WEST MILFORD If theres anyone who can understand how foot problems can lay you low its Dr. Ira Schiowitz. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Schiowitz has had chronic foot problems over the past year that have curtailed his lifestyle and ability to work. But thats behind him now.
Im on the mend and back to work, he said.
A Ringwood resident, the doctor has been practicing in West Milford for over 30 years. He and his wife, Sherry, have a 25-year-old daughter, Jessica, who is currently working on museum studies at Tufts University.
Dr. Schiowitz, 60, attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., from 1970 to 1974 where he did undergraduate study in biological science. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biology and biological science.
During his undergraduate years he would often accompany his father, a diabetic who suffered from foot ulcers, on visits to his podiatrist. It was at this time that his interest turned to podiatry.
He went on to study at the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. After a four-year degree program in podiatric medicine and foot surgery, he was ready to return to the place of his upbringing, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Schiowitz had a one-year residency in Maimonides Hospital in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn. His training consisted of working with clinical patients, which included podiatric surgery and diabetic chronic disorders. Today he still has an interest in the problems that arise in diabetics and he noted that there are 24.6 million people in this country currently diagnosed with diabetes. He maintains professional memberships with the American Association of Diabetic Educators and the American Diabetes Association Professional Section.
Due to the aging population in the United States, there are currently 15,000 practicing podiatrists. A podiatrist provides a medical diagnosis and treats, among other ailments, foot and ankle problems including bunions, heel pain and spurs, wounds, hammertoes, corns, calluses, neuromas, sprains, fractures, infections and sports injuries. A podiatrist can also treat gait abnormalities in children.
Schiowitz believes in spending time with his patients, understanding their concerns, then laying out the best treatment plan options. He believes that a well-informed patient makes better decisions regarding their foot health, often a neglected part of the anatomy.
I like to do a thorough, honest job. I am very conscientious about the quality of my work, he said.
Schiowitz enjoys working in the township and has a soft spot in his heart for West Milfords senior citizens.
A lot of people need help and cant get out for it, he said. To that end, this doctor makes house calls.
Schiowitz belongs to several charitable organizations, including the West Milford Rotary Club and the Knights of Pythius, a fraternal group in Fair Lawn. He is an avid reader, always anxious to learn more about his profession. Hes a Civil War buff and enjoys animal photography. His dream photo expedition is to photograph polar bears in their natural habitat.
But for now this avid Yankee fan takes his enjoyment from good old-fashion baseball games and trips to the Bronx Zoo with his camera in tow.
Schiowitz is coming off a difficult year but everything is looking up for him now. The doctor is definitely in.