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Dr. Michal Zemela is a Chicagoland native, born and raised in the north shore suburb of Northbrook, IL. He earned his undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, laying a strong foundation in the sciences before pursuing his medical training.

He went on to earn his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Rosalind Franklin University/ Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Zemela completed a rigorous Foot and Ankle Surgical Residency at Rush University Medical Center right here in Chicago’s medical district. There, he received comprehensive surgical training across the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions, working alongside leading specialists throughout the city.

Dr. Zemela is board qualified in both foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery, and is an Associate of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He brings a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to care, combining evidence-based medicine with a strong focus on patient education and long-term outcomes.

Dr. Zemela speaks fluent Polish and enjoys connecting with patients from all backgrounds. Outside of the office, he loves traveling, especially to visit family in Poland. In his free time, he enjoys staying active, spending time with his family and friends, and cheering on the “Cubbies” and “Da Bears”.

Personal Statement:

I believe in starting with conservative, evidence-based, treatments to help you recover in the safest and most effective way possible. My approach is personalized, taking the time to listen and understand your goals. I’m committed to building strong a relationship with you; making sure you feel heard, respected, and cared for every step of the way.

As the sole owner of Lincon Park Podiatry, Dr. Williams brings 10+ years of experience to the practice.  He specializes in foot surgery (i.e. Lapiplasty and minimally invasive), sports medicine (i.e. tendinitis and fractures), and skin and nail concerns (i.e.warts and nail fungus).

Dr. Williams began his professional education at The University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in chemistry. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree in just four years. 

Dr. Williams then completed his surgical training at the esteemed MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Hospital Podiatric Surgery Residency in Washington, DC. There, Dr. Williams earned the title of Chief Resident while training alongside renowned podiatrists, plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and vascular surgeons. 

Dr. Williams’s areas of expertise include elective surgery, with an emphasis on Lapiplasty/ Bunions , sports-related injuries (fracture repair, tendon repair, minimally invasive heel pain). Dr. Williams is board certified by the prestigious American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ABFAS).

Dr. Williams provides individualized treatment for foot and ankle ailments in a professional and caring environment. He offers access to innovative medical technology, in office superior diagnostic equipment, and ever-changing state-of-the-art treatment techniques. 

Dr. Williams enjoys spending one-on-one time with his patients and sets aside plenty of time to answer their questions and concerns. If surgery is necessary, Dr. Williams makes it his goal to ensure his patients are comfortable and cared for, from their initial consultation to their last post-operative visit. 

Personal Statement:

My treatment style is, with your help, to tailor a custom treatment plan that works for you so that you can get better as quickly as possible. I do this with your lifestyle and goals in mind, without you spending hours in a waiting room. I also frequently check the literature and love to start treating patients with innovative techniques-- only if the data backs it up though. You will find no gimmicks here only excellent patient care, and I will never double book you! The reviews speak for themselves, you’ll be glad you stopped by!

Christopher Vittori, DPM, is a podiatrist at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist in Homer Glen, Illinois. He is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Dr. Vittori earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University. Immediately following, he completed a podiatric residency specializing in foot and ankle surgery at Loretto Hospital in Chicago.

Dr. Vittori has been recognized for his podiatry expertise and has been selected for inclusion in the Guide to America’s Top Podiatrists 2010 and 2011 Edition, published by the Consumer’s Research Council of America. 

He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Vittori holds several hospital affiliations in Ilinois, including Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Loretto Hospital in Chicago, and Justice Med-Surg Center.

Dr. Vittori and his wife, Judy, have lived in the southwest suburbs of Chicago for their entire lives, and have four children.

Dr. Ameet Thakrar, DPM, is a podiatrist at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, serving patients in Homer Glen and New Lenox, Illinois.

Dr. Thakrar earned his bachelor’s degree at Loyola University Chicago. He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University, followed by an intensive foot and ankle focused residency at Weiss Memorial Hospital and Cook County Health and Hospital System in Chicago.

Dr. Thakrar received comprehensive training in operative and non-operative treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle. He has supplemented his training with an extensive amount of courses focused on foot and ankle internal and external fixation, wound care, and employs only the most effective evidence-based medical treatments. He is actively involved in the foot and ankle residency program at Weiss Memorial Hospital and takes pride in training resident podiatrists.

In his free time, Dr. Thakrar likes to spend time with his family, golf, and considers himself a foodie. A lifetime resident of the Chicagoland area, he grew up in Chicago’s Northshore and now resides in the Southwest suburbs.

Timothy Kruse, DPM, is a highly skilled podiatrist serving patients at Northside Foot & Ankle PC in River North, Chicago, and Evanston, Illinois. A podiatrist for over a decade, he provides a one-on-one, open, and communicative experience for every patient at his practice. 

Dr. Kruse was born with clubbed feet and had to undergo numerous surgeries as a child. Because he spent so much time surrounded by healthcare providers, he had a unique window into podiatric medicine from a young age. Those experiences sparked his interest in medicine.

In 2001, Dr. Kruse earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. He then began a competitive three-year surgical residency. During his training, Dr. Kruse consulted nervous parents worried about the surgeries their children needed. Easing their fears and assuring them that their children could lead full lives after surgery for clubbed feet, like he did, was an incredible experience. 

Dr. Kruse emphasizes education. He takes the time to explain the treatment process to his patients so they have the tools and knowledge to take charge of their own health moving forward.

Dr. Kruse believes in efficient appointments with no wait time. As the owner of Northside Foot & Ankle PC, he's thrilled to have complete autonomy regarding how patients are cared for.

When not in the office, Dr. Kruse frequents the theater and enjoys going to movies and seeing friends. As a part of his commitment to health, he hits the gym often and takes spin classes. Summer in Chicago is his favorite time of year; he loves art, the live music scene, and the plentiful street festivals.

Christine Heck, DPM has been actively practicing podiatric medicine and surgery in the Chicagoland area for 22 years. Working in Chicago, Melrose Park, and Lombard. Dr. Heck is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Christine was born and raised in Mandan, North Dakota. Christine was active in numerous sporting activities including cross country, soccer, basketball, softball, and track.

She attended the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota where she received a scholarship to participate in cross country and track. She received a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and Biology, a minor in Chemistry, followed by a Masters's degree in Health Care Administration and a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Iowa. She completed an intensive three-year podiatric medicine and surgical residency at the North Chicago Veterans Medical Center, Great Lakes Naval Base, and the Madison Veterans Medical Center. Christine’s first two years of practicing medicine were spent in Alpena, Michigan in a private practice covering three northern Michigan counties. She then moved back to Chicago to practice podiatric medicine and surgery where she married her husband, Micheal from Buffalo Grove, Illinois. They were married in the Chicago suburbs, and have a twelve-year-old daughter, Chloe. They also have two dogs, Clover and Riley, and a cat, Simon.

When Christine is not working she is kept busy with her family, Chloe’s numerous activities, and her husband’s family activities. She enjoys being outdoors, gardening, running with her dogs, riding a bike with Chloe on the numerous Illinois bike trails, and travels back to North Dakota to spend time with her family, and friends, and enjoy the outdoors of the northern plains.