Certified surgeons must graduate from an accredited four year podiatric medical school and complete residency training at a program approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. They must also have four years of post-doctoral clinical experience and present a diverse mix of documented surgical cases for review by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery Credentials Committee. The surgeons then must pass extensive written and oral examinations before becoming board certified.
Dr. Austin Brown joined the Elite Foot and Ankle Center in August 2021 after completing residency at the Rocky Mountain VA in Aurora, CO. He is happy to stay in Colorado after being raised in frigid Chicago and attending medical school in New York City. Dr. Brown enjoys treating all foot conditions and specializes in wound care and limb salvage. While in New York, Dr. Brown completed a dual degree program and earned a Masters in Public Health that he now uses for health promotion and prevention of diabetic foot disease. Outside of work, Dr. Brown volunteers with Special Olympics, is an avid reader, and enjoys hiking and exploring Colorado.
Dr. Brown is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Chad Simmons completed his undergraduate education at the University of Florida. He graduated from Barry University in Miami earning his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Simmons completed a 3 year intensive residency program for Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, under the direction of Dr. Steven Spinner DPM, specializing in Forefoot, Rearfoot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery at Westside Regional Medical Center in Plantation, FL. During this time he performed over 1000 Foot and Ankle surgeries, and over 2400 surgical Foot and Ankle procedures. Also Dr. Simmons worked in conjunction with the Emergency room for Foot and Ankle trauma and injuries.
The Foot & Ankle Group proudly welcomed Dr. Simmons to their group in July 2009.
In 2013, Dr. Simmons relocated his family to Colorado and opened the Elite Foot and Ankle Center. He is extremely excited about this new opportunity to be closer to extended family, help a new patient demographic, and enjoy the wonderful outdoors that Colorado has to offer.
Dr. Simmons previously held staff privileges at all the major hospitals in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres. Dr. Simmons is a past member of the Physician Quality Committee for Lee Memorial Hospital system. Dr. Simmons holds a special interest in Rearfoot and Ankle reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Simmons also served on the National Advisory Panel for Internal Fixation Systems for two years.
Dr. Simmons volunteers with the Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project. The project provides a valuable opportunity for physicians to treat many of the foot deformities seen in the Mexican children, such as clubfoot, which are treated at birth in the United States. The treatment is provided free of charge to patients.
Dr. Simmons enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, Deja and his young daughter Aubriella. In his free time, he also enjoys fishing, diving, skiing, camping, hiking, golf, athletic sports and the wide range of outdoor activities.
I needed a doctor who I felt was the “best” at evaluating the problem I was having with my feet AND who I felt would be able to “fix” my problem. I deliberately did not go to my general doctor because I wanted to see an expert in the field of foot problems. I read his biography online (and a few others). His info matched closely with the type of expertise I was looking for AND he was willing to accommodate my need to be seen the same day I called. He was thorough in understanding me, my activities, my pain and explaining what was happening to me and his plan of action to fix it. I gave him a timeframe we had to work within so that I could go on vacation and he was great about setting proper expectations for me.
He was truly a miracle worker to get me back on my feet and enjoying not just daily activities, but exercise again. I waited until after my vacation to write this evaluation because I wanted to make sure my foot problems were fixed. I still have to do morning exercises that he suggested and am using the Orthotics in my shoes – but it is so worth it to be able to stand and walk pain free again! I’ll be working with Dr. Simmons when I start training for my triathlon next year! Thanks Dr. Simmons and Nicole – you are the best!!!
– G. Knight
