isfaction,” she says. “It’s very gratifying when someone who was in pain when they came into my office is wearing a smile when they leave.

”After graduating from Beech High School and earning double Bachelor’s degrees in biology and graphic design from Western Kentucky University, Dr. Mendoza earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Barry University School of Graduate Medical Sciences in Miami Shores, FL. She spent one year in podiatric surgery training at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA and Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. Dr. Mendoza then acquired two years of surgical training at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. During her training, she received several honors, including an Excellence in Podiatric Extension Clinics Award.

Dr. Mendoza is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery as well as two Boards that are part of the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry: the American Board of Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine and Foot & Ankle Surgery. She is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

When she’s not treating patients, she enjoys many of the same recreational activities her patients do, including running, biking, weight training and her all-time favorite: snowboarding. She can often be spotted in her natural habitat wearing heels. “My dream is to design fashionable shoes for women and men that are ergonomically designed for comfort.” she says. “People shouldn’t have to compromise comfort for style.”