Our practice recently lost two of our founding physicians and two of the most well respected and distinguished physicians in the Houston and Katy medical communities. We continue to honor their memories and strive to carry on the legacies that they established in their combined sixty plus years of service to their patients.
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Dr. Samuel Mendicino: IN MEMORIAM
The physicians and staff of Foot & Ankle Institute are sad to announce the passing of one of our practice’s co-founders, Dr. Samuel Mendicino.
After graduating from the Scholl School of Podiatric Medicine in 1985, Dr. Mendicino started practicing in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Two years after moving to Houston in 1995, he established Centers for Advanced Foot Care, later becoming Foot & Ankle Institute. In addition to serving his patients in private practice, Dr. Mendicino was a career-long champion of resident education, most notably serving as the Residency Director of the Harris County Podiatric Surgical Residency Program for 25 years (currently the HCA Houston Healthcare West Podiatric Medical and Surgical Residency Program). He was also a leader in the podiatric profession both statewide and nationally, serving as the President of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association and the President of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
A brilliant and caring physician, his patients will undoubtedly miss his fierce commitment to their health and well-being as well as his characteristic wit and charm. We at Foot & Ankle Institute share the sadness brought by his passing with his patients, colleagues, friends and family. Our staff looks forward to working with Dr. Mendicino’s patients in the future and continuing his legacy of outstanding patient care.
DR. RONALD BRUSCIA: IN MEMORIAM
The physicians and staff of Foot and Ankle Family Wellness Center and Foot & Ankle Institute are sad to announce the passing of the Katy practice’s founder, Dr. Ronald Bruscia. In his over three decades in practice caring for patients throughout the greater Houston area, Ronald Bruscia, DPM, was known as a trusted expert for foot and ankle care.
Dr. Bruscia earned his Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He went on to complete his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, ranking in the top 20% of his graduating class. After graduation, Dr. Bruscia completed intensive foot and ankle surgical training through the Harris County Podiatric Residency Program in Houston. During his residency, Dr. Bruscia cared for patients at Houston-area facilities, including Westbury Hospital, Citizens Medical Center, and the former Alief General Hospital. Dr. Bruscia practiced in the Katy community for over 30 years, providing his patients with the highest level of both clinical and surgical foot and ankle care.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Bruscia served as the owner and director of the International Wellness Consultants, where he focused on health care issues, disease prevention, and wellness trends targeting the foot, ankle, and lower leg. He lectured regularly at medical conferences in Southern Texas, as well as at national events. Dr. Bruscia was also heavily involved in the community and has served as the YMCA race director since the early 2000s. A runner himself, Dr. Bruscia completed 18 marathons and triathlons which he often said helped him empathize with patients going through sports injuries and pain-causing conditions.
Our hearts go out to his family who are missing a loving husband, father and grandfather and we join you in honoring his memory.