Diabetes is the top reason besides trauma for foot amputation, with 75,000 in 2003, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Dr. Peter M. Wilusz , Independence Township podiatrist, wants to change that.
‘Amputation is a death sentence (for people with diabetes),? said Wilusz, who has diabetes, a disease which runs in his family.
Among his specialties are reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and diabetic limb salvage.
‘I’m passionate about doing whatever it takes to save it,? he said. ‘One of my mottos would be ‘call us before considering amputation.??
He opened his practice June 4 at 6510 Town Center Drive, Suite C, off Waldon Road.
‘I grew up in Waterford, so this area is my home,? he said. ‘It’s going great. So far, so good.?
Helping raise his younger brothers and sisters, he didn’t go to medical school right away. He earned undergraduate degrees in biology, physics, and biochemistry at Oakland University and, to pay the bills, he ran a shoe store in Rochester Hills.
He worked with several people referred by podiatrists, learning about foot ailments and care. His brother, Dr. John Arsen of Lake Orion, encouraged him to go back to school and become a podiatrist himself.
‘He helped me realize that I could do so much more for people (as a doctor),? Wilusz said.
He earned his Doctor of Podiatric degree in 2001 at Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. He trained as a resident and fellow in Warren.
He lives with his wife, Marni, and their son Connor in Bloomfield Township. A move to the Clarkston area is a possibility, he said.
‘I love the area,? he said. ‘It’s far enough from the big city, but not too far.?
Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Tues., 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Wed., and 1-5 p.m. Fri.
His Website, Towncenterfoot andankle.com, is under construction and should be ready soon.
For more information, call 248-922-6000.