What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), is a professional who is trained in the treatment of injuries or issues concerning a person's feet, ankles, or areas of the lower leg. When it comes to treatments, podiatrists have the ability to reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, request lab tests or x-rays, as well as perform surgery.
To become a podiatrist, one must complete 4 years of medical school, as well as 3 years of a residency where they gain real world experience working at a hospital. After those two requirements are completed, some choose to gain further certifications by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) in areas such as surgery of the foot and ankle.
Meet Our Doctors
Irina Vasserman, DPM
Irina Vasserman, DPM, is a skilled foot specialist and board-certified podiatric surgeon at Tri-Town Podiatry in Canton, and Arlington, Massachusetts. Since 1994, Dr. Vasserman has been in private practice delivering expertise in wound care and comprehensive podiatric treatment for common foot ailments and sports injuries.
Dr. Vasserman earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. She then completed her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. After graduation, she finished her residency training in podiatric surgery through the New York College of Podiatric Medicine affiliated hospitals. Dr. Vasserman is board certified by the American Board of Wound Care, the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing, and certified in podiatric medicine and surgery by the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgeons.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Vasserman is the Director, Secretary, and Continuing Medical Education Chair for the American College of Lower Extremity Surgeons and the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery. She is affiliated with several health facilities in the area, including Faulkner Hospital, Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center, Norwood Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, St. Elizabeth Hospital, and Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.Melissa Fitzgerald, DPM
Dr. Melissa Fitzgerald is an energetic and ambitious podiatrist trained with deep clinical and surgical expertise. Detail-oriented and driven by compassion for patients, Dr. Fitzgerald practices with patient care as her focus.
She completed a Bachelor of Science in the Honors Program at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She then advanced to further specialized surgical training in a three-year residency at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston, during which she was appointed chief resident.
Her clinical specialties include in-office surgical procedures, nail trauma and deformities, KeryFlex Nail Restoration, and Onyfix Ingrown Nail Correction. She performs all medical-grade pedicures, focusing specifically on aesthetic and hygienic practice. Additionally, Dr. Fitzgerald specializes in podiatric foot surgery, including but not limited to correction of bunions and hammertoes, fracture management, and all soft-tissue procedures.
A Connecticut native with family throughout New England, she now resides in greater Boston with her husband and daughter. Outside of the office, her personal interests include real estate, interior design, and antiquing.
Dr. Fitzgerald just graduated from one of the most respected podiatry residency programs in Boston, bringing cutting-edge surgical and podiatric techniques, procedures, and her point of view to the practice.
Dr. Fitzgerald is currently accepting new patients. Please call to request your consultation today!Vicki Stone, DPM
Dr. Stone, originally from New York, has been living in Massachusetts since 2018. After graduating from Cornell University with a BS in Biology, she then pursued her Podiatric Medical degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. She then completed residency training at both USC Medical Center and San Francisco General Hospital. Dr. Stone has worked in a variety of practice settings, such as solo practice, group practice, and, most recently, in a public health setting.
Dr. Stone specializes in general podiatric medicine and biomechanics. She takes a holistic approach to each patient, looking at the whole patient when considering diagnoses and treatment options. She believes that food is medicine and eating the proper foods can help relieve inflammation and pain. She treats each patient like family and cares for each foot with individualized attention.
Whether helping remove ingrown toenails in the office or identifying good shoe options for a patient's needs, the patient comes first. Dr. Stone's custom orthotics are highly sought after by patients.
In her spare time, Dr. Stone volunteers with NGOs in Ghana, West Africa, and travels to Ghana regularly. Her hobbies are walking, hiking, dancing, cooking, and reading.