People Profile – Dr. John Steinberg

John Steinberg, DPM, FACFAS, is the Co-Director of the Center for Wound Healing at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and is the Director of the Podiatric Residency Training Program at MedStar Health. Dr. Steinberg also serves as a Professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Dr. Steinberg’s journey into the field of podiatry seems almost predestined, with a lineage of podiatrists preceding him. By seventh grade, he was already working in his father’s office, learning both the front and back-office operations. By the age of 13, he knew that he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, and cousins.

John is now a podiatrist specializing in limb salvage surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Since joining the MedStar team in 2004, John has contributed significantly to the field. In 2012, he stepped into the role of program director, further investing in a passion for teaching that he now considers his favorite part of the job.

John finds satisfaction in the clinical aspects of his work. He appreciates that patients can walk into the clinic and leave feeling better, often thanks to minor procedures that provide immediate relief. His dedication to preventing amputations and improving patients’ mobility has been a driving force in his career.

A key factor in John’s success at MedStar has been the team-oriented environment. Being part of the Department of Plastic Surgery and collaborating with advocates and like-minded colleagues has helped him advance both his practice and patient care. This team approach has been crucial in delivering comprehensive and effective treatments, and John recently published his first textbook on that very topic.

Outside of medicine, John emphasizes the importance of personal wellness. He incorporates tennis, rowing, and yoga into his routine, finding those both physically and mentally beneficial.  He “loves the simplistic approach of yoga. There are no weights needed – you can take care of your body with your own body.”

John values his family time, cherishing moments and family travel time with his two college-aged children who attend University of Virginia and James Madison University.

For incoming interns, residents, and fellows, John’s top advice is to trust the process. He acknowledges the initial confusion and stress of our interns but assures us that there is a method to the madness. He encourages active participation and patience, emphasizing the importance of the foundational first year, which includes more task-based work, before more hands-on surgical experience in the later years of training. His words of wisdom to first year residents are “Trust your leaders and be active!”

Looking ahead, John envisions a challenging yet promising future for medicine, particularly in podiatric surgery. He believes in the potential for hospital-based practice expansion and the importance of clinicians working as a team. “Technological advancements will help reduce administrative burdens, allowing physicians to spend more time with patients,” he says.

John is proud to be part of the MedStar Health team, valuing the culture of safety and support it promotes. He believes in the importance of truth and integrity, fostering an environment where patient safety and a collaborative, supportive culture is the highest priority.