David J. Petersen, DPM
A Career Close to Home
Dr. David J. Petersen grew up in Westminster, California, and graduated from La Quinta High School. His Southern California roots helped shape a career focused on serving patients throughout Orange County and the surrounding communities.
After completing his education and advanced clinical training, Dr. Petersen returned to the area to practice podiatric medicine. He has provided foot and ankle care to patients in Orange County and Los Angeles since 1998.
Today, he sees patients at Pacific Foot & Ankle Center in Laguna Woods, where he continues to provide individualized podiatric care for children and adults.
Preparing for a Career in Podiatric Medicine
Dr. Petersen earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Brigham Young University. His undergraduate education provided a strong foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and the biological sciences.
He continued his studies at the California College of Podiatric Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree.
His podiatric medical education focused on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and related lower-extremity structures.
Advanced Foot and Ankle Training
Following podiatric medical school, Dr. Petersen completed his residency in podiatric medicine and foot surgery at USC/L.A. County Hospital.
The residency provided experience evaluating a wide range of foot and ankle concerns in a hospital setting. It also strengthened his knowledge of both nonsurgical care and surgical management.
Dr. Petersen then completed a two-year fellowship in advanced foot and ankle surgery in Irvine, California. This additional training expanded his experience with more complex structural and surgical concerns involving the foot and ankle.
His education, residency, and fellowship created a broad clinical foundation that supports his work with patients who have different symptoms, health histories, and care needs.
Practicing Podiatric Medicine Since 1998
Dr. Petersen began providing podiatric care in Southern California in 1998. During his career, he has worked with patients of different ages, activity levels, and medical backgrounds.
His experience includes evaluating both recently developed symptoms and concerns that have continued or returned over time. He understands that even a common foot or ankle problem may affect each patient differently.
Rather than focusing only on the immediate symptom, Dr. Petersen considers how the concern may be affecting walking, work, exercise, balance, and everyday routines.
Clear Information and Individualized Guidance
Dr. Petersen believes that patients should understand what may be causing their symptoms and why a particular course of care is being considered.
During an appointment, he takes time to review the patient’s concerns, medical history, previous care, activity level, and personal goals. A physical examination and appropriate diagnostic evaluation can then help clarify the problem.
Once the findings have been reviewed, Dr. Petersen explains the diagnosis and discusses suitable options in understandable language. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and participate in decisions about their care.
His goal is to provide thoughtful recommendations based on the individual patient rather than taking the same approach with everyone.
