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Meet David Pochatko, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Foot & Ankle Care
Dr. David Pochatko is an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon who treats the full spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions from the ankles to the toes. Dr. Pochatko brings the wisdom of 25+ years of experience to each patient, and loves taking care of people. Learn more about him to decide if Dr. Pochatko and his team are the right fit for you!
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About Dr. Pochatko
Dr. Pochatko is a board certified, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery. He treats a wide array of foot and ankle conditions, including bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, arthritis, achilles tendonitis, fractures and ankle instability. Dr. Pochatko has been in practice for a long time, and that allows him to bring a lot of wisdom to his approach to treatment. He understands that not every screw fits every bolt - he’ll work with you to find the right treatment plan. He aims to make sure his patients feel relaxed in his care, and trust him as an expert and a person. For Dr. Pochatko,making you laugh or brightening your day with a joke during your exam is an important aspect of patient care.
Outside of work, Dr. Pochatko is a husband, a father, a wine collector and a musician. His daughter inherited his musical ability, and is a singer-songwriter in Nashville, and Dr. Pochatko serves as her manager and supporter. As a voracious learner, his parents bought him his first guitar as a teenager to focus his attention. Now, he’s a member of ASCAP, and has written songs recorded by John Stevens (American Idol contestant). He and his three brothers grew up in a house full of laughter, resulting in a positive outlook and a love of dad jokes. His approach to life is that you can do anything you want in life, you just have to want it enough, stay focused, and not be deterred.
What drew you to a career in orthopaedics?
“I used to love the show Emergency. That show said to me, ‘hey, this is what I want to do.’ From there it was just a matter of time. Being a doctor was on my mind ever since watching that show. I wanted to be a doctor but I wanted to make sure that if I didn’t make it into medical school, I could get a good job afterwards, so I majored in computer science. Luckily, I was accepted into medical school. I was always a jock, any sport, and I said, 'how can I stay with athletes?' So orthopaedics seemed like a good option. I briefly considered ophthalmology, but with my glasses I couldn't see with the ophthalmoscope, so I figured I'd better go into orthopaedics.”
How did you become interested in wine?
“I got turned on to wine when I had a glass of wine with dinner and it changed how my dinner tasted. I couldn’t believe that this group of grapes in this bottle could actually influence the enjoyment of my dinner. I was usually a water drinker, but then I got into wines. I’ve done a lot of studying of different wines of the world. I collect wines that are also an investment. I have my drinkers that are less expensive, and I have the investment wines that I’ll pop open for a special event or dinner. I’m very good at pairing wines with food.”
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY
Doctor of Medicine, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, NY
Training
General Surgery Internship, Millard Fillmore Hospitals, Buffalo, NY
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
Foot and Ankle Fellowship, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Accreditations & Professional Memberships
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopaedic Society of New York State
New York Medical Society
Erie County Medical Society
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
Dr. Pochatko’s Team
Dr. Pochatko works with a team of medical professionals who practice in tandem to provide you the best care and treatment possible. During your appointment, you may be evaluated by a member of his expert team.
Robert Dundon, FNP-BC
Supports Dr. Peter E. Shields and Dr. David J. Pochatko
Shannon Irish, PA-C
Supports Dr. David J. Pochatko
Foot & Ankle Care
Where Dr. Pochatko Practices Medicine
- Excelsior Orthopaedics Amherst
- Excelsior Orthopaedics East Amherst
- Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
- Millard Fillmore Surgery Center
