Footnotes
AFAC Is Growing, Meet Our New Doc!
Why Alaska? Why AFAC?
I’ve always been intrigued by Alaska. The hunting, fishing, and outdoor lifestyle has always been a core part of my life, and Anchorage felt like the perfect blend of “Alaskana”, accessibility, and community. When exploring this opportunity and Dr. Kaufman flew both me and my wife up for the interview, it told me everything I needed to know about this clinic. This wasn’t about simply hiring a provider or “filling a slot”, instead her focus was building a long-term team, and that commitment meant a lot to me.
What also stood out to me was the culture. In many practices, providers end up competing with one another. Here, Dr. Kaufman and I complement each other’s strengths. We collaborate, share cases, and work together. That teamwork is rare, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I knew AFAC was the right fit.
How Do I Approach Care?
The short answer: by listening. I never want someone to feel rushed or dismissed. I explain what’s happening, lay out both conservative and surgical options when appropriate, and let patients decide what feels right for them. Either way, the focus is on honesty, transparency, and partnership. I always want people to leave with their questions answered and with a plan they can trust.
A plan matters. Even if it’s as simple as, “Let’s see how this heals over the next two weeks, and if it’s not better, here’s our next step.” I want patients to feel prepared, not blindsided. Medicine has advanced so much, from 3D print bones, custom-fit implants, to customized surgical plans unique to each patient. I am beyond excited to share that training and to offer those tools here.
What’s the Philosophy of Care at AFAC?
Dr. Kaufman and I share the same philosophy: patients first. That might sound obvious, but in healthcare it isn’t always the case. Efficiency is important, but never at the expense of care. Patients aren’t numbers to be shuffled through, they’re people who deserve time, attention, and solutions that actually fit their lives.
While I bring strong surgical training and experience, I also believe great care happens in a team environment. At AFAC, teamwork doesn’t mean “asking for help.” Instead it means combining knowledge and perspectives to make sure patients get the best possible outcome.
Whether it’s a complex reconstruction, a sports injury, or diabetic wound care, patients benefit from two experienced doctors working under one roof. If Dr. Kaufman has a passion for a particular type of case, she takes it. If I specialize in something more complex, I take it. When needed, we’ll both step into the operating room together. That balance and the trust that comes with it is what makes our clinic special.
What Do I Want People to Know About Podiatry?
If there’s one myth I could bust, it’s that podiatrists “just trim toenails.” We treat fractures, ankle injuries, sports medicine cases, and even complex reconstructive surgeries. We see everyone, from athletes to weekend warriors, parents, grandparents, children. If foot or ankle pain is stopping you from doing what you love, we’re here to help.
I’m especially passionate about limb salvage, helping patients keep a leg they may have otherwise lost. It’s challenging work, but the impact is life-changing. One patient I worked with was facing potential amputation, so we decided to pursue a different route. It took months of careful treatment, a lot of patience, and a lot of his own effort, but today he’s running on that leg he was set to lose! Cases where patients can thrive, and get back to what they love, are the reason I chose this specialty in the first place.
Athletes, teens, weekend warriors, and anyone dealing with lower leg pain or injury can benefit. If foot or ankle pain is keeping you from your passions, that’s where we come in.
Why Is Foot Health So Important?
Your feet are your foundation. When they’re not working right, that makes everyday life more challenging. Just think of all the moments walking, driving, working, even spending time with family. Ignoring circulation problems, numbness, or wounds can lead to serious complications, especially for people with diabetes or other health complications.
I try to remind people: your feet are connected to whole body health. Taking care of your feet is taking care of your whole health.
What’s Rewarding About This Work?
I’m especially passionate about limb salvage, procedures which are helping patients keep a leg they might otherwise lose. It’s challenging work, but the impact is life-changing. For me, the most rewarding part is giving people back their independence. Losing a leg can shorten someone’s life expectancy dramatically. Being able to help patients keep that limb, and their mobility, is about much more than surgery. The opportunity to be part helping them reclaim life and activities, is truly a special collaboration.
Sports medicine is equally fulfilling and offers a different perspective. I once treated a patient who loved hiking but was sidelined by an ankle injury. After arthroscopic repair and recovery, she was back on the trails. Helping someone return to the activities they love, whether hiking, running, or just playing with their grandkids, is what makes this work meaningful.
What Do I Look Forward To at AFAC?
I’m excited to bring my experience in trauma, sports medicine, and limb salvage to Anchorage, along with newer techniques like 3D-printed implants and custom surgical solutions. Having a partner like Dr. Kaufman, someone who’s willing to scrub in with me on a tough case, or just share perspective on an X-ray, it makes all the difference. I’m thrilled to join a clinic that values teamwork, honesty, and real patient care.
Anchorage already feels like the perfect place for my family and me. I can’t wait to get to know this community better and help people stay active, healthy, and on their feet.
— Dr. Archibald
More Footnotes
Summertime Foot Care Tips for Diabetics
Important Questions (and their answers) for new patients
Fall Foot Tips
Summer Foot Tips
Plantar Fasciitis
