The only Diabetic Foot Center Serving Southern California
At the Providence Diabetic Foot Center, we use the most advanced and individualized methods for each patient. This ranges from the care of acute and chronic wounds to the prevention of future wounds and ulcers. This is done by using a variety of methods from traditional to high-tech assessments and treatment tools. Our goal is comprehensive patient care. An integral part of treatment includes diabetes education to help patients be as involved as possible in treatment and prevention of the devastating complications of diabetes. Preventive foot care has been shown to help reduce the risk of amputation for people with diabetes by up to 85%.
Overview of Diabetes
There are two major forms of diabetes, known as Type 1 and Type 2. They share the common feature of elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels due to insufficiencies of insulin. Diabetes currently affects approximately 17 million Americans with the numbers increasing more than ever before – truly becoming an epidemic in our society. Unfortunately, half of those with diabetes do not know they have the disease.
Diabetes can cause complications in many parts of the body including the feet. That is why the Providence Diabetic Foot Center was established. Conveniently located at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, this service provides prevention, diagnosis and treatment of foot complications that commonly occur in patients with diabetes – even the most challenging foot problems.
The Providence Diabetic Foot Center is the only diabetic foot center currently serving the Southern California region and is one of only a few in the United States. Patients at the Center receive a continuum of care for diabetes-related foot problems. This includes access to the hospital’s renowned Vascular Center as well as the Diabetes Education Program, which is certified by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
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The Diabetic Foot Center offers:
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Comprehensive foot evaluation, including vascular and neurological assessment, and access to clinical trials
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The only specialty referral center for the most complex diabetic foot cases in Southern California
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Access to an internationally recognized team of vascular surgeons and the only accredited Vascular Laboratory in the San Fernando Valley.
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Consultations available with the Diabetes Educators, Physical Therapists, Nutritionists, Exercise Physiologists and Social Workers.
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Affiliation with the Providence Diabetes Education Program with is certified by the American Diabetes Association.
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Located at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center with easy access to the hospital’s programs and services for complete care of patients with diabetes
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Common Complications from Diabetes Require Specialized Care
For people with diabetes, the most common reason for hospitalization is a foot problem such as an ulcer. These foot ulcers are also the leading cause for amputations for people with diabetes, with approximately 100,000 lower extremity amputations performed annually in the US. In fact, diabetes continues to be the most common cause of lower extremity amputations in our country, with the rate in people with diabetes being 15-40 times higher than in individuals without diabetes. Even minor infections can rapidly develop into severe problems, so all foot problems for those with diabetes must be taken seriously.
Many complications of diabetes can be treated effectively as well as prevented with the appropriate care. The Providence Diabetic Foot Center is specifically designed to assess and treat the diabetic foot. Assessments are comprehensive and multidisciplinary.
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A Comprehensive Approach by World-Class Specialists
While the Providence Diabetic Foot Center specializes in complications affecting the feet, we recognize that success in the care of diabetic foot problems occurs with overall management of the disease. That is why we use a team approach of specialists to assess, treat and educate our patients.
Our team includes: podiatrists who work in conjunction with our team of vascular surgeons, endocrinologists, skilled diabetes educators, physical therapists, nutritionists, registered nurses, social workers and exercise physiologists.
A world-class group of clinicians and researchers are dedicated to amputation prevention and improving the life of patients with diabetes. The entire team at the Providence Diabetic Foot Center is committed to assure positive results and help control future complications.
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Expert Physicians
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Franklin Kase, DPM, FACFAS, is a member of the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Staff providing care in podiatric surgery and medicine and also serves as Co-Medical Director of the Providence Diabetic Foot Center. Dr. Kase is Board Certified in podiatric surgery and podiatric orthopedics. He received his medical education from the California College of Podiatric Medicine. His residency was completed at Community Hospital of Phoenix. He is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and the American College of Foot/Ankle Surgery.
Dr. Kase’s primary objective is to help patients achieve full and rapid restoration of function using a multidisciplinary approach. This involves understanding the patient's healthcare needs and expectations, and implementing state-of-the-art podiatric techniques.
Dr. Kase's clinical interests also include sports medicine and reconstructive foot/ankle surgery. He is past President of the California Podiatric Medical Association as well as past Chief of Podiatry at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center.
He has served in various positions with a number of professional organizations including past president of the California Podiatric Medical Association, past Director of the Board of Directors for the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine, as well as Podiatric Chairman for the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee.
241 West Olive Avenue
Burbank, CA 91502
Tel: (818) 848-5583 • Fax: (818) 563-4376
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Oliver T. Wang, DPM, AACFAS, is a member of the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Staff providing care in podiatric surgery and medicine and also serves as co-Medical Director of the Providence Diabetic Foot Center. He completed his medical education and residency at the California College of Podiatric Medicine; Kaiser San Francisco, University of California, San Francisco; and San Francisco General Hospital.
He is affiliated with various professional organizations. He is an Associate with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Society. Dr. Wang is also board qualified for the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He is an attending podiatrist at UCLA/Olive View Medical Center and clinical instructor teaching residents in complete foot and ankle surgery.
Dr. Wang’s primary objective is to help patients achieve full and rapid restoration of function using a multidisciplinary approach. This involves understanding the patient's healthcare needs and expectations, and implementing state-of-the-art podiatric techniques.
241 West Olive Avenue
Burbank, CA 91502
Tel: (818) 848-5583 • Fax: (818) 563-4376
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For more information for yourself or a loved one with diabetes, call the Providence Diabetic Foot Center at 818.847.3435.
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