Podiatrist brings practice to Blytheville

Dr. Fred Day, a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, has opened up a podiatry practice in Blytheville, in addition to one he already runs in Hot Springs.

Commuting to Mississippi County for several days each week has been an adjustment for Day, who has a wife and two young children in Hot Springs, but he feels optimistic about the expansion of his practice into this area.

"I saw this as a great opportunity to diversify," said Day, "and this community has a real need for specialists."

In Blytheville from Tuesday through Thursday each week, Day is available on a 24-hour basis to Great River Medical Center during that time -- to deal with any emergency room patients that may require his specialty. Day has experience in both foot and ankle surgery, which differs slightly from many practitioners of podiatry. He is also working on building up his clientele by staying connected with local doctors and GRMC.

A specialty like podiatry is perfect for Day, because of the connections he gets to make with people without the risk of very serious, life-threatening health situations.

"I like to consult with patients," he said. "And in my line -- nobody dies. I don't have to have those terrible conversations with people -- the worst thing that can happen in my practice is an amputation."

Day has turned his love for the profession into a side career in academic writing -- he has had 10 articles published in medical peer review journals, and has also written a chapter in a book on podiatry for medical professionals.

While his experience in larger hospitals has shown him that rural communities like Blytheville often suffer from a lack of access for doctors to colleagues and materials, this is a problem that he sees being remedied by GRMC's recent action to hire so many new, young physicians such as himself and doctors Diffine, Ashley and Rebiero -- in addition to the doctors already in local practice.

"New practitioners have new ways of looking at things," he said. "The books on our shelves are new, and we can just bring a fresh perspective to the practice of medicine in this area."

Day's clinic is located on Medical Drive in Blytheville. Anyone wishing to contact it for an appointment or further information may call 870-838-7523.

sharris@blythevillecourier.com