We are pleased to welcome Dr. Adam Bernatsky to our Discover FSHN Series! Dr. Bernatsky is an alumnus of the nutritional sciences undergraduate program in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida. He is now a renowned podiatrist specializing in surgery and works with students and residents in his practice. In this feature, learn about his path to studying medicine and the role that nutrition plays in his work.

Tell me about your work as a podiatrist. What inspired you to pursue this field?

I am a full-time hospital-employed podiatrist at a Level 1 Trauma Center in NJ. I completed a trauma and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the University of Louisville. In surgical cases, you need to think on your feet and problem-solve in real time, and I love the challenge. I work with a residency program here at UHNJ, and teaching and academics are a large part of my practice.

While at UF, I knew I wanted to do something in medicine. While applying to medical schools, a friend who was also a nutritional sciences major at UF told me about podiatry school. I shadowed a few podiatrists in their offices and in surgery and immediately loved it. I enjoyed being very hands-on and knew this opportunity would allow me to fulfill that aspect of medicine.

How did you become interested in studying nutritional sciences, and why did you decide to major in the field for your undergraduate degree?

I chose nutritional sciences as my major in college because I was very interested in health and well-being. As a lifelong athlete, I know nutrition has always played an essential role in my fitness and ability to excel in sports competitions. Since nutritional sciences is a division of health sciences, I knew studying nutrition would allow me the opportunity to become a more well-rounded physician. I actually still have my “Nutrition through the Life Cycle” notes that I refer to since my wife and I recently had our first child!

What is your favorite memory of your time at UF?

It would have to be the football team winning a BCS National Championship. I grew up a Gator fan just like my parents. Most of my family went to UF so I was “bred” into the Gator Nation. That was special to see.

What is a typical day like at work as a podiatrist?

It varies from day to day, but generally, I will start the day by making “rounds” on the hospital inpatients with my residents and discussing the new consultations from the prior day. I will review physical examinations, lab work, and radiological images with the residents and discuss the surgical and non-surgical cases for the day/week. On some days I am in the operating room, and on others, I see patients in a very busy clinical setting.

What is the most important fact the public should know about being a podiatrist?

We do all sorts of foot and ankle surgical procedures. Podiatry is a very unique field where you need to know everything that may manifest in the lower extremity. You can specialize in many areas of podiatry such as trauma, reconstructive surgical procedures, forefoot surgery, sports medicine, wound care, and diabetic limb salvage.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to get outdoors. Hiking and skiing are two passions. My wife and I have hiked at numerous national parks and have traveled internationally on hiking expeditions. We like to challenge ourselves. I also love to ski but unfortunately can do it only a few days a year. I also enjoy jam bands and listening to live music. Playing sports and being active is one of my hobbies. I am a diehard supporter of Florida Gator athletics and Tampa sports teams, and I’m an avid Liverpool supporter! Up the Reds!

If I opened your fridge right now, what would be in it?

Bottles and breast milk! We also have hummus, carrots, muenster cheese, coconut water, yogurt, and berries.

Interested in learning more about FSHN’s Nutritional Sciences programs? Read more here and here and here!

P.P.S. Learn more about FSHN’s renowned programs below!

1