Meet the faculty

Darshan Nagesh, DPM, ABPM

Title:

Program Director | Foot and ankle surgeon

Additional Information:

Undergraduate: University of Illinois - Chicago
Medical school: Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine of Medicine and Science
Residency: Jesse Brown VA Medical Center

Certifications:

• Certified in Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle and Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery®
• Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Medicine
• Board Certified, American Board of Wound Management
• Member, American Podiatric Medical Association
• Member, Illinois Podiatric Medical Association
• Associate, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
• Illinois Podiatric Medical Association
• American Society of Podiatric Surgeons

Bio:

Dr. Darshan Nagesh attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology from the University of Illinois –Chicago. He then completed his Master of Science degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion Technology from Rush University. He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science – Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, where he was the recipient of multiple scholarships including the Goren and the Alumni Association Scholarships. In medical school, he was also a member of the Phi Delta Honor Society; and the runner-up at the Dr. William M. Scholl summer research symposium in 2010.

He then completed his foot and ankle surgical residency at the prestigious Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Chicago. He received extensive training in complex forefoot, rearfoot, and ankle surgery including diabetic limb salvage and reconstruction. He finished his European fellowship successfully under the guidance of several pioneers in foot and ankle surgery & arthroscopy. In addition, he is nationally recognized for award winning research and is a published author in podiatric journals.

Dr. Nagesh’s expertise includes foot and ankle trauma, local & advanced wound care, diabetic limb salvage, sports medicine & injuries, Charcot reconstruction, foot and ankle deformity correction, external fixation, foot and ankle arthroscopy, and rheumatoid foot & ankle reconstruction. He is on the surgical staff of Advocate Christ Hospital and Medical Center, and Little Company of Mary Hospital. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Illinois Podiatric Medical Association, and American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Nagesh is a dedicated and passionate physician, providing his patients with top quality care, and empowering the patients with the knowledge for a successful treatment plan. Dr. Nagesh enjoys scuba diving, wildlife photography, and sports. He is also an active member in the Chicagoland area, sharing his knowledge and volunteering his time for the improvement of the community.

Patrick J. Sanchez, DPM, ABPM

Title:

Assistant program director | Academic chairman | Foot and ankle surgeon

Additional Information:

Undergraduate: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Medical school: Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Residency: Jesse Brown VA Medical Center

Certifications:

• Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Medicine
• Delegate at Large, Illinois Podiatric Medical Association
• Member, American Podiatric Medical Association

Bio:

Dr. Patrick Sanchez graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology and minor in Chemistry. He then earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine before completing his surgical residency training at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.

In 2016, Dr. Sanchez completed his European Foot & Ankle Surgery fellowship where he performed surgery with surgeons in London, Hamburg, Bad Schwartau, and Malchin. He helped teach surgical techniques to European orthopedic surgeons and was an instructor in cadaver labs in Germany. Dr. Sanchez is well-published in wound care and surgical reconstruction. He has presented research at conferences all over the country regarding various types of foot and ankle pathology. He currently has two papers being published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, respectively.

After receiving extensive surgical training at Jesse Brown VA, Dr. Sanchez is proficient in all aspects of foot and ankle care from bunion procedures to ankle replacements and external fixation. He feels strongly about a treatment plan tailored to each patient's unique pathology and situation. He has substantial clinical experience and a variety of nonsurgical, conservative treatment options to foot and ankle problems prior to surgical intervention.

Dr. Sanchez serves as a delegate on the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association executive board. He and the board work to enhance public awareness of foot and ankle health, promote quality podiatric medical practice and ethics, and ensure the future development of the podiatric medical profession.

During leisure time, Dr. Sanchez enjoys traveling, running, playing basketball, and reading. He enjoys staying active and watching sports of all types.

Emil J. Zager, DPM, CWS

Title:

Education committee | Foot and ankle surgeon

Additional Information:

Undergraduate: St. Xavier College
Medical school: Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Residency: Oak Forest Hospital and Veterans Administration Chicago Healthcare System, Westside Division

Certifications:

• Board Certified, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Board Certified, American Board of Wound Management
• American Society of Podiatric Surgeons Fellow
• American Podiatric Medical Association Member
• Illinois Podiatric Medical Association Member

Bio:

Dr. Emil Zager attained a a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from St. Xavier College, where he graduated magna cum laude. He attended Chicago’s Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine where he earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree.

Following graduation, Dr. Zager completed his medical and surgery residencies at Oak Forest Hospital and Veterans Administration Chicago Healthcare System, Westside Division. He finished postgraduate training by completing a surgical fellowship at Foot & Ankle Associates, Ltd. He also has advanced certification as a wound care specialist.

Dr. Zager serves as a clinical and surgical instructor at Veterans Administration Chicago Healthcare System, Westside Division, where he is a member of the residency selection committee. He has lectured to colleagues on topics such as diabetic Charcot arthropathy, Charcot foot reconstruction, and the uses of external and mini fixation of the foot and ankle. He also has lectured on topics utilized in surgical board review courts to assist other doctors in becoming board certified. He is one of only a few physicians qualified to lecture on the subject of ankle joint implantation. In addition, Dr. Zager teaches and directs workshops on ankle and foot arthroscopy as well as external/internal fixation devices and diabetic Charcot reconstruction. Dr. Zager also assists in the instruction and education of medical students in the clinical setting. Interested in helping his community, Dr. Zager regularly offers foot screenings and lectures to local residents.

Dr. Zager is a member of both the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association and the American Podiatric Medical Association and is board certified by the American Academy of Wound Management. Dr. Zager is board certified in foot surgery and is a diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He currently is on the surgical staff at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Ingalls Memorial Hospital, Veterans Administration Chicago Healthcare System, Westside Division, and Little Company of Mary Hospital. He is also a member of the Office and Professional Employees International Union.

Dr. Zager is a native Chicagoan who attended Brother Rice High School. He and his family live in the south suburbs and are very involved in their community. Dr. Zager enjoys sports and traveling with his family.

Paul T. Martin, DPM, ABFAS

Title:

Teaching faculty | Foot and ankle surgeon

Additional Information:

Undergraduate: Indiana University
Medical school: Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Residency: Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center

Certifications:

• Board Certified, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Member, American Podiatric Medical Association
• Member, Illinois Podiatric Medical Association

Bio:

Dr. Martin earned his BA from Indiana University. He graduated Cum Laude from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. He then completed his surgical residency at Rush Presbyterian St Luke’s Medical Center. Dr. Martin is board certified, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Upon completion of residency training, Dr. Martin worked as a staff Podiatrist with Rush Anchor Medical Group for the following 10 years. In 2001, Dr. Martin joined with colleagues to open a small, multi-specialty group practice in Oak Lawn, later moving to Chicago Ridge. Throughout his career, he has enjoyed his role as clinical and surgical instructor, working with students and residents at Rush Presbyterian St Luke’s and Advocate Christ Medical Centers.

Dr. Martin is the proud father of 2 young adults. He enjoys time spent with family and friends. He is a wood working enthusiast and an avid Chicago sports fan.

“I have had the great privilege of practicing in my chosen field for over 30 years. The best of outcomes occurs when we work together as physician and patient through open and honest discussion of the medical problem, goals and objectives, and evidence-based treatment options available. I look forward to helping you with your foot and ankle needs.”

Brandon Kunz, DPM

Title:

Teaching faculty | Foot and ankle surgeon

Additional Information:

Undergraduate: University of Illinois
Medical school: Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Residency: Advocate Christ Medical Center

Certifications:

• Member, American Podiatric Medical Association
• Member, Illinois Podiatric Medical Association

Bio:

Coming soon

Trevor Smolinski, DPM

Title:

Teaching faculty | Foot and ankle surgeon

Additional Information:

Undergraduate: Michigan
Medical school: Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Residency: Advocate Christ Medical Center

Certifications:

• Member, American Podiatric Medical Association
• Member, Illinois Podiatric Medical Association

Bio:

Coming soon