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VP Foot & Ankle Specialist is a four-location podiatry practice located in the Printer's Row and Garfield Ridge,  neighborhoods of Chicago, Norridge, and Mundelein, Illinois. Aaron Raestas, DPM, and the VP Foot & Ankle Specialist team offer the highest quality podiatry care and use the latest non-operative treatments as well as surgeries to address a wide range of foot and ankle complications.  

Prior to entering private practice, Dr. Raestas earned his doctorate in podiatric medicine from Rosalind Franklin University, here in Chicago. He then completed his residency training at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey, where he received extensive training in forefoot surgery, rearfoot/ankle reconstruction, and limb salvage. Dr. Raestas is also trained in advanced wound care therapies and certified in total ankle replacement surgery. Dr. Raestas is currently on staff at Thorek Memorial Hospital, where he performs surgery and is involved in both outpatient and inpatient care.

At VP Foot & Ankle Specialist, patients of all ages can explore procedures and services to help them overcome the obstacles that come with foot injuries, complications, and deformities. Dr. Raestas assesses patients using high-tech imaging tests like X-rays and compassionately listens as they share their concerns and symptoms. 

VP Foot & Ankle Specialist frequently treats patients for injuries like ankle sprains and bone fractures as well as deformities that develop over time, like bunions, hammertoe, and Charcot arthropathy. Additionally, Dr. Raestas and his team provide advanced care for corns, calluses, and diabetic foot ulcers. 

Most treatment plans at VP Foot & Ankle Specialist start with non-operative measures like medications, physical therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and custom orthotics. Treatments like these promote healing without scalpels, scarring, and long healing periods. 

Despite his focus on non-surgical therapies, Dr. Raestas has extensive experience with advanced surgeries like total ankle replacement and foot arthroscopy, or minimally invasive surgery, and can plan them in cases where conservative measures cannot provide relief. 

Any complication involving the foot or ankle can get worse with time because of the pressures of standing, walking, or wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate foot support. To schedule an evaluation, call the VP Foot & Ankle Specialist location nearest you, or book online today.

Simon Donets, DPM, is a top-rated foot and ankle surgeon, providing top-quality podiatry care for children and adults at Global Podiatry in Wheeling,  Arlington Heights, and Chicago, Illinois. 

Board-certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Dr. Donets has been treating infections, injuries, deformities, and other problems affecting the feet and ankles since 2002.  During his training, he was introduced to regenerative medicine techniques such as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for chronic soft tissue type injuries.  Through experience and further research, he has added Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), amniotic placental extracts and stem cell recruitment to his daily treatment regimens.   These techniques have provided the foundation to avoiding ligament and tendon surgeries which can take months of difficult recovery.  Other common conditions treated include bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, plantar warts, plantar fasciitis, neuromas, tendonitis, sprains, fractures (broken bones), fungal toenails, ingrown toenails, flat feet, and pediatric foot care issues. 

He is skilled in traditional and minimally-invasive approaches to ankle and foot surgery, including state-of-the-art approaches like arthroereisis for treating flat feet and correcting congenital foot deformities and gait abnormalities. The office also offers digital X-rays and diagnostic ultrasounds to enable patients to receive the full spectrum of care without the need to schedule these procedures elsewhere.

Dr. Donets is committed to providing patient-centered care, and each treatment plan is carefully designed to address the individual patient's specific needs to ensure the best outcome. A strong proponent of patient education, Dr. Donets works hard to ensure each patient has the information they need to feel completely confident in their care at every step.

After earning his bachelor’s degree at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Donets completed his medical degree in podiatric medicine from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, Illinois, followed by a podiatry residency at Loretto Hospital and the Same Day Surgery Network, where he specialized in foot surgery. 

In addition to caring for patients at Global Podiatry, Dr. Donets is a faculty member at the Endeavor (formerly NorthShore University) Healthcare System’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Advocate Lutheran General, and Associated Surgical Center in Arlington Heights.

Dr. Donets speaks English and Spanish. He enjoys treating various patients at Global Podiatry and Illinois Bone and Joint (Arlington Heights) and looks forward to working with you.

Dijana Mirkovic, DPM, is a highly trained podiatrist at Chicagoland Foot and Ankle. She is dedicated to providing personalized care at the practice locations in the Mount Greenwood and Portage Park areas of Chicago, as well as Orland Park and New Lenox, Illinois.

Raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Dr. Mirkovic completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She earned her medical degree at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (formerly Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine). She completed her post-graduate studies at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital of Chicago, during which she served as chief resident her final year. Her education focused on both forefoot and rearfoot reconstructive surgery, as well as all aspects of podiatric medicine.

Dr. Mirkovic provides foot and ankle treatment to patients of all ages, including conservative and surgical options. She strives to provide patient-centered care and open a strong chain of communication between herself, her patients, and their families. She focuses on building a trusting relationship in an environment in which her patients feel comfortable asking all of their questions.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and traveling. She has a true love for cooking.

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.

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!

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.