Merger Announced: Village Podiatry Centers, Foot and Leg Healthcare Specialists

Online, August 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Georgia's largest foot and ankle surgical practice, Village Podiatry Centers, today announced a merger with Foot and Leg Healthcare Specialists. The joining of the two practices expands Village Podiatry Centers to 26 Georgia offices, 32 podiatric surgeons and three ambulatory surgery centers.

Village Podiatry Centers was founded in 1992 by Dr. David Helfman. The practice provides specialized treatment and surgery for the foot, ankle and lower leg for all ages in metro Atlanta and the middle Georgia region. With more than 100,000 annual patient visits, the group further serves as a national surgical referral center for the most complex conditions. Atlanta Business Chronicle recently ranked Village Podiatry Centers as Atlanta's 50th fastest growing business.

"Our group model is attractive to physicians who seek to control operational costs and daily administration. Village Podiatry Centers' structure frees doctors to focus on clinical treatment for the highest quality of patient care," said Dr. Helfman, CEO. "All of our physicians are required to be board certified with advanced surgical training. This new merger brings together the resources of two of Atlanta's largest and most prominent podiatry practices."

Foot and Leg Healthcare Specialists was founded in 1977 by Dr. Douglas Elleby. He, along with Dr. Barron Elleby and Dr. Stephanie Michael, currently staff six offices. The main office in Austell houses a clinic setting and a state licensed, ambulatory surgery center. As part of the merger process with Village Podiatry Centers, there will be consolidation of several clinic locations.

"Village Podiatry is known as one of the most progressive podiatry groups in the country for their practice model, clinical knowledge and surgical skills. Our physicians are very proud to be uniting with a mutual vision," said Dr. Elleby.

Village Podiatry Centers' corporate headquarters is located in Atlanta. The practice employs 160 support staff managing clinical and administrative operations. More information can be found at www.vpcenters.com.