Michael Gallina Helps Patients as a Foot & Ankle Surgeon – Editor’s Note: We spoke with Dr. Michael Gallina, a board-certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Gulf Coast Medical Group center located at 250 West Dearborn Street in Englewood. The phone number for appointments is 844-366-9362. Learn more about GCMG at GulfCoastMedicalGroup.net.
Dr. Gallina, how long have you lived in the area and where are you from originally?
I have lived in Englewood for over four years and I’ve lived in Florida for 15 years. I’m originally from Chicago.
What degrees have you completed and with what institutions?
I received my bachelor’s degree in biology from Illinois Benedictine College, my doctorate in podiatric medicine from the Dr William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. I completed three years of surgical training in foot ankle and lower leg surgery at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh and then extra training in nerve surgery at Johns Hopkins. I also completed training at the Baltimore center for Limb Deformities on complex foot and ankle reconstruction.
What was it like to be the team podiatrist for the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Indians?
It was awesome. It was great to meet and treat professional athletes. They are just like you and I when it comes to dealing with injuries.
What are some of the conditions you treat as a foot and ankle surgeon?
Common conditions that I treat are Achilles tendon problems, broken bones including ankles, ankle sprains, heel spurs, bunion deformity, and pinched nerves.
What would you like to share about your family including your dogs?
I have an awesome wife, son and daughter-in-law. My wife and I have been married for over 28 years and she’s truly my soulmate. I would do anything for her. Same for my son and his wife. They are all my motivation in life. All of my family are animal lovers and we have some incredible pets. They are members of the family and I’m sure many of your readers can relate. The picture you see is of me and my wife holding our newest addition Luna. She’s an English cream golden retriever and I call her luna-tic.
What do you enjoy most about being a physician and living in the area?
I love the Florida lifestyle and that includes getting up every morning to warm weather. I grew up in Chicago and I don’t miss the ice and snow. The people here are friendly, and we enjoy living where other people come on vacation.