Richard Jacoby, D.P.M.

Richard Jacoby, D.P.M.
Specialty: Podiatry

Years practicing: 39
Medical school: Pennsylvania
College of Podiatric Medicine

What inspired you to become a podiatrist?
It’s so long ago I forget. I like the people-type of business. Podiatry is a team specialty, and we see our results instantly. It’s the resolution of pain; we can get rid of it very quickly.

How did you get involved with the Dellon Procedure?
Well, I helped established the wound center in Scottsdale about 15 years ago and was working with diabetics. Dr. Dellon came up with this new procedure for reducing amputations with diabetic neuropathy. I learned the procedure, came back and devoted the last 10 years to 1,500 cases, about 700 to 800 patients. We have not had one amputation so far. Given the subset of patients, you can’t correct everybody, but we have done a pretty good job.

What do you enjoy doing outside of surgery?
I like to play tennis. I’m good depending on the day. I play golf. I also like to read and travel.

What is your favorite instrument to use during surgery?
We do these procedures under magnification, so we’re looking under 3.5 loops so we can see the nerves. With the nerve integrity monitor we can watch the nerves come back to life.

Know any good podiatry jokes?
When people ask, “Why did you become a podiatrist?” I always say it’s because I flunked knees.