PM Podiatry Hall of Fame: Meet Lee C. Rogers, DPM

Education and Training 

Dr. Rogers attended college at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO 1996-2000, followed by podiatry school at Des Moines University College of
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DMU) from 2000-2004. While at DMU, he was elected the student body president and served in the American Podiatric Medical Students Association’s (APMSA) House of Delegates. Dr. Rogers’ interest in the diabetic foot and academics was influenced by strong mentorship
at DMU from Drs. Robert Frykberg and Vincent Mandracchia. He was the first from DMU to complete an international rotation, with Prof. Andrew JM Boulton, an endocrinologist and the global diabetic foot authority, at Manchester Royal Infirmary in the United Kingdom. He was the first from DMU to rotate at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, completing a research apprenticeship with Peter James Dyck, MD, a peripheral neuropathist. Dr. Rogers completed a residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers of New York under the directorship of Dr. Michael DellaCorte, where he served as chief resident along with Dr. Nicholas Bevilacqua. Drs. Rogers and Bevilacqua then completed a fellowship together with Prof. David G. Armstrong at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) in 2007. During
residency and fellowship, Rogers and Bevilacqua co-authored approximately 30 journal or magazine articles and book chapters. Dr. Rogers credits Dr. Armstrong’s mentorship, both at RFUMS and beyond, with the steep slope of his career trajectory in academics.

Early Career 

After fellowship, Dr. Rogers returned to Des Moines and founded the Amputation Prevention Center at Broadlawns Medical Centeralong with Dr. Bevilacqua while Dr. Mandracchia served as the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital. In 2009, Drs. Rogers and Bevilacqua were recruited to Los Angeles by renowned vascular surgeon, Dr. George Andros, where they co-founded the Amputation Prevention Center in a refurbished ICU of Valley Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Rogers became the co-director of DFCon, the leading global academic conference in the diabetic foot. Dr. Lawrence B. Harkless recruited Rogers to serve as adjunct faculty at the newly founded College of Podiatric Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences. He served as the Chair of the Foot Interest Group (formerly Foot Care Council) of the American Diabetes Association from 2009-2011.

Dr. Rogers won first place for oral abstracts at APMA’s The National—Annual Scientific Meeting in 2007 for a study using marrow-derived stem cells to heal diabetic foot ulcers and then again in 2009 for a study using digital planimetry to measure wounds, showing that traditional length X width measurements overestimate wound area by 41%. In 2011, the APMA President Kathleen Stone presented Dr. Rogers with the Rising Star Award at the Annual House of Delegates meeting. Dr. Rogers co-founded the Amputation Prevention Centers of America, a division of Paradigm Medical Management, which was acquired by Restorix Health in 2016. 

Current Career and Academic Excellence

In 2021, Dr. Rogers was recruited by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) to serve as Chief of Podiatry, a historic position once held by trailblazers in the profession Dr. Louis T. Bogy and Dr. Lawrence B. Harkless. He was later appointed as the UTHSCSA Louis T. Bogy Endowed Professor of Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Rogers’ mission is to strengthen the program’s national and international reputation, lead a robust research enterprise, and oversee a clinical training program of excellence. Since starting at UTHSCSA, Rogers has already recruited nine leading podiatrists to join him in this mission, including Drs. Lawrence A. Lavery, Robert G. Frykberg, Cyaandi Dove, and Collin Pehde. Dr. Rogers has lectured in all 50 states and over 30 countries. His bibliography is truly impressive, having published over 150 manuscripts or book chapters on the diabetic foot
and its related complications. These include the report from the ADA/APMA Charcot Foot Taskforce, the SVS/APMA Toe and Flow Team manuscript, the
SVS Global Vascular Guidelines, the JAPMA Offloading Consensus, and the Wound Healing Society’s Guideline on Diabetic Foot Ulcers. All of these have
been referenced thousands of times. His H-index is 25, which is a measure of academic productivity in research and publishing, and far exceeds expectations for professors in all medical fields who are less than 20 years from completion of training, but also near the top of the podiatry profession

International Influence

Dr. Rogers has been an effective ambassador of the podiatry profession and the diabetic foot specialty around the globe. He helped establish the profession of podiatry in Romania along with Drs. Matthew Garoufalis, David Armstrong, Andrew Boulton, and Norina Gavan, the president of the Romanian Association of Podiatry. He has helped establish centers of excellence in amputation prevention in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, and Bahrain. He
has been a visiting professor/surgeon in many countries spanning six continents. Dr. Rogers became one of the first American podiatrists admitted as
Fellow Faculty of Podiatric Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) in 2016. Since then, Rogers has sponsored the
nominations of many American podiatrists as fellows of the RCPSG. In 2023, Rogers was elected and appointed Treasurer to the Board of Directors of the International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP). Subsequently, he was elected to be Vice President of FIP in 2024. The FIP Global Podiatry Conference (2024) was scheduled to occur in Jerusalem, however, with only months from the planned meeting, that location was abandoned due to unsafe
conditions. With remarkable alacrity, Dr. Rogers re-directed that conference to Reykjavik, Iceland, where a very successful conference took place

American Board of Podiatric Medicine 

Dr. Rogers is undoubtedly best known for his professional activism with the ABPM. He is now one of its longest serving members of the Board with non-renewal. This committee employs a healthcare attorney and has responded to about 150 requests from podiatrists, of which all but two cases received a successful outcome. Rogers recognized that in four states, either the law or administrative rules discriminated against any podiatrist who was not board certified by the ABFAS. These rules limited access to the full scope of practice for many podiatrists. In 2021, Rogers led the board to file a lawsuit in the Oregon Court of Appellate against the Oregon Medical Board (OMB) for a rule that kept 85% of Oregon podiatrists from performing ankle surgery. The
OMB, under the advisement of the Oregon Attorney General, responded by adopting new rules for Oregon podiatrists, giving over 95% access
to the full scope of practice, including ankle surgery. Dr. Rogers combined political science with podiatry in creating the Board’s Podiatry Forward campaign, which has advocated for One Board, among other important issues. He established the ABPM International, which is bringing a certification standard to global podiatry. He also is the architect behind the ABPM’s relationship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, creating a clear pathway for Diplomates to become Fellows in the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine.

Extraprofessional Activities 

Dr. Rogers has engaged in many activities outside of the profession, including running for the U.S. House of Representatives from California in 2012 and 2014. He was supported with the campaign donations of thousands of podiatrists and the APMA. In the first campaign, after he gave the incumbent a strong challenge, the incumbent did not seek re-election and the district became an open seat and one of the most watched in the country. Rogers lost the second campaign under a new top-two primary system in California. Rogers won Democrat of the Year from the California Democratic Party for CA-25 and was presented with a flag flown over the capital in his honor by Congressman Brad Sherman. Despite Rogers’ loss, he received the most votes of any Democrat in the district, and under California rules, he was charged with selecting the district’s elector to the Electoral College for President Obama’s second term. Rogers selected the youngest elector in American history, an 18-year-old local high school student from government class. While the loss was disappointing, Rogers used it as an opportunity to educate the many Members of Congress he met on the value and positive impact of podiatry.
Dr. Lee Rogers’ induction into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of his tireless advocacy for his patients and
his profession. If you wish an advocate in your corner, Lee Rogers is the one to pick. Dr. Rogers’ axiom is “Forward. Always Forward”, and his commitment to doing what’s right inspires everyone around him. 

Lee’s induction into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his dedication to advancing our specialty and the legacy he continues
to build. — Armstrong.

Tributes 

Adam R. Johnson, DPM, President, American Board of Podiatric Medicine 

I first met Dr. Lee Rogers when I was an eager young student rotating through Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. A new amputation prevention center was being developed by a DMU alumnus and recent graduate of Dr. David Armstrong’s fellowship at RFUMS. First impressions always seem to be lasting impressions. This held true when I first met Dr. Rogers. He was excited to teach, enthusiastic to help every patient that came through the door, and zealous about using the newest and best technology. That type of character is contagious. Everyone that crossed paths with Dr. Rogers wanted to be a part of the team, because it is a winning team.

Robert G. Frykberg, DPM, MPH, Professor of Orthopaedics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

I first met Dr. Rogers when he was my student at the Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. As his clinical dean, it was my task not only to teach, but to influence his perspectives on his chosen career path. He has exceeded all expectations and has become a close friend and colleague over the years. We have collaborated on several important publications, chaired an international conference together, and have traveled and lectured globally at diabetic foot conferences. Most importantly, Dr. Rogers has become a leader within our profession and has demonstrated his ability to critically (and successfully) approach issues arising during his term as President of the ABPM. He has made his old professor proud of all his significant accomplishments and also proud to be invited to join his team as he restores the UTHSCSA Division of Podiatry to the premier training and research program that it once was. As we move “back to the future” in this regard, there is no doubt that under his leadership, many more great accomplishments shall follow that will benefit not only podiatry in the U.S., but the international medical community as well.

Dr. Rogers has become a leader within our profession and has demonstrated his ability to critically (and successfully) approach issues arising during his term as President of the ABPM. —Frykberg

David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, Professor of Surgery, USC Keck School of Medicine

I have had the distinct pleasure of serving as Lee’s mentor during his fellowship and now as his colleague Dr. Rogers is one of the key figures transforming podiatry from a profession into what is now a specialty, championing higher standards in limb preservation and advancing the field’s groundbreaking initiatives. His leadership—whether as Chief of Podiatry, the Louis T. Bogy Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, or in his former role as President of the ABPM—has left an indelible mark on our field. His influence extends globally through his work as Vice President of the International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP), where he is fostering a collaborative, elevated approach to podiatric care worldwide. Lee’s induction into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his dedication to advancing our specialty and the legacy he continues to build. He is definitely working to pay it forward

Michael P. DellaCorte, DPM, Residency Director, Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers of New York (retired)

I first met Lee Rogers about 20 years ago when he became a resident in the podiatric medicine and surgery program at Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers in New York. Lee was bright and very ambitious and became an excellent resident. He would go on to become Chief Resident in his final year. From the very beginning, I knew Lee was a leader. Little did I know that Lee would change the way I treated diabetic patients and engineer a change in the department’s leadership where I would become Chairman of the Department of Podiatry. Lee loved wound care and limb salvage. He treated our patients with compassion and respect and always wanted to try new methods to achieve wound healing. Lee organized a trip to Russia for me and three residents to enhance our knowledge of the application of the Ilizarov methods of external fixation. It was a trip that I will never forget and it created a strong bond between the two of us.

As residency director, I have been involved in the training of hundreds of students and residents and very few become lifelong friends. Lee is one of those residents that remains a strong friend to this day. I was involved with the ABPM for many years before I met Lee. I encouraged him to get involved with the Board early in his career. Once he joined the organization, the rest has become history. Lee became a board member and advanced to become president of the ABPM. He will be remembered as one of the most influential presidents the Board has ever had. Lee lectures all over the world on diabetes and limb preservation and has become an authority on these topics. Now he is involved in the training of students and residents to pass on the knowledge he has gained over his career. Lee has a lot more to give the profession and I look forward to all of the changes that he will champion. Having one of my residents inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame has made my dedication to education worth it. Needless to say, I am very proud of Lee and all that he has accomplished, and I wish him all the best in the future.

He will be remembered as one of the most influential presidents the Board has ever had. —DellaCorte

Pauline Wilson, PhD, Professor of Podiatry, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland

Dr. Rogers is an active member of the international podiatry community. He is the current Vice President of the International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP) and is its previous Treasurer. He is also active in D-Foot International, working hard on projects to standardize the education, training, and recognition of podiatry worldwide. He is also the mastermind behind the ABPM International. His initiatives have greatly strengthened the international community of podiatry. His manner and openness in these interactions have achieved much where others have failed in the past. In his ‘can do’ attitude and collaborative demeaner, he listens to all perspectives in everything he does and embodies the team approach to solving problems. He collates opinions from multiple stakeholders before making suggestions, which is extremely valuable in the international community where different cultures, training, and practices can prevent consensus. His involvement in meetings—often with a cigar and a flute of champagne—can unite opinions enabling consensus where it was thought impossible. He is always willing to help and to travel to any corner of the globe where his skills can be of use. He focuses his contributions to the benefit of the profession above personal gain. At the heart of everything, I have seen how he ultimately works for the benefit of our patients, and for this reason I am very pleased to support his inclusion in the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame.

Robert Greenhagen, DPM, Foot & Ankle Center of Nebraska & Iowa, Omaha, NE

Love him or hate him, no one can deny that Lee Rogers has made a tremendous impact on the world of podiatry. I had the honor of first meeting Lee when he founded the Amputation Prevention Center at Broadlawns Medical Center in 2009. Dr. Rogers and Dr. Nicholas Bevilacqua seismically changed the trajectory of my career. Dr. Rogers would always challenge the status quo and look to advance the field of podiatric medicine and outcomes for his patients. His outlook instilled a fundamental concept in my life; some people will drink from the well of knowledge and others will ensure that the well stays filled. I am honored to call Lee my mentor and my friend. His recognition as an inductee into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame is well deserved. I thank him for all that he has done for me and my family, and I’m excited to see what new and extraordinary adventures await in his future.

Karen Shum, DPM, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, CA

Congratulations to Dr. Rogers on being inducted into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame! His is most deserving of this award as demonstrated by his brilliant work and passion in the specialty. His distinguished research acumen has resulted in the preservation of countless limbs. Dr. Rogers is truly one of a kind in that his impact as a physician spans worldwide. Dr. Rogers has also served as an honorable educator who trained many podiatrists of today. I am lucky to call Dr. Rogers one of my mentors, and his guidance has been invaluable to my career. I am certain that I am not the only one who feels this way as he is a true North Star in our profession. Dr. Rogers, you seem too young to be receiving this lifetime achievement award, but I know this marvelous accomplishment is but a first act as you continue your efforts to advance the profession. Thank you for your vision and inspiration to all of us!

Nicholas J. Bevilacqua, DPM, North Jersey Ortopedic Specialists, Englewood, NJ

Lee doesn’t just leave a mark; he creates a lasting and transformative impact on his colleagues and the profession. From his early days as a co-resident, to his current position at UT Health San Antonio, Lee has been unwavering in his focus to advance treatments for the diabetic foot and prevent amputations. Never one to accept the status quo, Lee lives by a quote of Will Rogers (probably related) he frequently references; “Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” He honors the roots of our profession while remaining steadfast in his commitment to shaping its future. I had the incredible privilege of working closely with Lee and cherish many fond memories from our time in the clinic and the OR. However, what I value most is the enduring friendship we have shared over the years.

Lee doesn’t just leave a mark; he creates a lasting and transformative impact on his colleagues and the profession.—Bevilacqua

Read the full article here: Meet Lee C. Rogers, DPM. He´s a man who fully understands the phrase “Summum Bonum”