Dr. Ira Schiowitz keeps West Milford feet healthy and happy

BY GINNY RAUE
WEST MILFORD — Thirty-three years ago, Ira Schiowitz, doctor of podiatric medicine, fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine, opened his practice on Union Valley Road in a small professional building where the West Milford Post Office now stands.

The year was 1981 and it was a big year for Schiowitz - a new practice and a new bride. Sherry and Ira Schiowitz, residents of Ringwood, went on to raise their daughter Jessica, now 27 and living in Boston.

It was during his first year in West Milford that Schiowitz became involved in the township and for each of the last 33 years he’s been present and accounted for at the West Milford High School Career Day.

“I want to give back to the community. When I was in high school we didn’t have a career day," said Schiowitz. "I like talking to the kids and if I reach one or two of them, it’s worth it to me.”

Schiowitz, 62, was born in the Bensohurst section of Brooklyn and raised in Kew Garden Hills in Queens. When he was 18 years old, he left the city life behind and headed west to Colorado State University in Fort Collins where he studied biological science. He graduated in 1974.

Next he moved to Chicago to attend the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Receiving the same training as a medical doctor, the last two years of school was oriented toward the foot: x-ray, surgical and medical procedures, as well as orthopedics, dermatology, orthotics and pharmacology. He graduated in 1978 and came back east.

Returning to his Brooklyn roots, Schiowitz served a year-long residency at Maimonides Medical Center where he received more training and honed his skills.

Moving on, looking ahead
In 1998, Schiowitz moved his West Milford office to the current Macopin Road location. His practice includes a full array of podiatric services, including geriatric care. He is a Certified Wound Specialist and a fellow in the Academy of Physicians in wound healing.

He is dedicated to and thoroughly enjoys his chosen profession and looks forward to continuing his vocation and his association at the high school.

Career minded
When Schiowitz, along with other local professionals, attends the high school Career Day, he shares years of experience in his field.

“I talk about what I do as a podiatrist, what the educational requirements are, the pros and cons of the professions and what I do on a daily basis. Of course the kids want to know about the earnings, too,” he said.

At the most recent Career Day session, Schiowitz spoke to 37 students and invited those interested to stop by his office for further questions or information.

“I think the most important thing is to let the kids know that I enjoy what I do and I’m able to help people on a daily basis,” he said.

When to schedule an appointment

Schiowitz advises people to give their feet a good once over, especially those who are diabetic. It’s time to see the doctor if you are experiencing, among other symptoms, continuing pain in the foot or ankle, have cuts, bruises, deformities or injuries, notice changes in skin or nails, a sore that doesn’t heal or you can’t bear weight on your foot. A visit to his website goes further into patient education.

“People with systemic diseases should see a podiatrist on a routine basis, He said. "The foot mirrors a lot of the body.”

“Our feet are our body’s connection to the earth.” (Andrew Weil)