February 23, 2024
Sari Priesand, DPM, DABPM, D.ABFAS is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes and Associate Director of the Podiatry Fellowship Training Program. Dr. Priesand completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and attended New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where she received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Dr. Priesand then went on to complete her podiatric medicine and surgery residency at Montefiore Medical Center, where she was the chief resident in her final year.
Dr. Priesand came back to Michigan for her fellowship and was the first graduate of the Michigan Medicine Podiatry Fellowship Training Program in 2018. After graduating, Dr. Priesand joined Michigan Medicine as faculty, where she now cares for patients in the podiatry clinic at Domino's Farms and conducts research in the areas of diabetic foot complications, wound care, functional limb preservation, and limb salvage.
Learn more about Dr. Priesand’s clinical and research work, why she chose the Michigan Medicine Podiatry Fellowship Training Program, and her current role as the associate program director.
Why did you decide to do your fellowship at Michigan Medicine and what did you enjoy about it?
I was fortunate to be the first graduate of our fellowship program here at Michigan Medicine. I wanted to complete this program to gain more knowledge in the diabetic foot complication space, publish my own original research, and work at an academic medical center. I really appreciated the dedicated research time to be able to successfully accomplish my goals and I also really enjoyed the different rotations in the program curriculum.
What do you think sets this fellowship program apart from other programs?
I feel like this fellowship is a great extension of residency because you can really specialize in this field and rotate with world-renowned experts. Since we are an academic medical center and a Level 1 trauma center, we are able to treat some of the most complicated cases and unique presentations here. The program made me a more well-rounded physician and Michigan Medicine is a fabulous place to learn. As a bonus, Ann Arbor is a really special place.
Tell us about your role as the Associate Program Director.
I work alongside our Program Director, Dr. Gary Rothenberg, and Program Administrator, Martha Rhodes, on the many fellowship-related tasks and responsibilities. I really enjoy this role since I know firsthand what it was like to be a fellow and now I am on the other side and can see how the program functions on a daily basis. It is very gratifying to be able to have a role in the fellowship program and help our fellows be successful.
What is your current research about?
My current research project involves looking at mental health issues associated with a Charcot neuroarthropathy diagnosis. I am hoping to fill a gap in the literature and to better provide for our patients who are diagnosed with this condition.
What do you enjoy most about caring for patients?
I really enjoy helping people and I think that podiatry as a specialty really allows you to do that. I most enjoy seeing patients heal their wounds, as it is extremely satisfying. This is especially true when they come for a second opinion and have struggled previously to heal and did not think it was possible for them.
The Michigan Medicine Podiatry Fellowship Training Program provides clinical training in several different areas of related medical specialties, with an emphasis on research and patient populations at risk for limb loss. Learn more.
