NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (March 27, 2023) – Joseph Skurka, DPM, recently joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Podiatry, practicing at Saint Joseph Jessamine in Nicholasville as well as the Wound Care Center at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington. Dr. Skurka was initially interested in orthopedics, but later decided to focus on podiatry and wound care after watching his grandfather suffer from venous disease.
In Kentucky, many patients with diabetes are at risk of losing a limb, Dr. Skurka said. He said his top priority for patients coming for wound care is helping them to avoid amputation, and he always presents his patients with every option and then offers his recommendation.
“We are in an area that generally sees higher numbers of diabetes, vascular disease and tobacco abuse,” said Dr. Skruka. “I’m going to do all I can to salvage someone’s limb because if they can stay active and moving, they can lead a healthier lifestyle overall and stay alive.”
Dr. Skurka said getting patients on the right path is not always easy, but it motivates him to keep trying. Trying to change habits, like getting people to quit smoking or to eat more healthfully, often takes years, but persistence and patience are key, he said.
“One day, that light bulb will go off in their head, and they’ll want to live, so they start eating right and throw the cigarettes away,” said Dr. Skurka. “Most of my patients don’t always like to hear what I have to say, and it can be a slow process. However, you have to convince them they’re important and there is a reason for them to make changes in their lives. At the end of the day, they know I actually do care about them.”
When it comes to patient care, Dr. Skurka said it should be centered around what is best for the patient, being a team player and never giving up on them.
“We have patients that are 40 when they are coming in, and their outlook isn’t the best. In most cases, they may have five years left,” said Dr. Skurka. “But if you can extend their life 25 years, they can live a life they never thought they’d have, like seeing their grandchildren graduate high school. It makes a big difference. While it takes a while, they’re slowly healing throughout the process.”
A Michigan native, Dr. Skurka attended Michigan State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in physiology and microbiology. He received a master’s degree in education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In 2008, he returned to school and received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Barry University in Miami, Florida. Dr. Skurka is certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.
Before his career in podiatry, Dr. Skurka tried his hand at several jobs, from delivering newspapers, working in construction, teaching in Alaska and working on crab boats. Dr. Skurka now lives in Kentucky with his wife and child. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors, golfing and fishing.
Dr. Skurka is practicing at CHI Saint Joseph Health – Saint Joseph Jessamine, located at 1250 Keene Road, Suite 102. To schedule an appointment, please call 859.887.6850.
About CHI Saint Joseph Health
CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory care center. The hospitals in CHI Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.
About the CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group
CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group is the employed provider network of CHI Saint Joseph Health with 88 locations in 17 communities throughout central and eastern Kentucky.
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Joseph Skurka, DPM, recently joined CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Podiatry, practicing at Saint Joseph Jessamine in Nicholasville as well as the Wound Care Center at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington.
Publish date:
Monday, March 27, 2023
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Mary Branham, Director, Communications
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