Clinical Experience Opportunities

The Gengras Podiatry Clinic at Saint Francis is a cornerstone of the residency program and a highlight of the weekly schedule. Held every Monday under the guidance of a podiatric attending, the clinic serves the greater Hartford community while giving residents the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population. Residents manage a wide range of conditions, including flatfoot and cavus deformities, arthritic and dermatologic issues, forefoot and rearfoot pathology, Achilles tendon injuries, fractures, and more.

The Saint Francis Wound Center further enriches the training experience by providing hands-on exposure to the evaluation and management of complex lower extremity wounds. Care is delivered through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, with close involvement from vascular surgery, infectious disease, internal medicine, plastic surgery, and other specialties. This team-based environment helps residents develop a well-rounded and practical approach to wound care.

A defining feature of the program is its resident-driven clinical experience. Residents are actively involved in all aspects of patient care; from initial evaluation and surgical planning to operative participation alongside attending surgeons and comprehensive postoperative follow-up. This continuity allows residents to build confidence in both conservative and surgical management while developing strong clinical judgment and an understanding of perioperative care, including the management of potential complications. Residents also work closely with podiatric surgeons who specialize in wound care and are eligible to sit for the Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) board examination upon graduation.

Inpatient care is another key component of training. Residents play an integral role in managing patients admitted for complex conditions such as foot and ankle trauma and diabetic foot infections. With a consistently high inpatient volume, residents collaborate with multiple specialties to provide thoughtful, comprehensive care for medically and surgically challenging cases.