Dr. Stefan Feldman, DPM, FACFAS

It was during his premed studies at Oakland University in Michigan that Dr. Stefan Feldman had his career epiphany.

“I realized my father, also a podiatrist, had a pretty nice life,” said Dr. Feldman. “While my dad never tried to interest me in joining his profession, some of his doctor friends did.”

After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Feldman entered the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, where he graduated Cum Laude, also serving as vice president of the Student Chapter of American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Feldman edged closer to his profession of choice when he took his residency at Kern Hospital for Special Surgery in Warren, Michigan — the hospital’s first established residency for podiatric surgeons.

“I had the privilege of serving as a resident while my dad was an attending physician,” said Dr. Feldman, now board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. “I learned a great deal from him and the other skilled foot surgeons who practiced at that hospital.”

After serving his residency, Dr. Feldman specialized in foot surgery, sports injuries, biomechanics, and general podiatry.

The native-born Michigan man soon felt the urge to branch out. “Ultimately, the lure of California became too great,” he said. “So I carved my own path to the West Coast.”

Feldman has found a home at UFAI, where he works at the Westlake Village and Granada Hills.

When not helping patients, Dr. Feldman is an active jogger and hiker, an activity where his wife, Teri, and Golden Retriever Beau often join him. He is also a certified scuba diver and novice golfer.

But come Sunday afternoons, the doctor can be found in front of the TV watching the Detroit Tigers, Lions Red Wings, and Wolverines. “I’m still a Detroit guy all the way,” he said.

A resident of Oak Park, Dr. Feldman considers himself a healthy eater, “I make a decent stir fry and love to barbeque on weekends,” he said.

Dr. Feldman also supports several charitable organizations, including the City of Hope, Wounded Warriors, melanoma-related causes, and volunteering at the Westminster Free Clinic.

Dr. Feldman still has the ultimate respect for doctors who taught him, “I feel that I often stand shoulders of giants in my profession."