The new podiatrist in town, Dr. Cameron McMahen, was introduced to the Kiwanis club by Dr. Mark Shelton. Dr. Shelton made a few announcements before introducing Dr. McMahen. 

Dr. Shelton is the Medical Director for the Winn Wellness Clinic which is a rural health clinic. As of December 1, Dr. Shelton will be at Winn Wellness full time. He is moving his practice there. Sandy will be accompanying him and Jennifer will become a full time grandmother. Dr. Iglesias is also seeing patients at Winn Wellness Clinic. In response to a question about space Dr. Shelton said there are plans in place for expansion but he could not elaborate on that yet. In his introduction of Dr. McMahen he used 11 foot puns in 30 seconds. And the audience contributed a few more.

Dr. McMahen is a podiatrist who has been on staff for about a month and a half. He has family in Shreveport and his parents live in Dallas where he was raised. As he was doing his residency he knew that he wanted to come back to the south. He graduated from Oklahoma State and Kent State and did his residency and surgical residency at Ohio State. This is his first practice as he finished up his residency in the summer. He lives in Ruston and will have a clinic there one day a week and will also do his surgeries at North Louisiana Medical Center. A podiatrist treats anything to do with the foot and ankle up to mid-shaft.

Then Dr. McMahen opened the floor for questions. He spoke about treatment for Achilles tendon rupture. If you treat quickly, surgery can possibly be avoided. He spoke about the use of technology in the field of podiatry. Ankle replacements used to last only about 5 years but with new technology, replacements can now last 10 to 15 years. There is an implant that can be used for diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain) in the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the ligament in the bottom of the foot. It is usually an overuse problem. It can be treated with stretching exercises, therapy and injections and surgery.

Dr. McMahen will probably work 3 – 4 days a week in Winnfield depending on the surgery schedule. A referral may be required to see him or for insurance to pay. You can call the clinic to ask for an appointment.

Kiwanis members are happy to have Dr. McMahen as a podiatrist in their community.