Dr. Aamir Ahmed

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Aamir Ahmed, DPM, is a fellowship-trained, board-eligible foot and ankle surgeon with extensive training in reconstructive surgery. He currently sees patients at Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey in Millburn, Westfield, and Union, New Jersey.

Dr. Ahmed earned his medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine after graduating cum laude with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He completed his three-year surgical residency at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey, where he gained surgical experience in adult foot and ankle reconstruction, trauma, arthritic joints, Achilles tendon reconstruction, arthroscopy, Charcot neuroarthropathy, and diabetic limb salvage, with advanced training techniques in wound care.

The following year, Dr. Ahmed went on to complete a pediatric foot and ankle fellowship at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, under the mentorships of Dr. Mark Solomon and Dr. Mark Rieger. There, he gained experience treating children with foot and ankle congenital deformities, sprains, fractures, growth plate injuries, as well as sports and dance injuries. Some pediatric conditions that Dr. Ahmed has managed and treated include equinovarus deformities (clubfoot), toe walkers, in-toeing, flatfoot, high arch foot, ankle sprains/fractures, and brachymetatarsia.

His fellowship also included advanced and specialized training in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgical techniques, including minimally invasive bunion surgery and gradual deformity correction with the Ilizarov hexapod external fixator. With such a vast background, Dr. Ahmed is well-equipped to treat foot and ankle conditions for all ages.

Dr. Ahmed is also active in training the next generation of foot and ankle surgeons, educating and mentoring podiatric residents at Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

His hobbies include playing sports, fitness, and nutrition, and spending time with his family and newborn daughter. As a big foodie, Dr. Ahmed enjoys eating out with family and friends.

Dr. Cella is an accomplished surgeon who is committed to treating podiatric medical conditions of the Foot and Ankle in both adults and pediatric patients. Her vast experience ranges from sports injuries and disorders in children, to the management of problems with older feet and patients with disabilities. She is double board certified and a Fellow of both the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American Board of Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. She has hospital affiliations with Hackensack University Medical Center and Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ. When out of the office, Dr. Cella enjoys spending quality time with her husband, two children and the master of the house, their dog Bauer. She spends her free time oil painting, traveling, working out, and attending her children’s various sporting events. Dr. Cella is fluent in English, French, Italian and Spanish.

Michael Kaminsky, DPM, is a highly skilled and compassionate podiatrist on the team of providers at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, which has four conveniently located clinics in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Linden, New Jersey.

Dr. Kaminsky graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Delaware in Newark. He earned his medical degree from the School of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he graduated at the top of his class.

He went on to postgraduate training at Hoboken University Medical Center in New Jersey. He completed his three-year residency in foot and ankle medicine and surgery and served as the chief resident in his final year of the program. During his residency, he focused on trauma and reconstructive surgery and developed a remarkable skill in fracture repair and elective reconstructive surgical techniques.

Dr. Kaminsky lives with his wife in Hoboken, New Jersey. When he’s not working with patients at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, he likes to run and play tennis.

Dr. Jordan Hoachlander, DPM, is a podiatric surgeon at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists. He focuses on all facets of clinical podiatry: nail care, ingrown nail procedures, biomechanical evaluations, fracture care, and sports medicine. Dr. Hoachlander joined the team after practicing for several years in Pittsburgh, PA and central NJ. He has an informed and approachable bedside manner, and strongly believes in patient-centered care. He aims to communicate with his patients clearly about their diagnosis and individualized treatment plan in a way that empowers them to be in control of their own health and well-being.

He obtained his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University, with a B.A. in Exercise Physiology and an emphasis in Aquatic Therapy. Dr. Hoachlander later attended Temple University School of Podiatric medicine where he graduated with his doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. After graduation, he completed his podiatric medicine and surgical residency training at Suburban Community Hospital in Norristown, PA.

Dr. Hoachlander is board qualified by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). He primarily focuses on reduction of bunion and hammertoe deformities, removal of arthritis of the big toe joint, cyst excision, and plantar fascia release. He also has expertise in the prevention and treatment of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, arterial, and venous wounds. In light of his knowledge on these topics, Dr. Hoachlander was invited to lecture at the Advances in Wound Healing Conferences in 2018 and 2020.In his spare time, he enjoys running, outdoor activities, college sports, playing with his dog, travel, community outreach, and exploring new restaurants.

Dr. Sandilya's journey in the field of podiatry began with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Exercise Science from Rutgers University, followed by the completion of her Masters in Biomedical Sciences, also at Rutgers University. She then earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from The New York College of Podiatric Medicine. To further enhance her skills, Dr. Sandilya underwent an intensive 3-year residency at Morristown Medical Center, one of the most prestigious podiatric surgical programs in New Jersey. During her residency, she served as Chief of Research, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field through innovative studies and practices. She participated in multiple advanced courses in foot and ankle arthroscopy, limb deformity, bunion correction, and external fixation. She also gave multiple academic lectures during her time in residency and continues to have an active role with the residents.

Dr. Kaitlin Dickert Gonzales believes in engaging with her patients, through kindness and respect, to provide individualized patient focused medicine. She partners with her patients to provide the highest level of timely care through integrated clinical practices, education, and compassion. Dr. Gonzales graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey, Magna Cum Laude and went on to attend the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. During this time she was elected to the Honor Council, participated in medical mission work in Vicente Guerrero, Mexico, and was awarded the Dr. Sidney Solid Award for clinical excellence, research, and service. After completion of her doctorate she participated in a three year surgical residency at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, serving as chief resident during her third year. In her off time, Dr. Gonzales enjoys playing with her two children, home improvement projects with her husband, and is an avid gardener.

Dr. Kaitlin Dickert Gonzales believes in engaging with her patients, through kindness and respect, to provide individualized patient focused medicine. She partners with her patients to provide the highest level of timely care through integrated clinical practices, education, and compassion. Dr. Gonzales graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey, Magna Cum Laude and went on to attend the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. During this time she was elected to the Honor Council, participated in medical mission work in Vicente Guerrero, Mexico, and was awarded the Dr. Sidney Solid Award for clinical excellence, research, and service. After completion of her doctorate she participated in a three year surgical residency at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, serving as chief resident during her third year. In her off time, Dr. Gonzales enjoys playing with her two children, home improvement projects with her husband, and is an avid gardener.

Navrit Randhawa, DPM, is a foot and ankle surgeon and wound care specialist at Carteret Foot & Ankle Center in Carteret and Manaplan Township, New Jersey. 

Dr. Randhawa finished his podiatric surgical residency from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in East Orange, New Jersey. During his residency, he served as Chief Resident and ultimately received a doctorate degree at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Randhawa was born and raised in Carteret, New Jersey. Before attending the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, he received his Bachelor of Science from the New York Institute of Technology. He majored in interdisciplinary studies, graduating with summa cum laude honors. 

In the podiatric surgical field, Dr. Randhawa treats a wide variety of foot and ankle issues. This range includes problems related to sports medicine (including heel pain, ankle sprains and other soft tissue-related injuries, foot & ankle fractures, and arthritis), wound care, diabetic complications, and elective reconstructive forefoot and ankle surgery.

He emphasizes the importance of empathy and educating each patient about the etiology of his or her condition. Furthermore, he helps patients understand preventative care to promote healing and a healthy lifestyle. 

In his free time, Dr. Randhawa enjoys physical activities, including lifting weights and playing basketball. He is an avid sports fan (Go Jets!) and loves traveling and spending time with his family. Additionally, he can speak Punjabi fluently and looks forward to serving his community through compassionate care and a focus on each individual patient.

Dr. Sandeep "Sandee" Sandhu, DPM, is a highly trained foot and ankle surgeon providing podiatric care at Specialized Foot and Ankle Care with locations in Carteret, Perth Amboy, and Edison, NJ.

Dr. Sandhu received her bachelor’s degree in biology at Seton Hall University. She then earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) credential at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Sandhu went on to train at a comprehensive three year surgical residency at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ. This training placed an emphasis on minimally invasive surgical techniques, lower extremity trauma, reconstructive and elective surgery. In her last year, she served as academic chief resident; she was active in both presenting research at podiatric conferences and also attending educational podiatric courses. 

Dr. Sandhu still pursues continuing podiatric education to maintain her advanced podiatry credentials. She specializes in elective minimally invasive surgery, sports medicine injuries and prevention, foot and ankle trauma and general clinical podiatry care. She enjoys getting to know her patients, and enjoys helping them get back on their feet to do what they love! She looks forward to caring for them at Specialized Foot and Ankle Care and welcomes new and existing patients to the practice. 

Ankur Bahri, DPM, is a skilled, board-certified podiatrist at Specialized Foot and Ankle Care in Carteret, Perth Amboy, and Edison, New Jersey. He has over nine years of experience in podiatric surgery and medicine in hospital and outpatient settings.

Dr. Bahri is multilingual, speaking Hindi, English, and Punjabi. He graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Toronto. He obtained his podiatric medicine and surgery credential from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Bahri completed a three-year podiatric medicine and surgery residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He’s certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He is an attending physician at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy and Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus, New Jersey.

He specializes in minimally invasive surgeries, needle ankle arthroscopy, TenJet procedures, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, shockwave therapy, wound care, diabetic foot care, and more. Dr. Bahri cares for workers’ compensation patients, athletes struggling with sports injuries, and people who’ve been in car accidents.

Dr. Bahri welcomes new and existing patients to Specialized Foot and Ankle Care and looks forward to improving their foot and ankle health.

Samantha Sheppard, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, which has six convenient locations: Edison, Woodbridge, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Linden, New Jersey. She’s highly skilled in treating all foot and ankle pathologies with both surgical and conservative treatments. 

Dr. Sheppard graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, with a dual bachelor’s degree in biology and Italian studies. She earned her medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City, graduating at the top of her class.

Dr. Sheppard went on to complete her surgical training at the Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey. She served as the chief resident in her third year and developed an impressive proficiency with a variety of surgical procedures, including foot and ankle trauma, diabetic Charcot reconstruction and limb salvage, flatfoot reconstruction, application of external fixation devices, ankle arthroscopy, and all forefoot pathologies. 

Dr. Sheppard is board-qualified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and looks forward to working with new and returning patients at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists.

Michael Kaminsky, DPM, is a highly skilled and compassionate podiatrist on the team of providers at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, which has four conveniently located clinics in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Linden, New Jersey.

Dr. Kaminsky graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Delaware in Newark. He earned his medical degree from the School of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he graduated at the top of his class.

He went on to postgraduate training at Hoboken University Medical Center in New Jersey. He completed his three-year residency in foot and ankle medicine and surgery and served as the chief resident in his final year of the program. During his residency, he focused on trauma and reconstructive surgery and developed a remarkable skill in fracture repair and elective reconstructive surgical techniques.

Dr. Kaminsky lives with his wife in Hoboken, New Jersey. When he’s not working with patients at Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists, he likes to run and play tennis.

Tekchand Thakurdial, DPM, known as Dr. Tek to his many Staten Island, New York, patients, is part of Richmond Podiatry Associates, a practice that offers comprehensive foot and ankle care. While Dr. Tek provides state-of-the-art care for most common foot issues, ranging from bunions to toenail fungus, he is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialists in the prevention and treatment of diabetic foot wounds. 

As part of his diabetic foot care, Dr. Tek avails himself of the latest treatment modalities, such as UltraMIST®, which speeds up healing of diabetic ulcers. He’s also found great success using hyperbaric chambers to address slow-healing foot wounds, allowing him to help his patients safeguard the health of their feet.

Dr. Tek is also an accomplished foot surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, and he uses the latest techniques in bunion surgery, neuroma resolution, hammertoe correction, and diabetic limb salvage.

Dr. Tek is a diplomate of the American Professional Wound Care Association and serves as the director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Staten Island University Hospital, which is a part of the prestigious North Shore LIJ Health System.

Whether it’s an ingrown toenail or a more serious issue like peripheral neuropathy, Dr. Tek Footcare and Dr. Tek provide expert care and management designed to keep patients on their feet and enjoying life to the fullest.

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• Former Director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Staten Island University Hospital
• Board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialists
• Diplomate of the American Professional Wound Care Association

Paul E. Eckstein, DPM, provides podiatric medicine and surgery to patients at Richmond Podiatry Associates in the Eltingville neighborhood of Staten Island, New York. He has over 20 years of experience as a podiatric physician. He specializes in the treatments of sports injuries, ingrown toenails, neuromas, diabetic foot care, fungal toenails, and plantar fasciitis. He also has an extensive background in public health and clinical nutrition. 

Dr. Eckstein graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1994 and received his postgraduate training at the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and Affiliated institutions. He has a Masters Degree in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University and his many years of experience as a Registered Dietitian and a Licensed Nutritionist has helped him to attain a holistic approach to the management of podiatric patients. 

He is board-certified in foot surgery, a Diplomate of The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle surgery

He is affiliated with Staten Island University Hospital since 1996, presently a part of Northwell Health.

Nicholas Szwaba, DPM, provides wound care and foot surgery to patients at Richmond Podiatry Associates in the Eltingville neighborhood of Staten Island, New York. 

Dr. Szwaba is a Staten Island local who now is serving the Staten Island community as a physician. He attended New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his residency at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital undergoing extensive training in forefoot, rearfoot, ankle reconstructive surgery, and limb salvage procedures. During his final year of residency, he served as chief resident. 

Dr. Szwaba continued his education and training by completing an additional yearlong fellowship following his residency due to his interest in wound care. He completed his wound care fellowship at NYC HHC Coney Island Hospital. During his time at NYC HHC Coney Island, he obtained advanced training in wound care techniques and limb salvage procedures.

Dr. Szwaba is board-certified through the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. In addition, he has attending privileges at both Northwell Staten Island University Hospital and Richmond University Medical Center. Dr. Nicholas Szwaba is able to provide house calls and emergency consultations.