Meet Our Physicians - Kentucky Foot & Ankle Specialist in Louisville, Bowling Green, KY and New Albany, IN (2023)

Our philosophy for patient care involves a conservative and preventative approach. Our practice provides a dedicated practitioner who uses latest medical techniques to ensure the best individualized care. An initial office visit will address specific complaints, and use diagnostic, radiological, and gait analysis tests for examination. Preventive care is a big part of practice especially for diabetic population. Most of the problems we see can be treated with conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, foot orthoses, and modification of activity. We also perform foot and ankle surgery when needed. Treatment is individualized based on diagnosis, and personal situation. The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with our physician's training, professional credentials, and work experience.

Dr. Ahmed attended Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Psychology. He then attended medical school at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, and obtained his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. He attended both a 36-month residency as well as an additional 12-month residency program. He has wound care privileges at Baptist Health Floyd in addition to his podiatric privileges.

Dr. Ahmed is described by patients as having a great bedside manner, sweet, and kind-hearted. We are fortunate to have him acting as our 2021 Medical Director. Job Duties of the Medical Director position include mentoring/training physicians, working with Human Resources to ensure staff are properly trained, among others. He enjoys spending time with his family and traveling, at times. Dr. Ahmed’s hobbies include doing anything his six-year-old daughter tells him to do, cooking, reading, and drawing.

Medical Education:
Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine and Science-Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine: North Chicago, IL

Residency:
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center: Hartford, CT

Dr. Denzik was born in Indiana and grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana. She attended Butler University for undergraduate education where she played saxophone for the Wind Ensemble and Arthur Jordan Saxophone Quartet. She obtained her degree in Biology and then went on to complete her medical education at the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Denzik earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 2011, graduating in the top 10% of her class. She then completed her three-year surgical residency training at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

While at St. Francis, she served as co-chief resident and co-authored several publications. During her residency, Dr. Denzik completed a two-month rotation at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics in Baltimore, Maryland where she was exposed to pediatric cases and complex deformity correction.

She has extensive training in bunion surgery, diabetic wound care, foot deformities, cosmetic foot issues, and sports medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys running and cheering on the Butler Bulldogs!

Residency:
36-MONTH RESIDENCY
Resurrection Healthcare, Chicago, IL

Dr. Didyks’ approach to treating patients:
“My philosophy for patient care is to treat each person for his or her specific needs, taking into account lifestyle and overall medical and physical abilities. I enjoy being able to tailor a treatment plan that fits into each patient's personal needs. I work closely with primary care providers to ensure continuity of care. An initial office visit will address specific complaints, and use diagnostic, radiological, and gait analysis tests for examination. We then work together to determine whether surgical or conservative care is most appropriate. Ultimately, I respect that a patient is in charge of his or her healthcare.“

Dr. Didyk has a particular interest in addressing diabetic preventative care, sports medicine, and pediatric issues. She especially enjoys working with people who have special needs of all types.

Outside of the office, Dr. Didyk enjoys spending time with her loved ones, especially outdoors. She is always on the lookout for a great book as well!

Medical Interests:

• Pediatric treatment of sports injuries, skin and nail issues, orthotic evaluations
• Preventative care for patients who have diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation)
• Sports medicine issues such as heel pain, sprains, fractures, and ankle instability
• Deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, cysts
• Skin and nail issues (thick nails, warts, unexplained changes to texture, etc.)

Medical Education:
Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine and Science,- Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, North Chicago, IL
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology

Residency:
36-MONTH RESIDENCY John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County and Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Dr. Benge is a Kentucky native and was raised in Harrodsburg, KY. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She received her podiatric degree from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. She completed her 36-month residency program at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County and Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Benge enjoys educating patients about their foot problems so that they can become an active part of their own treatment, and her philosophy in patient care involves a conservative approach to treatment before considering surgical corrections. In her spare time, she is a big UK fan and loves spending time with her husband, Daniel, and her twin boys.

Medical Interests:

• Forefoot deformities
• Biomechanics
• Orthotics fabrication
• Sports injuries
• Diabetic foot care

Hometown: Anderson, Indiana
Undergraduate: Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
Podiatry School: Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine

Residency:
St. Vincent Residency Podiatry Program.

Medical Education:
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine

Residency:
Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL.

My approach to treating patients:
My philosophy for patient care involves a conservative and preventative approach. Our practice provides a dedicated practitioner who uses latest medical techniques to ensure the best individualized care. An initial office visit will address specific complaints, and use diagnostic, radiological, and gait analysis tests for examination. Preventive care is a big part of practice especially for diabetic population. Most of the problems I see can be treated with conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, foot orthoses, and modification of activity. I also perform foot and ankle surgery when needed. Treatment is individualized based on diagnosis, and personal situation.

Medical Interests:

• Forefoot Reconstructive Surgery:
  Bunions, hammertoes and other deformities.
• Diabetic Foot Disorders:
  Prevention and treatment including care for ulceration and infection.
• Foot Injuries:
  Foot fractures, sprains, and dislocations; open, crushing and penetrating injuries of the foot.
• Arthritis of the Foot:
  Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the foot, heel pain and tendonitis.

Medical Education:
Barry University, Miami Shores FL
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, May 2007L
Barry University, Miami Shores FL
Master of Science, May 2005
Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, May 2003

Residency:
36-MONTH RESIDENCY University of Louisville/Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky

Board Certifications:
Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery®
Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery®
Certified in Reconstructive Rearfoot /Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery®

Dr. Klutts has a particular interest in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and has numerous journal publications and has even lectured abroad on the subject. He is also passionate about teaching and giving back to his profession which lead to him becoming the Fellowship Director of the Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery Fellowship program at KYINFAS. In his role as Fellowship Director, he shares his knowledge and expertise with new surgeons that are wanting to hone their surgical skills. In his spare time, Dr. Klutts enjoys working out, reading, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Medical Interests:

• Forefoot Reconstructive Surgery:
• Bunions, hammertoes and other deformities.
• Diabetic Foot Disorders: Prevention and treatment including care for ulceration and infection.
• Foot trauma, fractures, sprains, and dislocations; open, crush, and penetrating injuries of the foot.
• Arthritis of the Foot:Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the foot, heel pain and tendonitis.

Medical Education:
California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University Oakland, CA

Residency Training:
Dekalb Medical Center Decatur, GA

Fellowship Training:
Kentucky/ Indiana Foot & Ankle Specialists
Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery

She completed her three-year surgical resident training at Dekalb Medical Center in Decatur, GA. Dr. Neal served as Chief resident and was acknowledged as Resident of the Year during her senior year. While in residency, Dr. Neal lectured as a resident member of The Podiatry Institute of which she is now a faculty member.

Dr. Neal completed her fellowship at Kentucky/Indiana Foot & Ankle Specialists specializing in foot and ankle reconstruction.

Recently, Dr. Neal earned her MBA degree at University of Louisville.
Dr. Neal hopes to continue enhancing her knowledge base and preparing for the rapidly shifting state of healthcare both in the U.S. and globally.

Medical Education:
Western University of Health Sciences

Residency Training:
University of Louisville School of Medicine

Fellowship Training:
Dermato-pathology

My Approach to Treating Patients:
Dr. Christopher Saccone is a foot and ankle surgeon in Louisville, Kentucky at the offices of Kentucky Indiana Foot and Ankle Specialists. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics at Sonoma State University, where he graduated Magnum Cum Laude, class valedictorian, Dean’s list member, an NCAA academic All-American in collegiate golf, and a Presidential Scholar, he attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California (one of only ten colleges that specializes exclusively in the treatment of Foot and Ankle disorders). Dr. Saccone graduated first in his medical school class, attaining the honor of Magnum Cum Laude, served as class President, along with being inducted into the distinguished national honor society, Phi Delta, for graduating in the top 10% of his medical class.

Dr. Saccone then completed an intensive 3-year Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Certification in Louisville at Kentucky One Health and associated University of Louisville Hospitals. He served as Chief Resident Surgeon in his final year of training. During his surgical residency training, Dr. Saccone completed additional advanced training in dermato-pathology. Dr. Saccone has published scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as presented his publication and lectured in Belgium at the International Orthopedic Trauma Association conference.

Dr. Saccone serves as an attending physician and surgeon for the fellowship program for the medical group Kentucky Indiana Foot and Ankle Specialists. Dr. Saccone specializes in all aspects of foot and ankle trauma, diabetic limb salvage, elective cosmetic and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery as well as advanced micro-vascular surgical techniques. Dr. Saccone also has expertise in dermato-pathologic conditions affecting the lower extremity as well as being highly surgically trained in minimally invasive procedures of the foot and ankle including arthroscopic and endoscopic techniques and interventions. Dr. Saccone is looking forward to the privilege and honor to serve his local community in all lower extremity ailments.

Medical Education:
New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York NY
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, May 2016

Bellarmine University, Louisville KY
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2011

Residency:
48-MONTH RESIDENCY
Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Podiatry New York, NY

Dr. Seyal is a Kentucky native who grew up in Louisville. She completed Bachelor of Science from Bellarmine University in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and had opportunity to work with a local brewery to do research on identifying different species of microbes involved in making bourbon and rum from sour mash. She obtained her degree in podiatric medicine from New York college of podiatric medicine in New York.

She completed her extensive 4-year Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Certification in New York by attending Mount Sinai Beth Israel. She served as chief resident in the last two years of her residency and had comprehensive training in Charcot and wound care as well as trauma. The primary focus during her residency was Charcot reconstruction using external fixators as well local wound care on diabetic and Charcot patients.

Dr. Seyal stays up to date with the latest treatment options that are evidence based. In her spare time, she loves to travel internationally as well as spending time with her family and cooking/baking.

Medical Interests:

• Charcot management with conservative and surgical techniques
• Forefoot Reconstructive Surgery: Bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities.
• Diabetic Foot Disorders: Prevention and treatment including care for ulceration and infection.
• Trauma: Foot fractures, ankle sprains, and dislocations; open, crushing, and penetrating injuries of the foot.
• Arthritis of the Foot: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the foot, heel pain and tendonitis.

Daniel E. Whitney, DPM

A native of Teaneck, New Jersey, Dr. Whitney completed his undergraduate education at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. He received his doctorate in podiatric medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and served his podiatric residency in Youngstown, Ohio.