Paul Leatham, DPM

Meet Paul Leatham, DPM

Advanced Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgeon Helping East Texans Stay Active and Mobile 

Dr. Paul R. Leatham, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon serving patients throughout Tyler and East Texas with CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. After earning his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Midwestern University Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Leatham completed residency training at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, followed by advanced fellowship training at The Reconstruction Institute at Bellevue Hospital. Today, he brings that specialized expertise to patients across the Tyler and Jacksonville communities, helping individuals overcome complex foot and ankle conditions, manage diabetic foot complications and regain mobility through both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. 

Career at a Glance 

• Board Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) 
• Fellowship-trained in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery through The Reconstruction Institute at Bellevue Hospital 
• Completed residency training at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh 
• Specializes in comprehensive foot and ankle surgical care, diabetic foot care and complex lower extremity conditions 

Clinical Role and Leadership 

As a reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon with CHRISTUS Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, Dr. Leatham helps strengthen access to advanced foot and ankle care across East Texas. His fellowship training allows him to treat both routine and highly complex conditions, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for specialized surgical care. By combining advanced surgical expertise with comprehensive conservative treatment options, he supports the CHRISTUS mission of delivering high-quality orthopedic care close to home. 

He provides specialized care for conditions such as: 

• Diabetic foot complications 
• Foot infections 
• Arthritis of the ankle and foot 
• Chronic foot and ankle pain 
• Foot and ankle fractures, including surgical care 
• Sports injuries of the foot and ankle 
• Structural foot and ankle deformities requiring reconstruction 
• Comprehensive foot and ankle surgical care 

What You Can Expect from Care with Paul R. Leatham, DPM 

Patients consistently describe Dr. Leatham as knowledgeable, approachable and attentive. Patient feedback suggests he prioritizes clear communication, individualized treatment planning and genuine concern for each person's well-being. His goal is to help patients understand their condition, weigh their treatment options, and move forward with confidence. 

You can expect: 

• Clear explanations of diagnoses and treatment recommendations 
• Time to ask questions and discuss concerns 
• Treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle and mobility goals 
• Compassionate, patient-centered interactions focused on the individual, not just the condition 
• Ongoing follow-up and support throughout recovery 

Advanced Surgical Innovation / Diagnostic Care 

Dr. Leatham's practice is centered on comprehensive reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, supported by fellowship-level training in complex lower extremity reconstruction. His expertise includes surgical and nonsurgical management of foot and ankle disorders, fracture care, arthritis, sports injuries, diabetic foot conditions and structural deformity correction. When needed, he also uses 3D printing to support surgical planning. As an ABFAS board-certified surgeon, he maintains rigorous standards of surgical competency and continuing professional development, ensuring patients have access to evidence-based treatment options designed to improve function, mobility and long-term outcomes. 

Research, Clinical Insight, and Thought Leadership 

Dr. Leatham's advanced training pathway reflects a strong commitment to clinical excellence and lifelong learning. His residency at UPMC Mercy Hospital, fellowship specialization at The Reconstruction Institute at Bellevue Hospital, and ongoing ABFAS certification demonstrate continued engagement with evolving standards and best practices in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Through his daily clinical work, he brings advanced surgical knowledge and specialized expertise to the patients and communities he serves. 

Commitment to Public Health and Health Equity 

Dr. Leatham's work addresses several important public health challenges facing East Texas, including diabetic foot disease, chronic mobility limitations and foot infections that can significantly impact quality of life. By providing specialized podiatric and reconstructive surgical care within Tyler and Jacksonville, he helps improve local access to advanced treatment and supports earlier intervention for conditions that may otherwise lead to disability. Although formal community outreach initiatives have not been publicly documented, his commitment to caring for patients across multiple East Texas communities plays an important role in expanding access to specialized foot and ankle care.