states Dr. Szczepanski.
Dr. Jeff Szczepanski grew up in Shelby Township, Michigan, graduating from Utica Eisenhower High School. He attended St. Mary’s College (now Madonna College) in Orchard Lake, MI where he competed on their nationally ranked collegiate basketball team. He received the Senator Bill Bradley Academic All American Award while as a student-athlete. He is still involved in basketball with coaching locally in Traverse City, MI.
Dr. Szczepanski went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (graduating with honors) from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI. He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio; which is Kent State University.
He completed an extensive three year hospital-based surgical residency program at Forum Health System in Youngstown, Ohio. Under the direction of Lawrence DiDomenico, DPM ; Dr. Szczepanski's training has included the conservative and surgical management of a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments, which included trauma and reconstructive surgery, sports medicine, diabetic care and routine foot and ankle pathology/ surgery. He enjoys lecturing nationally to other physicians on foot and ankle reconstructive surgery techniques. He has published several peer reviewed research articles related to foot and ankle reconstructive surgery.
He has received the highest possible level of Board Certification by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. His certifications include Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. These certifications require extensive documentation of his successful surgical cases and rigorous oral exams by the nation's top doctors. Dr. Szczepanski is also a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS) and a member of MPMA, the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association.
Dr. Szczepanski is the founder and physician at Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Specialists. Prior to creating this practice in Traverse City, he practiced in Southeast Michigan. There, he was previously on staff at Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital, Providence Hospital, St Joseph Mercy Oakland, DMC (Detroit Medical Center) and Botsford Hospital. He currently practices exclusively at Munson Medical Center and Copper Ridge Surgery Center in Traverse City. He is a former section chief at Munson Medical Center, for the Podiatry/ Foot & Ankle Section, this is an elected position by colleagues.
Dr. Szczepanski is married to his wonderful wife, Rebecca. When he is not providing quality foot and ankle care, Dr. Szczepanski enjoys spending time with his wife, dogs, and successful four grown children. Walks on the beach, travel, woodworking, tending to his salt water fish tank, and summer boating in Grand Traverse Bay are among his favorite activities. He is proud to call Traverse City home, and proud to of been able to raise his family here, it is a magical place to live and work.