Meet Dr. Michelle Sparks

Dr. Sparks is originally from Wilmington, DE and moved to Pittsburgh after high school to pursue a degree in physical therapy from Duquesne University. She gained valuable clinical experience by working as a PT aide for several years while in school.

The experience of working in a physical therapy clinic has molded how Dr. Sparks treats her patients today; she is a big proponent of treating biomechanics and how the lower extremity works as a unit during gait. She became interested in podiatry after having her own experience as a patient of a local podiatrist in Delaware during a summer break from college. The combination of surgery, office procedures, sports medicine, and diabetic foot care really opened her eyes to a career in podiatric medicine and surgery. After Dr. Sparks graduated from Duquesne University with a BS in Biology, she moved to North Chicago, IL to attend Dr. William M Scholl college of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Dr. Sparks was very involved in extracurricular activities during her four years of podiatric medical school, serving as Class President and a Scholl Student Ambassador. She also completed the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, where she implemented an after-school health education program for at risk youth in the local community. More information is available on the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship website.

Dr. Sparks graduated in 2009 with her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine, then moved to Philadelphia, PA. She completed a three year podiatric medicine and surgical residency at Mercy Suburban Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident during her final year. Dr. Sparks moved back to Pittsburgh with her family following residency in 2012, and worked in a private practice in the South Hills before joining Ankle and Foot Care in 2016. Dr. Sparks is board certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. She is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.

Professional interests include diabetes education, sports medicine, wound care, surgical and non- surgical treatments of foot and ankle pathology, and pediatrics.

Dr. Sparks also enjoys volunteering with Special Olympics Pennsylvania. She is very active in the "Healthy Athletes" program and participates in the "Fit Feet" clinic every year at the Special Olympics Summer games. In 2022, Dr. Sparks became the Clinical Director for the Fit Feet program for Special Olympics PA. For more information on the program, please visit the Special Olympics website.

In 2022, Dr. Sparks was the recipient of the prestigious “Rising Star Award” from the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association for her work with Special Olympics, as well as involvement in the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Her personal interests include spending time with her husband and daughter, camping, hiking, kayaking, volunteering with the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, and classic cars. Dr. Sparks is very excited about joining the Ankle and Foot Care team, as well as serving the community of Armstrong County.