Provider Spotlight
Making Strides with Dr. David Sipala
Saving Lifestyles and Mentoring the Next Generation of Care
David Sipala, DPM, DPM, FACFAS, is a foot and ankle surgeon and Program Director for the Podiatry Residency at BMC Brighton. His surgical expertise includes diabetic limb salvage, elective and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, and trauma. His path to podiatry began at just 22 years old after a life-changing injury, and he saw firsthand how podiatrists help people maintain their independence and quality of life. Now, as a podiatrist, he seeks to do the same.
Dr. Sipala’s commitment to resident education started long before he became Program Director. After completing his own training, he continued to support residency programs by inviting residents to scrub into his cases and participating in training across several Boston-area institutions, including Cambridge Health Alliance, Beth Israel, and MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham.
Outside the hospital, Dr. Sipala keeps his energy high with hobbies that keep him moving, like running and CrossFit. A self-proclaimed foodie, you can also find him exploring new eats around the city in his spare time.
How did you decide you wanted to specialize in podiatry?
My specialty is one of the best kept secrets in medicine. It’s not as well-known, but it gives me such a great opportunity to treat people in a variety of different ways. What I do is not necessarily about saving lives, although that can sometimes be the case, but rather about saving lifestyles. I help people stay on their feet and maintain their quality of life.
I learned this firsthand at 22 years old when I suffered a bad infection in my leg that required me to go to the ICU for ten days. I was treated by lower extremity specialists that worked on me and saved my leg—and my life—at that moment. It was eye-opening for me; it made me realize that podiatrists, much like general practitioners and general orthopedists, play such a crucial role in patient care.
What is your philosophy around patient care?
I try to really understand what a patient is looking for and what they are trying to achieve. My role is not just to alleviate pain, but to help patients maintain a quality of life. I approach care as an opportunity to guide people and give them that opportunity.
What aspects of your career give you the most satisfaction?
When I assumed the role of the residency director here at BMC Brighton, it really felt like it was my calling. Academics, to me, are very important. I not only want to treat people and make them feel better, but I also want to be able to train the next generation of surgeons.
Who is someone that inspires you?
My former residency director, JT Marcoux. During residency, I took mental notes of not just his surgical approach and techniques but also how he taught and how he ran the program. Now that I am in the role, I certainly dive back into that toolbox of knowledge that I learned from him over the years.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I’m definitely a big foodie. I love going out to different restaurants. I do cook my own sauce and Italian food but other than that, I’m not a big cook. But I definitely love trying other cuisines whether that be in downtown Boston or elsewhere.
Working out is also a huge passion of mine. I love running and most recently got involved with CrossFit. I find that having a good healthy lifestyle allows me to be able to treat patients better as well.
Exceptional Care to Elevate Your Performance
The BMC Health Sports Medicine Center provides expert care for sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. As part of BMC Brighton’s advanced orthopedic care, our sports medicine facility offers cutting-edge care from clinical leaders in the field, with evaluations and treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.
We also offer regenerative medicine options, concussion evaluations, and walk-in times on Mondays for weekend sports injuries. Whether you’re a high school athlete, a casual exerciser, or a professional athlete, we are here to keep you in the game.