02/16/2024

Member Spotlight: OHFAMA President Thom Arnold, DPM

The OHFAMA Journal sat down with new OHFAMA President Thom Arnold, DPM, to learn more about why he chose podiatry, how he got involved in serving the association, and his thoughts on the future of podiatry.

Why did you choose a career in podiatry?
I immediately chose a Biology/Pre-Med Major at John Carroll University. I shadowed many medical specialties. In short, I was fortunate to shadow Dr. Chip Tighe while in undergrad at John Carroll. He is a prime example of the work/life balance afforded by a career in podiatry. This convinced me podiatry was for me.

How did you get involved in OHFAMA and the Mideast Academy?
My surgical residency in Northwest Indiana always emphasized service at the local and state level. Because of this, I always felt it was my obligation to give back to the profession by service in local and state associations.

What led you to join Stark County Foot & Ankle Clinic?
I was looking to return to Northeast Ohio to practice after completing my training in Indiana. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join Stark County Foot & Ankle as an associate. At that time, 2005, it was just me and Dr. Steve Gross. Since then, the practice has steadily grown to a total of four physicians.

What do you love most about podiatry?
My favorite aspects of podiatry are flexibility of lifestyle and variety of ages and pathologies treated.

What are some of the challenges and opportunities facing podiatry?
Opportunities include continued education to the public and colleagues regarding our education and abilities.

The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is reimbursement. Being in private practice without large group or hospital affiliation is challenging. Overhead expenses continue to climb and medicine is one of few sectors that cannot directly recoup such costs.

What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy anything that gets me outside – lawn care, landscaping, gardening, walking. When it comes to home improvement, I epitomize the concept of “jack of all trades, master of none.”

Unfortunately, my passion is Ohio State and Cleveland Browns football – the only two things that will get me in front of a television.

What are three little-known facts about you?
1. Over the last 10 years our family has consistently had anywhere from 6 to 10 chickens for egg laying.
2. I was on the football team at John Carroll University for two years and played linebacker.
3. My great-uncle, Dr. Eugene Weigel, was a band director at OSU and the creator of “Script Ohio”.

Professional Profile
Undergraduate Education:
John Carroll University
Bachelor of Science, Biology / Pre-Medicine
Concentration in Neuroscience
1998

Medical School:
Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine
Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine
2002

Residency:
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Primary Podiatric Medical Residency
2003

St. Mary’s Medical Center (IN)
Podiatric Surgical Residency
2005

Association Involvement:
Mideast Academy Past President, Past Secretary
OHFAMA Reference Committee Chairman
OHFAMA First Vice President, Second Vice President

Board Certifications:
American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery