About
Our Doctors
Dr. Patel grew up in Silver Spring Maryland where he graduated with Honors from Good Council High
School. He received his undergraduate college education at North Carolina Wesleyan where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Dr. Patel fulfilled his dream of becoming a podiatrist at Ohio School of
Podiatric Medicine which is now known as Kent State University in Cleveland Ohio. Go Eagles! Following
podiatry school in Cleveland, Dr. Patel completed a podiatric residency at the US Department of
Veterans Affairs, Hunter Holmes McGuire, VA medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. His surgical
residency was completed at Fort Eustice Army Base in New Port News Virginia. He thoroughly enjoyed
his time working with our country’s veterans. Following the completion of his residencies, Dr. Patel
worked in private practice where he developed expertise in bio-mechanics, sports medicine, heel pain,
diabetic foot care, various foot pathologies, wound care and podiatric surgery. Dr. Patel works out at the gym every day before work and is a strong believer of the benefits of exercise for good health. He is married and has three grown children.
Dr. Munketh Salem obtained his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine at The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Independnce, Ohio. He completed a three year surgical residency based out of University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center and had extensive training in foot and ankle surgery while rotating at multiple UH Hospital and Cleveland Clinic facilities. He then went on to practice in Cleveland , OH followed by Chesapeake , VA and has now come back home to Richmond. Dr. Salem joined the Foot Center Inc. in October 2016.
His podiatric interests include foot and ankle trauma, sports medicine, fore foot and rear foot reconstruction, Charcot reconstruction, diabetic foot care, and general podiatry.
Dr. Steven Schaeffer is a board-certified podiatric physician, certified by both the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Originally from Hershey, Pennsylvania, he developed a passion for healthcare early on, serving a mission in New Zealand before earning his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University. During college, his compassion and desire to help others led him to work as a nurse’s aide, where he discovered a deep interest in hands-on patient care.
He went on to earn his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, and completed a rigorous three-year surgical residency at Heritage Valley Health Systems, just north of Pittsburgh. After several years in private practice in Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Schaeffer joined the Foot Center, bringing over a decade of experience in both surgical and non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions.
He is proud to serve the Northern Neck community at our Kilmarnock office, offering comprehensive care for everything from routine podiatric issues to complex foot and ankle surgeries.
Dr. John Swangim has been in practice for 27 years. He enjoys all aspects of podiatry, especially providing personal attention to patients and getting to know them as they work to resolve any foot and ankle problems they may be having. The majority of his practice life was spent in Northwest Indiana however he and his wife Tammie moved to the Richmond area to be closer to their daughter and her family. They are enjoying life in Virginia and look forward to continuing to serve this community through The Foot Center practice.
Dr. Thomas B. Leecost is a senior board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with over 20 years of experience serving Central Virginia. He specializes in complex foot and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery and holds Fellow Emeritus status with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Dr. Leecost’s postgraduate training includes a preceptorship in Foot and Ankle Surgery through the Orthopedic Department at Womack Army Medical Center. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Leecost has dedicated over two decades to medical education, having served as a professor of medical sciences, assistant professor of clinical medicine, and associate professor of foot and ankle surgery.
A published author and respected lecturer, Dr. Leecost is the original copyright holder of Common Foot Problems and has served as editor of multiple medical articles. He has also lectured nationally for Hoechst Roussel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Patients across Central Virginia turn to Dr. Leecost for expert surgical care and his deep commitment to advancing the field of foot and ankle medicine.
Our Offices
At The Foot Center, Inc., we are dedicated to providing exceptional foot and ankle care for families throughout Virginia, including the communities of Richmond, Chester, Colonial Heights, Henrico East End, and Kilmarnock. Our team of experienced podiatrists offers a full range of services, from conservative treatments to advanced surgical procedures, ensuring that each patient receives the personalized attention they deserve.
For over 40 years, The Foot Center has been a trusted resource for patients seeking relief from conditions like bunions, heel pain, diabetic foot complications, sports injuries, fungal nails, and more. Our practice is built on a foundation of compassion, expertise, and patient education. We believe in taking the time to understand your unique health needs and developing customized treatment plans to restore your mobility and improve your quality of life.
5 Convenient Locations
Patterson Ave
5311 Patterson Ave. #110,
Richmond, VA 23226
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 1:00pm
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Colonial Heights
1100 B Boulevard,
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 1:00pm
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Henrico-East End
4788 Finlay St. Suite 1,
Richmond, VA 23231
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 1:00pm
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Kilmarnock
720 Irvington Rd.,
Kilmarnock, VA 22482
Monday – Thursday
8:00am – 12:00pm
1:00pm – 4:00pm
