health pros On their toes

Tri-County Podiatry will help you put your best foot forward.

With more than sixty years of combined experience and a genuine love of people, the physicians at Tri-County Podiatry pride themselves on providing the best foot and ankle care while focusing on a patient’s individual needs.

The practice was started in 2006 by Dr. Felix Esarey, providing convenient services for patients, including on-site physical therapy for foot, ankle, and lower extremity disorders. In addition, Tri-County Podiatry offers digital X-rays and diagnostic testing for lower extremity vascular diseases. The practice also offers a wide variety of conservative and surgical treatments for foot and ankle conditions to help patients return to activity. “We are firm believers that surgery should always be the last option, and that all conservative measures should be exhausted first,” says Dr. Esarey.

After practicing in the Chicago area for twelve years, Dr. Johnny Wu relocated to Florida in 2008 to join Dr. Esarey, his podiatry school roommate, at Tri-County Podiatry. “We will often see patients with emergent problems on the same day they call the office so that the patient can avoid the emergency room or urgent care,” Dr. Wu says. “It is gratifying when we see a patient walk into the office in pain and see them leaving with relief and a smile on their face.”

Dr. Ivelisse Rosa joined Tri-County Podiatry two years ago after moving from New York, where she practiced for six years. Keeping the residents of The

Villages up and active is the best part of her job. In addition, Dr. Rosa says, “I enjoy the fact that this is such a close-knit group and we all enjoy what we do. I think it shows throughout our practice and creates a great environment and experience for patients.”

Dr. Larry Erlinder, who is the most recent addition to the Tri-County Podiatry team, practiced in Illinois for thirty-three years before becoming a full-time Florida resident in 2011. Dr. Erlinder explains, “Despite being a busy practice, we typically run on time. Sometimes an emergency arises or a patient may require additional time to address his or her concerns. However, we pride ourselves on spending as much time as we need to in order to address each patient’s problems and concerns.”