Gretchen Evans, DPM, was drawn to podiatry after attending a health care seminar where she met and later shadowed with podiatrists in the community.

"I was pleasantly surprised by the additional opportunities podiatry has to offer," she says, "particularly diabetic foot care and limb salvage."

Dr. Evans earned her medical degree from Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Iowa. She completed podiatric and surgical residencies at Temple University Health Systems in Philadelphia, Pa. She has more than 20 years of experience providing podiatry care in Illinois.

"I've really gotten to know my patients on a personal level," she says. "Not only do we discuss their foot care and manage their ailments, but we talk about life in general."

In her free time, Dr. Evans enjoys fishing, swimming, watching sunsets in her backyard and spending time outdoors.