Emily Gombosi, DPM, who majored in philosophy, does some of her best musings while hiking. So, when deciding what medical area to specialize in, the clear answer was podiatry.

Dr. Gombosi is a surgical podiatrist trained in all aspects of lower extremity care. Her practice is dedicated to maximizing non-operative treatments whenever possible. She is well-versed in diabetic limb salvage, lower extremity wound care and fracture care. When needed, she can address many foot and ankle pathologies surgically.

She sees patients at St. Luke’s Podiatry in Tamaqua and Geisinger St. Luke’s Specialty Services Podiatry in Orwigsburg. She operates at Geisinger St. Luke’s and St. Luke’s Miners Campuses.

“Majoring in philosophy aided my decision to pursue medicine,” she said. “I wanted to use what I had learned studying philosophy to help people in a very physical manner instead of in a spiritual, philosophical, academic way.” She decided to specialize in OB/GYN or podiatry.

“Around the time I was deciding, I started to get into hiking seriously and thought, how can I help people do what they love in a manner that allows them to stay on their feet and be active in the world?” she said. “And how can I use my love and passion for hiking to help people with their loves and passions, whether hiking, swimming, walking or running? Essentially, how can I keep people doing those things and experiencing the world in the way that makes them most happy?”

She enrolled in the Temple School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. While a student there, Robert Diamond, DPM, Director of St. Luke’s Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Residency with Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery Residency, visited Temple with several of his students. Impressed with their presentation, she signed up for a monthlong rotation at St. Luke’s.

“St. Luke’s has had my heart from the start,” she said. “I completely fell in love with St. Luke’s, so I did my three-year podiatric surgical residency at the St. Luke’s Allentown and Bethlehem Campuses.” Then, about a year after completing her residency and after she had started working in a private practice, St. Luke’s offered her a position.

“As sad as it was, I ended up leaving my private practice job to return here because St. Luke’s was the spot for me,” she said. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

One of the things Dr. Gombosi likes about podiatry is the ability to help patients; often, they feel much better on the same day of their visit or procedure. The treatment reduces their pain, restores function and improves their overall happiness.

Perhaps it’s her philosophical bent, but Dr. Gombosi frequently thinks about her patients outside of work, including when she’s hiking.

“I do most of my thinking outdoors in nature,” she said. “Philosophy is all about thinking in a way that brings up questions and options that you may not otherwise think of,” she said. “I think hiking allows you to tone out the world, allowing you to think more deeply.”

But she admits her philosophical mind sometimes causes her to overthink and often keeps her awake at night worrying about patients.

“One of the most difficult aspects of my job is telling someone they need an amputation due to the extent of their diabetic foot infection, often in people who do not know they have diabetes in the first place. This is why having a PCP and podiatrist is so important.” Dr. Gombosi treats diabetic wounds and does everything possible to salvage a limb, including certain surgeries.

The best part of her job is talking with her patients about their lives. She particularly likes to hear how a treatment she prescribed improved their lives, enabling them to do an activity they love once again.

“The best outcomes are when patients come back into the office and say, ‘Wow, I’m actually getting better. You know the treatment protocols are working. Physical therapy is working. The shoes feel great. After treatment, I can once again enjoy activities that I couldn’t do before treatment.’ And honestly, that’s the ultimate goal.”

Dr. Emily Gombosi of St. Luke’s Podiatry sees patients in Tamaqua and Orwigsburg and welcomes new patients. For direct access to St. Luke’s Podiatry, call 484-822-5221.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gombosi, call St. Luke’s Podiatry - Tamaqua at 484-822-5221 or Geisinger St. Luke’s Specialty Services - Podiatry at 272-639-5130.

Dr. Emily Gombosi of St. Luke’s Podiatry welcomes new patients. For direct access to St. Luke’s Podiatry, call 484-822-5221.