What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist, or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), is a professional who is trained in the treatment of injuries or issues concerning a person's feet, ankles, or areas of the lower leg. When it comes to treatments, podiatrists have the ability to reset broken bones, prescribe drugs, request lab tests or x-rays, as well as perform surgery.
To become a podiatrist, one must complete 4 years of medical school, as well as 3 years of a residency where they gain real world experience working at a hospital. After those two requirements are completed, some choose to gain further certifications by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) in areas such as surgery of the foot and ankle.
Meet Our Doctors
Irina Vasserman, DPM
Irina Vasserman, DPM, is a skilled foot specialist and board-certified podiatric surgeon at Tri-Town Podiatry in Canton, and Arlington, Massachusetts. Since 1994, Dr. Vasserman has been in private practice delivering expertise in wound care and comprehensive podiatric treatment for common foot ailments and sports injuries.
Dr. Vasserman earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. She then completed her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. After graduation, she finished her residency training in podiatric surgery through the New York College of Podiatric Medicine affiliated hospitals. Dr. Vasserman is board certified by the American Board of Wound Care, the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing, and certified in podiatric medicine and surgery by the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgeons.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Vasserman is the Director, Secretary, and Continuing Medical Education Chair for the American College of Lower Extremity Surgeons and the American Board of Lower Extremity Surgery. She is affiliated with several health facilities in the area, including Faulkner Hospital, Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center, Norwood Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, St. Elizabeth Hospital, and Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.Kristel Smith, DPM
Dr. Smith is a board-qualified foot surgeon through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. She completed a Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency with a credential in Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, where she served as chief resident. She earned her doctorate from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Kristel is committed to thoughtful, evidence-based care rooted in cultural competency, open communication, and genuine respect. She treats each patient as a whole person, not just a condition.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys traveling, cooking, reformer Pilates, and spending time with her husband and their dog, Jason Tatum.