All in a Day's Work: James Mazzuca, DPM, Podiatric Surgeon

James Mazzuca, DPM, a Podiatric Surgeon at TRIA Orthopaedic Center in Bloomington and the University of Minnesota Medical Center Fairview Orthopedic Clinic in Minneapolis, talks about his work.

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Last update: September 30, 2009 - 2:31 PM

Q: What's a typical workday like for you?

In a typical clinic day, I see patients with a variety of problems, including sports-related injuries, fractures and structural deformities of the foot and ankle. If I'm on-call, I also see surgical consults in the hospital. In a typical surgical day, which is twice a week, I perform eight to 10 surgeries beginning at 7 a.m. and ranging from corrections of bunion deformities to fracture repairs. I perform surgery at TRIA, University of Minnesota Medical Center Fairview and at Methodist Hospital.

Q: How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?

My goal is to provide people pain-free daily living and the ability to exercise. If you keep people on their feet and active, they're going to feel healthier overall. As the population ages, I think there will be even greater demand for preventative care as well as pain relief.

Q: Who do you interact with during the course of the day?

I interact with orthopedic, internal medicine and emergency department physicians, radiologists, vascular surgeons, physician assistants, urgent care staff, nursing triage, LPNs, RNs, medical assistants and, of course, patients. For some problems, it takes a team to solve.

Q: Why did you become a podiatrist?

It was my primary choice. I was in pre-med, majoring in Biology. I heard about this field and visited the residency program at the University of Chicago. I was impressed with what they were doing and the variety of their practice and decided that's what I'd like to do.

Q: What do you like about your work?

The day is so varied in terms of what comes in the door and my patients are extremely grateful people. When you have someone who can't walk because of the pain and you remove that, you improve someone's quality of life.

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