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Our Staff

Our entire staff is committed to providing the finest podiatric care with compassion and excellence. Dr. DiFranco maintains the highest level of accreditation and participates in continuing medical education to learn, teach, and apply the latest developments in podiatric medicine and surgery. Our growth in the community is a direct result of the caring and personal treatment we give our patients. The best compliment you can give is to tell your friends and family about us. Thank you for your referrals!  

  • Joseph M. DiFranco, DPM, FACFAS, CWS-P

    Dr. DiFranco is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He relocated to Erie to join the Erie Physicians’ Network as a podiatric surgeon in July of 2006.  He has practiced in Erie, PA since that time and resides in Erie with his wife and daughter. He is the podiatric surgeon of DiFranco Family Foot Care, LLC. Learn more about the doctor here.

    LICENSURE

    Pennsylvania State Medical Board License


    BOARD CERTIFICATIONS

    Diplomate, American Board of Foot And Ankle Surgery

    • - Board Certified in Foot Surgery

    American Board of Wound Management

    • - Board Certified Wound Care Physician (CWSP)


    POST DOCTORAL TRAINING

    Fellowship

    Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veteran's Affairs Center Cleveland, Ohio

    • - Podiatry Fellowship in Geriatrics with Wound Care and Diabetic Limb Salvage focus
    • - July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006

    Residency

    Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veteran's Affairs Center Cleveland, Ohio

    • - Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency (PM&S 24)
    • - July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2005


    EDUCATION

    Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine Cleveland, Ohio
    Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine

    Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio
    Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology
    Cum Laude with Honor's in Psychology

    PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

    American Professional Wound Care Association

    American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

    American Podiatric Medical Association

    Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association

  • Pam Francis
    Patient Access Coordinator

    Pam Francis, one of our Patient Access Coordinators, is more than the first welcoming face you will see when you visit our office.  She works diligently to ensure we have all of your personal and insurance information correct to ensure your entire experience is smooth and seamless.  She has been working in the front office with Dr. DiFranco for 13 years!

    In her free time, Pam enjoys kayaking, 4wheeling, classic cars, and vegetable gardening.

  • Vicki Sisul
    Certified Podiatric Medical Assistant

    Vicki is one of our Certified Podiatric Medical Assistants.  She is a patient favorite as she ensures you are welcomed, treated and pampered.  She has been working with Dr. DiFranco for over 12 years.

    In her free time, Vicki enjoys spending time at her country home with family and friends.

  • Alyssa Kowle
    Certified Podiatric Medical Assistant

    Alyssa Kowle, one of our Certified Podiatric Medical Assistants, is a rockstar!  She ensures that appointments run efficiently, the doctor has everything he needs, and most importantly, that you feel comfortable and cared for.  She has been working hand in foot with Dr. Difranco for 10 years. 

    In her free time, Alyssa enjoys kayaking, camping, warm weather and spending time with friends and family.

  • Laura DiFranco
    Patient Access Coordinator

    Laura DiFranco helps put the the 'DiFranco Family' in DiFranco Family Foot Care.  Always the quintessential hostess, she ensures each patient feels welcome, valued, and comfortable in the office as one of our Patient Access Coordinators.  No matter what the need, Laura is ready to help with a smile.  

    In her free time, Laura enjoys gardening, playing violin, traveling, hiking, cooking for friends and family, and spending time on the lake.

  • Melissa Borkowski
    Certified Podiatric Medical Assistant

    We are excited to welcome Melissa Borkowski to our office as our newest Certified Medical Assistant. Actually, we should say 'Welcome Back' as Melissa worked with Dr. DiFranco for 4.5 years from 2010 to 2015. Her kindness, work ethic and humor all combine for an enjoyable visit for our patients.

    In her free time, Melissa enjoys boating, camping, bonfires, and spending time with her daughter.

  • Tatiana Yurchak
    Podiatric Medical Assistant

    Tatiana started her time with us as a summer intern, but now works for us as a full member of our medical assistant staff.  She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in May 2023 with a B.S. in Microbiology and will be attending dental school in the Fall of 2024.  We will appreciate her time helping with our patients' feet before she moves 'up' to her patients' teeth.  

    In her free time, Tatiana enjoys swimming, painting and going to the beach.

  • Meagan Finazzo
    Practice Manager

    Meagan Finazzo, our Practice Manager, is humbled to work with such an amazing group of professionals.  She is an accountant by trade and is looking forward to putting aside debits and credits to assist with providing the best experience for our patients.

    In her free time, Meagan enjoys reading, traveling, staying active and spending time with her friends and family.

Contact Us

Send as an email today!

Located in the West Ridge Commons

Just East of Colonial Ave at 3939 W Ridge Rd

Business Office Hours

Office is closed for lunch 12-1 pm

Monday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

By appointment only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed