The Foot and Ankle service is under the direction of Raoul P. Rodriguez, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics, a renowned orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon. He has a special interest in the treatment of paralytic foot and ankle disorders having contributed to the knowledge of tendon transfer procedures, namely the so called Bridle Procedure. He has a vast experience in the treatment of arthritic deformities of the foot and ankle especially total ankle replacement and arthrodesis procedures in the ankle and foot. The orthopaedic residents are also exposed to forefoot surgery including bunions, hammer toes, neuromas, and other painful forefoot ailments.

G. James Sammarco, M.D., a world renowned foot and ankle surgeon who works part- time at Tulane. Dr. Sammarco, a Tulane Medical School graduate, spends one week a month performing surgery and teaching our residents at Tulane University Hospital and at the University Hospital, the interim hospital for the Medical Center of Louisiana in New Orleans. . He has exceptional expertise in diabetic foot surgery, treatment of cavovarus feet, and many other orthopaedic foot and ankle procedures.

Patients with foot and ankle complaints and injuries are seen by appointment at the Tulane University clinics in downtown New Orleans and also across Lake Pontchartrain at the medical office building of Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington. Surgical procedures of the foot and ankle are carried out by our faculty with participation of our fellow and orthopaedic residents at the Tulane University Hospital in downtown New Orleans.

Clinical, translational and bench research projects are carried out by our faculty and residents along with some medical student participation.

Educational instruction of foot and ankle surgery for medical students, residents, post-graduate and community outreach programs are part of our educational mission.