Podiatrists

Dr. Russell Samofal is a podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle treatment. He is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, ABPM.

Dr. Samofal attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where he earned his doctorate degree in Podiatric Medicine, and was on the Dean’s List. He completed his residency in foot and ankle surgery at the Millcreek Community Hospital in Pennsylvania. He also graduated with a Masters of Medical Education degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Samofal received his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis College in New York where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Biomedical Science.

Dr. Samofal particularly enjoys developing a personalized treatment plan to match the lifestyle of his patients. He takes the time to understand his patient’s symptoms and overall health goals to give correct diagnoses to ensure the continued well-being of his patients. He is particularly passionate about developing non-surgical solutions for his patients. Click here for a full list of podiatric conditions treated at the Podiatry Center of New Jersey by Dr. Samofal.

Dr. Dolan Chowdhury is an outstanding podiatric physician. Dr. Chowdhury is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, ABPM. He is also a Certified Wound Specialist Physician, CWSP.

Dr. Chowdhury received his doctorate degree in Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, NYCPM, where he was on the Dean’s List. He completed his residency in foot and ankle surgery at the VA Hospital in Manhattan.

Dr. Meltem Ates graduated summa cum laude from St. Francis College in Brooklyn with majors in Biology and minors in Chemistry. Upon graduation, she attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine where she was recognized in the dean’s list. She completed a four-year surgical residency training at New York Presbyterian/ Queens where she was comprehensively trained in reconstructive and elective surgery of the foot and ankle at a Level-I Trauma Center. She completed multiple educational courses focusing on both internal fixation as well as arthroscopic surgery. She is an Associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Ates is also fluent in Turkish. Dr. Ates is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, ABPM.

Dr. Farah Lakhram is a compassionate podiatrist who strives for the best treatment plan for each individual patient. She is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, ABPM.

She graduated summa cum laude from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a biology degree. She then completed her podiatric medicine degree at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine where she graduated cum laude.

She would then go on to complete her residency training at East Liverpool City Hospital, formerly part of Western Reserve Health Education, in Ohio. During her residency training, she learned extensive surgical and conservative treatments for a variety of foot and ankle pathologies.

Dr. Zakiyyah Y. Waters attended Rutgers University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology & Sports Studies (Kinesiology). She received her post-graduate medical education from The New York School of Podiatric Medicine. Her 3 year Medical and Surgical residency was completed at Bellevue Hospital, a level 1 trauma center. Here she was appointed Chief Resident in her 3rd year.

Dr. Waters is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) and is an active member of the American Podiatric Medical Association as well as the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. She has extensive training in elective and non-elective foot & ankle surgeries in addition to participation in seminars, labs, and lectures regarding various foot & ankle pathology. Her areas of interest include diabetic wound care and limb salvage, surgical correction of the forefoot and rearfoot deformity, conservative treatment for gait abnormalities and congenital deformities via orthotic modifications. She also treats common dermatological pathology such as calluses, athlete’s foot, fungal nails, and ingrown toenails.

Her philosophical beliefs toward patient care center around cultural competency and compassion. She believes that having patients be active participants in their care plan while focusing on the specific needs of each patient can positively impact the effectiveness of outcomes.

Dr. Ashley Kim is an outstanding podiatric physician who specializes in treatment of the foot and ankle, and is known for her compassionate specialized care. She understands that everyone’s needs are different, and takes to the time to listen closely to each individual patient to develop treatment plans that are right for them. She is deeply passionate about delivering quality and comprehensive foot and ankle care.

Dr. Kim received her bachelor’s from New York University and earned her doctorate at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Following her education, she completed a 3-year foot and ankle surgical residency program at the VA hospital in Manhattan.

Dr. Akram concentrates in conservative and surgical management of podiatric pathologies, diabetic foot, MSK ultrasound, regenerative medicine and outcome-based research. He is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, ABPM. Previously, Dr. Akram served as a staff Podiatric Surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, the most prominent Harvard Medical School affiliate and World’s #1 Research Hospital.

Dr. Akram received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Wisconsin Madison and Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. He completed a four-year Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgical Residency at Saint Barnabas Hospital – a Level II Trauma Center in Bronx, New York. He was appointed Chief Resident in his 4th year.

Dr. Akram is an energetic and caring physician who has co-authored several papers, posters and given presentations.

Dr. Joseph Schmidl is a highly skilled and compassionate podiatric physician that specializes in a wide variety of foot and ankle treatments. He focuses on both conservative and surgical treatment options with an emphasis on non-surgical care. He believes all conservative treatment options should be thoroughly exhausted before considering surgical intervention.

Dr. Schmidl is dedicated to providing the highest quality foot and ankle care to his patients. He believes in a patient-centered approach that allows his patients to be active participants in their own treatment. He takes great pride in providing attentive, personalized care for all of his patients and educating each patient about the etiology of their condition.

Dr. Schmidl, who is a New Jersey native, graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology. Following his undergraduate education, he received his medical degree from New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He then completed his three year residency training at the Veteran Affairs hospital in New York City. During his residency, he had extensive training in both elective and non-elective foot and ankle surgeries as well as an intensive clinical experience with exposure to diverse pathology.

In addition, he holds certificates in both internal fixation and ankle arthroscopy and regularly attends labs and seminars for continued education. He is also a member of the New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society, American Podiatric Medical Association, and American Society of Podiatric Surgeons.

Dr. Schmidl lives in Jersey City. When he’s not treating patients he enjoys volunteering in the local community, running, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Ajvalia is a podiatric physician who is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He specializes in providing both conservative and surgical treatment options and understands the need to tailor treatment plans specific to a patient’s lifestyle.

Dr. Ajvalia received his Bachelor of Science degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience from Rutgers University. He then attended the prestigious Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, where he earned his doctorate degree in Podiatric Medicine. He then completed a rigorous 3-year podiatric medicine and surgery residency training program at Stony Brook University Hospital/ Northport DVA Medical Center in Long Island, where he was appointed as Chief Resident during his final year of training.

When not working, Dr. Ajvalia enjoys exercising, traveling, watching movies, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with his wife and family.

Dr. William Carter is a podiatric foot and ankle physician who is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM).

He is a Mississippi native who obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Mississippi. He then attended podiatric medical school at Temple University and completed three years of post graduate training at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mt. Clemens, MI, graduating with a certificate in podiatric medicine and surgery with an added credential in rearfoot surgery.  He believes in exhausting conservative measures before resorting to surgery, and a particular interest of his is the treatment and prevention of diabetic wounds.  In his spare time he enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling to museums and national parks.

Dr Stas is caring, fellowship trained Podiatrist with a strong background in Podiatric Dermatology and both conservative and surgical care of the foot and ankle. Dr Stas also has a background in Personal Training, and believes in the value of physical therapy as a reliable modality of conservative care.

Dr Stas received his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Pittsburgh in Natural Science. Dr Stas went on to Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, where he earned his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine, and graduated in the top 20% of his class. He then completed his three year residency in forefoot and rearfoot surgery at Heritage Valley Health System near Pittsburgh, PA. Following residency Dr Stas would go on to complete a fellowship in Podiatric Dermatology through St Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA.

Dr Stas is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and board qualified by American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is also member of Pi Delta National Podiatric Honor Society.

Outside of his profession, Dr Stas enjoys running outdoors as well as weight training and playing the drums. Dr Stas is currently engaged and is looked forward to a long and happy life with his wife to be.

Dr. Hutcheson-Donaldson is an enthusiastically skilled podiatric physician and surgeon. She is a native from the islands of the Bahamas. She received her bachelor degree in Biology-Pre Med from the University of Toledo with a prestigious scholarship. She also won the All American Scholar Collegiate Award for her exceptional academic achievements.

She received her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from California School of Podiatric Medicine and completed surgical residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY where she received extensive training in all aspects of podiatric surgery. She served as a clinical research coordinator, testing and evaluating FDA wound care products which has contributed to the development of numerous innovative products that have improved patients’ lives and is a published research author. Dr. Hutcheson has treated a plethora of wound care cases, developing a reputation for her skill in this area in the US and abroad. In addition to her surgical expertise, she is also adept in podiatric clinical care, including treatment of foot and ankle injuries, diabetic foot care, and routine foot and nail care.

Dr. Hutcheson is a compassionate and caring practitioner who takes time to listen to her patients’ concerns and is committed to developing personalized treatment plans that meet their specific needs to achieve the best possible outcomes.

She enjoys spending free time with her family, dancing, She is known by her patients for her outgoing personality and is well loved for her sense of humor and kind disposition.

If you are in need of exceptional podiatric care, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Hutcheson- Donaldson to schedule an appointment.