All professionals at Southwest Podiatry maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the medical field. Read on to learn more about our staff's experience and training.
History of Southwest Podiatry
Southwest Podiatry was founded in 1988 by Dr Johnson with an office in Wytheville. A second office was established in Dublin in 1990. Dr Johnson then added a partner in 1993 when he married Dr Bechtel. They established a third office in Marion in 1994. Dr Pearman joined the practice in 2001, at which time a fourth office was established in Galax. Dr Claessens joined the practice in July 2016.
Ted R. Johnson, D.PM.
Virginia Podiatric Medicine Association, member and American Podiatric Medicine Association
Hometown: Wytheville, VA
Education: Emory & Henry College, 1976
Florida State University, Masters of Science degree in Exercise Physiology, 1980
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine, 1986
Residency: Atlanta Hospital and Regional Diabetes Center, Atlanta, GA PSR-24
Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle
Hospital Affiliations: Active Staff
Wythe County Community Hospital
Lewis-Gale Pulaski Hospital
Twin County Regional Hospital
Smyth County Community Hospital
Carilion New River Valley Medical Center
New River Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center
Certifications: Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Fellow
Professional Affiliations:
American Podiatric Medicine Association
Virginia Podiatric Medicine Association
Janet E. Bechtel, D.P.M.
Virginia Podiatric Medicine Association, member and American Podiatric Medicine Association
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Hometown: Williamsport, PA
Education: Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA, BS in Biology, 1980
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine, 1986
Residency: Metropolitan Hospital in Springfield, PA, 1987
Reconstructive Foot Surgery
Board Certification: Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Fellow
Professional Affiliations:
American Podiatric Medicine Association
Virginia Podiatric Medicine Association
American Association of Women Podiatrists
Hospital Affiliations: Active Staff
Carilion New River Valley Medical Center
New River Valley Surgical Center
Lewis-Gale Hospital Pulaski Hospital
Wythe County Community Hospital
Smyth County Community Hospital
Personal: Dr. Bechtel is married to Dr. Ted Johnson, and they have a son- Will and a daughter- Katherine.
Heather B. Pearman, D.P.M.
Virginia Podiatric Medicine Association, member and American Podiatric Medicine Association
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Dr. Pearman is a native of Southwest Virginia and joined Southwest Podiatry, PC in 2001.
Education:
King College, BS 1995
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine 1999
Residency: Post-Graduate Surgical Training PSR-24
Saint Agnes Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
Nazereth Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery
July 1999 to June 2001
Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine Resident Clinician July 1999 to June 2001
Hospital Affiliations- Active Staff 2001 to present
Wythe County Community Hospital
Twin County Regional Hospital
Lewis-Gale Pulaski Hospital
Carilion New River Valley Medical Center
New River Valley Ambulatory Surgical Center
Academic Interests: Foot and Ankle Surgery, Sports Medicine and sport related injuries, wound care, Pediatric foot and ankle conditions
Certifications: Certified by American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Foot and Leg Surgery and
The American Board of Podiatric Surgeons
Professional Affiliations:
American Podiatric Medicine Association
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Fellow
Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, Associate
American Association of Women Podiatrists
American Society of Podiatric Surgeons, Fellow
Virginia Podiatric Medicine Association
Personal: In her spare time, Dr. Pearman enjoys spending time with friends and family. She enjoys golf, running, hiking, paddle boarding and coaching youth sports. She is very active in the community with athletics. She is married to Brian - who is also a native of Southwest Virginia.
Joris Claessens, D.P.M.
Virginia Podiatric Medicine Association, member and American Podiatric Medicine Association
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Dr. Claessens joined Southwest Podiatry in 2016.
Education:
Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine, 2013
University of South Florida, BS in Biomedical Sciences, 2009
Residency: Cleveland Clinic/ Mercy Health, Cleveland , OH
Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery
Hospital Affiliations: Active Staff
Wythe County Community Hospital
Lewis-Gale Pulaski Hospital
Twin County Regional Hospital
Smyth County Community Hospital
Carilion New River Valley Medical Center
New River Valley Ambulatory Surgical Center
Professional Affiliations:
American Podiatric Medicine Association
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Virginia Podiatric Medicine Association
Personal: Dr. Claessens and his wife Nicole are the proud parents of four children; Trinity, Kadence, Landon, and Willow. He treats all aspects of foot and ankle pathology with the goal of getting you back on your feet. Dr. Claessens enjoys spending time with his family in the great outdoors.