Ep. 343 - Stephen Kominsky, DPM - Author, Educator

In this episode of Dean’s Chat, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen welcomes one of the true pioneers of diabetic limb preservation, Dr. Stephen J. Kominsky. A nationally respected surgeon, educator, researcher, and author, Dr. Kominsky reflects on a career that has helped shape modern diabetic foot care and influenced generations of podiatrists.The conversation explores Dr. Kominsky’s professional journey, from his surgical training and early years in practice to becoming an internationally recognized authority in diabetic foot management, Charcot neuroarthropathy, wound healing, and limb salvage.A major focus of the discussion is his role as Editor-in-Chief of the landmark textbook Medical and Surgical Management of the Diabetic Foot, first published in 1994. The book became an essential reference for podiatric physicians and helped define the multidisciplinary approach to diabetic foot care that remains the standard today.Dr. Kominsky also discusses:• The evolution of diabetic limb salvage over the past four decades.• Advances in wound healing, off-loading, and reconstructive surgery.• The importance of evidence-based care and multidisciplinary treatment teams.• Lessons learned from decades of teaching, research, and clinical practice.• Mentoring the next generation of podiatric physicians and surgeons.• His perspectives on the future of diabetic foot care and limb preservation.Throughout the episode, Dr. Kominsky shares stories from his remarkable career and reflects on how the profession has evolved—from an era when major amputations were common to today’s comprehensive limb preservation programs.This conversation is both a historical perspective and a forward-looking discussion with one of podiatry’s most influential leaders.About Dr. Stephen J. KominskyDr. Stephen J. Kominsky is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon whose career has focused on diabetic foot care, wound healing, Charcot reconstruction, and limb salvage. He has authored numerous scientific publications, lectured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, served in leadership roles across multiple professional organizations, and is widely recognized for advancing multidisciplinary diabetic foot management. His editorial leadership on Medical and Surgical Management of the Diabetic Foot established one of the profession’s defining reference texts.Key Topics• Diabetic foot management• Limb preservation• Charcot neuroarthropathy• Wound healing• Off-loading strategies• Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery• Medical education• Mentorship• History of diabetic foot care• The future of limb salvage