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Mark Hardy, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Hardy is an Associate Professor and Head of the Division of Foot & Ankle Surgery and Biomechanics at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM). Dr. Hardy earned his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Tennessee-Martin where he was also captain of their respective Division I NCAA basketball team for 4 years.
 
After college, he completed his residency in Foot & Ankle Surgery with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation & Kaiser Permanente in Cleveland. Dr. Hardy is Board Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
 
Dr. Hardy has been affiliated with several hospitals throughout his career, including HealthSpan, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Mercy Health Regional Medical Center, where he continues to serve as the director of residency training. Dr. Hardy has been a longstanding supporter and member of the KSUCPM, and Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine team, serving several positions and appointments over the past sixteen years.
 
In addition to his undergraduate and graduate education, Dr. Hardy has been a lifelong learner, with vast training in leadership courses, specialized surgical training, surgical residency training, product development and research. Dr. Hardy is also well versed in professional speaking, serving as a lecturer for many national and international Surgical Symposiums, Conferences and Seminars, including the many that he has done for Kent State University. He has a particular interest in foot and ankle surgical training throughout China and India where he serves as a Visiting Professor to many orthopaedic hospitals throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Among other appointments, Dr. Hardy also serves as the Scientific Chairman for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), Editorial Board for the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Director of the Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Foundation (NOFA), and Chairman of the Global Foot and Ankle Community (GFAC).
 
Dr. Hardy's work can be found published in various articles, textbooks, videos, and scientific poster presentations.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in the farm belt of western Tennessee in a small town called Palmersville. We had kindergarten through 12th grade - all in the same building - and I graduated with a whopping 28 students.
 
Favorite restaurant?
SoHo in Ohio City. SoHo is short for Southern Hospitality which describes the cuisine and the management. Highly recommend the shrimp and grits!
 
Favorite surgery?
Ankle fracture repair. I have a passion and desire to challenge the dogma in how we treat these injuries. This has provided me the opportunity to design and develop an ankle fracture repair system/set with one of the larger foot and ankle companies.
 
Favorite place to travel?
Barbados. This is where my wife (also a foot & ankle surgeon) and I were married and we continue to visit. The climate and the people make it one of the most enjoyable places on earth.

Favorite musician?
Keb' Mo'. Having grown up close to Memphis, blues is my favorite genre and Keb' Mo' and his style of Delta blues is unparalleled.
 
What are some of your favorite hobbies? 
I love to fly fish. I have also been a private pilot for over 25 years but I don't have the opportunity to fly as much as I used to.
 
What is your favorite aspect of being a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine?
The patient. I love meeting and treating people from all walks of life.
 
Why did you want to return to the College to teach? 
I feel that I am now at a point in my career that I have an opportunity to share with the next generation my experiences. Those experiences include things I have done well and where learning opportunities have presented themselves. The privilege to be an educator and teacher drives me.
 
What advice would you give a podiatry student today?
First, you made a great choice by selecting the profession. Second, take advantage of every educational opportunity before you as a student, resident and fellow. At no other time in your professional career will you be given access to so many opportunities to better yourself and your patients.
 
What is a fun fact that not everyone knows about you?
Growing up, basketball was my passion. I was the only player in Tennessee high school basketball to be voted First Team All-State 3 out of 4 years. I was also on the United States AAU Basketball team that won the World Cup in Stockholm, Sweden while in high school where I was selected to the McDonald's All-World team. I continued this love for basketball by playing Division I basketball in college where I served as captain of the team. 
Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine
216-231-3300