Achilles Foot Health Centre
Suite 102 - 10190 152A Street
Surrey, BC Canada V3R 1J7
To Schedule An Appointment
Call 604.589.5234
He is a licensed registrant of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
He has native fluency in English and professional proficiency in Spanish.
To learn about his areas of specialization in surgery, diabetic and neuropathic wounds, designing custom orthotics, braces, and shoes, extracorporeal shockwave therapy and regenerative medicine, the treatment of chronic, non-responsive arch, heel and ankle pain, and musculoskeletal sonographic imaging, click here.
What is Dr. Schumacher's background?
Dr. Schumacher was born in the hospital at the University of Chicago--the same campus in which his parents met and married, and the same campus in which he later trained.
He grew up mostly in a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, attending the high school the TV show "Happy Days" was based on. Its most famous attendee is Oprah Winfrey, but other alumni include the developer of Microsoft's first product, the computer ZIP format, US senators, professors, winners of Academy (Oscar) and Grammy Awards, professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, CFL, MLB, and PGA golf, an Olympic gold medalist, and a major producer of TV and film.
Undergraduate Education
Dr. Schumacher attended the University of Wisconsin for his undergraduate work, majoring in zoology, with an emphasis in genetics and genetic research. While at Wisconsin, Dr. Schumacher worked in a genetics lab led by a member of the National Academy of Sciences in the specialty field of segregation distortion.
Wisconsin is a top-flight research institution, consistently ranking at the top of research universities in the US. Examples of UW discoveries in medicine include the origin of embryonic stem cell technology and embryonic-like stem cells without the use of an embryo, the first bone marrow transplant in the US and the origin of digital subtraction angiography and cold storage for organ transplantation. Wisconsin has been at the forefront in the understanding of bacterial reproduction and resistance to antibiotics, and in the understanding and treatment of viruses like the infamous 1918 influenza flu epidemic, the H5N1 bird flu and the N1N1 pandemic. The prions causing mad cow disease were discovered at Wisconsin, as was the Rh factor in blood, and Wisconsin was the first to synthesize Vitamins A and D, and commonly-used drugs like Warfarin.
Wisconsin consistently does well over a billion dollars of research every year.
Medical Education
Dr. Schumacher received a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) in Chicago. The podiatric school was founded in 1912 as an independent school in downtown Chicago, but merged with the Chicago Medial School in 2001, and underwent several expansions. Today RFUMS offers only graduate degrees in the health sciences (like MD, DPM, PhD, MS, pharmacology and nursing).
During the four years working towards his doctorate, Dr. Schumacher performed medical rotations at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Cook County Hospital (the hospital upon which the TV show "ER" was based), Oak Forest Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital and Henrotin Hospital, (all in Chicago), and the Wood Veterans Administration Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Additional rotations in private practices were conducted
in New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Washington
State and in British Columbia.
Post-Graduate Education
Dr. Schumacher's first year of post-graduate residency
work was performed at the Ambulatory Foot Center in
South Bend, Indiana, where the primary emphasis was
in minimal-incision, ambulatory foot surgery.
The remainder of his post-graduate surgical training was
performed at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver,
BC. The primary emphasis of the Vancouver Hospital
program was traditional, open surgical intervention.
This was followed by two more years in Vancouver with
work performed in a variety of private offices in the
lower mainland.
Dr. Schumacher opened his north Surrey office in 1991. He
moved to our current location at 10190 - 152nd Street
in Surrey in 2006.
Dr. Schumacher served as staff podiatric surgeon for the
Renal Department at Abbotsford Regional Hospital from
2013 through 2019.
In addition, Dr. Schumacher has, over the years, worked
throughout the lower mainland--from Squamish and Bowen
Island, from Burnaby to Vancouver and West Vancouver.
He has also worked as a public service in a variety of
remote sites to provide podiatric access to areas otherwise
without such care. Some of the communities in which he
worked are Powell River, Smithers and Hazelton in
northwest BC, Trail and Nelson in the west Kootenays,
and in First Nations reserves.
In over 30 years of practice Dr. Schumacher has treated
athletes in the NHL, CFL, and NBA. He has treated
Olympic athletes, professional skiers, and a national
champion figure skater. He has also treated an Academy
Award winner and multi-platinum recording artists, as
well as three Rhodes scholars, members of the National
Academy of Sciences, several Canadian politicians, and
a European head of state.
(Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958) was a British scientist best known for her contributions to the discovery of the molecular structure of DNA and viruses.)
At over 1,000 beds, Vancouver Hospital is the largest hospital in western Canada. In addition to admitting over 27,000 in-patients per year, over 94,000 ER visits, nearly 300,000 clinic visits, and 23,000 surgical cases per year.
How did Dr. Schumacher get into the podiatric profession?
"I started to consider podiatric medicine in 8th grade. My mother always had trouble with her feet, and through my years of grade school, I'd often accompany her to the podiatrist. She always left feeling much more comfortable. And each visit, her podiatrist, the late Dr. Arlen Hinz of Milwaukee, always encouraged me to enter the profession. He said, 'You can relieve people's pain. You can save their limbs, and save their lives. On top of that, you can live where you want to live; practice where you want to practice.'
"I soon saw first hand what he meant about the connection to the effect the loss of a limb had on one's life. Shortly thereafter, a very active woman my family knew lost both her legs to diabetes. She died shortly thereafter.
"Then my grandfather, also a long-time diabetic, developed gangrene in his foot. HIs podiatrist saved him from a leg amputation, but the condition eventually cost him his life. I was told by my grandfather's podiatrist that most of these diabetic foot problems were preventable, but there weren't enough practitioners in this specialty. And people often get referred to a podiatrist much too late.
"So I had podiatric medicine in my mind as a career path quite early.
"At university, however, I was introduced to a lot of other interesting fields--economics, geology, astronomy, zoology, ornithology, anthropology, and genetics--and I flirted with the idea of a career in these other fields. In fact, my major in my undergraduate years was zoology and genetics, with an emphasis in genetic research.
But I always kept returning to the idea of podiatric medicine and surgery, as I felt it offered more immediate, first-hand benefits to patients. Wanting to assist those who are ill was again brought home to me when my father passed away during my time at university. So in the end, I chose the podiatric profession because I wanted to see if I could make a difference to people like my mother, father and grandfather.
"The benefits of this profession are true even today, and I'd encourage young people to consider the field. Podiatrists have a unique skill set not replicated in other allopathic medical specialties. So you can help people in a way no other doctor can. There's a huge need, with way too few podiatrists, particularly in Canada. And the profession affords a great deal of professional autonomy and control.
"If you're a student interested in this field, give us a call or send us an email. I can tell you more."
MAPLE
Medical Alliance for the Preservation of the Lower Extremity
Dr. Schumacher's has appeared in several news outlets, including CTV
“Working From Home Causing An Increase in Foot Pain Injuries, Experts Say” January 18, 2021, Brooklyn Neustaeter, Doctors report an increase in foot pain, injuries as more Canadians remain at home | CTV News
The Globe and Mail
“Free Foot Care Pilot Project in Abbotsford, BC Showing Positive Signs for Patients” January 8, 2018, the Globe and Mail by Megan Devlin. Free foot care pilot project in Abbotsford, B.C. showing positive signs for patients - The Globe and Mail
And the Vancouver Sun
"Specialized foot care saves limbs, but patients pay out-of-pocket to get it” January 16, 2017 – January 18, 2017 Vancouver Sun, by Erin Ellis. Specialized foot care saves limbs, but patients pay out-of-pocket to get it | Vancouver Sun
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ABOUT DR. SCHUMACHER
Dr. Schumacher is the founder and director of the Achilles Foot Health Centre, a facility devoted to medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle.
Dr. Schumacher, a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, is Board Certified by both major certification boards of his profession.
Dr. Schumacher is a Board Certified Founder and Emeritus Diplomate with the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and a Fellow with the American College of Podiatric Medicine (FACPM).
Dr. Schumacher is also board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and is a Fellow with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery (FACFAS) and a Fellow and Founding Member of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons (FASPS).
Dr. Schumacher is the only practitioner in the province of British Columbia with both certifications.
Dr. Schumacher is also certified in shockwave medicine by the International Society of Medical Shockwave Therapy (ISMST) in Salzburg, Austria.
Dr. Schumacher maintains specialized focus in wounds. He was certified in wound healing by the CMET in 2013 and was granted fellowship status (with the Academy of Physicians in Wound Healing (FAPWHc).
He is a member of the International Association of Diabetic Foot Surgeons (IADFS) and the American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS), Wounds Canada, and the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) and is on the Editorial Board of the Canadian medical journal, Limb Preservation.
He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association and is a member and past president of the British Columbia Podiatric Medical Association.
He Dr. Schumacher is also the founder and director of the Canadian Medical Alliance for the Preservation of the Lower Extremity (MAPLE). This is www.CanadianMAPLE.org, a national educational society to promote knowledge on treating wounds of the Lower Extremity.
Ring of Honour Award
On November 15, 2024, Dr. Schumacher received the Ring of Honour Award by the British Columbia Podiatric Medical Association. The award is bestowed for exceptional contributions to the betterment of the
profession through leadership,
mentorship and educational
contributions.
Publications
Dr. Schumacher has had several publications over the years.
We performed a three year study on a novel wound treatment for chronic wounds sponsored by the US Department of Defense.
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"Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Trial of a Topical Nitric Oxide Releasing Footbath as Adjunctive Therapy for Diabetic Foot." This will be published in 2026.
He co-authored two papers describing a novel way to treat warts using a chemical treatment developed in Vancouver by SaNOtize. Imagine treating warts with no acids, no freezing, no cutting, and no pain!
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Schumacher Scott A, Dugom Laura, Martins James, Leemhuis Jonathan, Teskey Simon JL, Moore Keith, Miller Chris C Efficacy and Safety of a Topical Nitric Oxide-Releasing Solution (NORS) as a Noninvasive Treatment for Plantar Warts (Verrucae Plantaris). Journal of Dermatological Treatment Jan 6, 2026, 37:1, 2610918, DOI 10.1080/09546634.2025.2610918
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Schumacher Scott A, Dugom Laura, Martins James, Teskey Simon, Moore Keith, Miller Chris Phase 2a Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Topical Nitric Oxide–Releasing Solution (NORS) for the Treatment of Plantar Warts (HPV-Warts-01). Skin The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, Vol 9 No 6 (2025): November 2025
A third paper on the topic is pending.
Dr. Schumacher was guest editor for the Spring edition of Foot and Ankle Quarterly, which focused on the dialysis foot. Within that edition, Dr. Schumacher produced:
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Schumacher Scott A Feature Article: The Dialysis Foot: High-Risk Complications and Strategies for Prevention Foot and Ankle Quarterly Spring 2025
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Schumacher Scott A Vascular Assessment of the Lower Extremity in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): A Comprehensive Review Foot and Ankle Quarterly Audio Companion Spring 2025
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Schumacher Scott A, Tran Emily: Commentary: Prevention and Management of Foot and Lower Limb Complications in Adults Undergoing Dialysis: a Scoping Review Foot and Ankle Quarterly Spring 2025
Other papers include:
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Mayo A, Pardy C, Schumacher SA The Prevention of Recurrent Ulceration and Amputation Limb Preservation in Canada. 2021;2(1)
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Schumacher SA, Fischer TH, Smith CJ. New Haemostatic Textile Stopped Refractory Bleeding in an Aplastic Anaemia Patient. Haemophilia. 2008;14(4):871-872
In addition, Dr. Schumacher authored several posters such as:
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"Safety and Efficacy of Topical Nitric Oxide in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers" at DFCon in Anaheim, California November 7-9, 2024
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An updated version appeared at the European Wound Management Association conference in Barcelona Spain, March 26-29, 2025
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“Foot Ulcers Treated with Multidisciplinary Team Approach: Case Series” (Poster), Fraser Health Patient Experience Summit, Surrey, British Columbia, November 8, 2017
And a chapter in the text Diagnostic Ultrasound
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Schumacher SA. Sonographic Imaging of the Posterior Tibial, Flexor Digitorum Longus and Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendons. Text: Diagnostic Ultrasound. Tassone J, Barret SL, eds. Data Press Publishing; 2013
In addition, since 2021, he has also served as an Editorial Board Member for the journal Limb Preservation.
Speaking
Dr. Schumacher has delivered dozens of lectures at various conferences around the world. Recent examples include:
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“Prosthesis Use and Change in Activities Following BK Amputations in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis”, British Columbia Podiatric Medical Association, June 26, 2025
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“Lower Limb Health Complications in Adults Undergoing Dialysis” British Columbia Podiatric Medical Association, June 26, 2025
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“Foot and Ankle Care by Podiatrists and Amputations in Patients With Diabetes and Kidney Failure,” British Columbia Podiatric Medical Association, June 26, 2025
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“Safety and Efficacy of Topical Nitric Oxide in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers,” Podiatry North Conference, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada September 27, 2024
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“What Podiatrists Can Do For Wounds That No One Else Will,” Podiatry North Scientific Seminar, Vancouver, BC September 29-30, 2023
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“Foot Pathology in Dialysis Patients,” Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse Association, Burnaby, BC, February 15, 2023
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“Prevention of Ulcerations and Amputations,” European Would Management (EWMA) Virtual Conference, November 18, 2020
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“The Coming Tsunami with Covid,” Canadian Podiatric Medical Association Virtual Conference, May 24, 2020
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“Prevention of Recurrent Ulceration and Amputation,” Wounds Canada Fall Conference, Niagara Falls, ON, 2019
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“Complex Case Reviews,” Wounds Canada Fall Conference, Niagara Falls, ON 2019
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“Biomechanics in Wound Healing,” Wounds Canada Fall Conference, Niagara Falls, ON 2019
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“Offloading,” BC Wound Care Nurses Association, Surrey, BC,February 20, 2019
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“The Importance of Diabetes,” British Columbia Association of Podiatrists Annual Conference, Richmond, BC, September 28, 2018
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“Wound Dressings,” Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses, Annual General Meeting, Saint John, NB May 27, 2017
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“The Effects of Podiatric Intervention on Dialysis Patients,” European Wound Management Association Annual Conference (EWMA), Amsterdam, Netherlands, April 2017
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“Neuropathic Foot,”College of Podiatric Physicians of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta April 22, 2017
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“Biomechanics of Foot Ulcers,” College of Podiatric Physicians of Alberta, Edmonton, April 22, 2017
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“Offloading Foot Ulcers,” College of Podiatric Physicians of Alberta, Edmonton, April 22, 2017
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“Surgical Offloading Foot Ulcers,” College of Podiatric Physicians of Alberta, Edmonton, April 22, 2017
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“The Abbotsford Regional Hospital Dialysis Foot Project,” College of Podiatric Physicians of Alberta, Edmonton, April 22, 2017
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“The Effects of Podiatric Intervention on Dialysis Patients,” College of Podiatric Physicians of Alberta, Edmonton, April 22, 2017
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“Biomechanical Considerations in Amputations,” College of Podiatric Physicians of Alberta, Edmonton, April 22, 2017
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“Podiatric Residency in British Columbia,” Physician Medical Services Executive Council Meeting, Vancouver, BC October 13, 2016
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“Clinical Presentation of Foot Disorders in Dialysis Patients,” BC Kidney Days Conference, Vancouver, BC, October 7, 2016
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“The Effects of Podiatric Intervention on Dialysis Patients,” Fédération Internationale des Podologues (FIP) World Congress, Montreal, QC, May 28, 2016
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“Diagnostic Ultrasound Didactic,” Fédération Internationale des Podologues, Montreal, QC, May 28, 2016
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“Hands-On Diagnostic Ultrasound Workshop,” Sessions 1-2, Federation International Podologues, Montreal, QC May 28, 2016
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"Biomechanics of Amputations,” Fédération Internationale des Podologues, Montreal, QC,May 2016