Dr. Donald R. Powell, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS
About Dr. Powell
Dr. Donald R. Powell’s approach to podiatric care is rooted in integration, education, and a commitment to helping patients achieve their best selves. Whether you’re an athlete looking to optimize performance or a health-conscious individual seeking comprehensive foot and ankle care, Dr. Powell is dedicated to supporting your journey to better health.
Dr. Powell, a native of southeastern Georgia, grew up in the Savannah area. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgia Southern University and his doctorate from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Powell completed his residency at Dekalb Medical (now Emory Decatur) in Decatur, Georgia, where he received extensive training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.
With a passion for integrative and holistic approaches to podiatric care, Dr. Powell focuses on treating athletic and health-conscious patients who are motivated to improve their overall well-being. His practice emphasizes a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that goes beyond quick fixes, encouraging patients to take an active role in their treatment and recovery.
Dr. Powell has a deep interest in biomechanics and the pathology of the gait cycle, dedicating his expertise to identifying and addressing issues that affect movement and performance. He takes a functional approach to treatment, aiming to restore and enhance the natural movement and function of the foot and ankle.
His personal experience participating in multiple triathlons, races, and obstacle courses gives him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by active individuals and athletes.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Powell has made significant contributions to the field of podiatric medicine. He served as the Director of Podiatric Medical Education at Dekalb Medical, where he continues to actively train residents. He is also a member of the teaching and research faculty at The Podiatry Institute.
Dr. Powell continues to perform surgical procedures when appropriate, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s through non-surgical interventions or surgical solutions, he is committed to helping his patients achieve optimal foot and ankle health.
Dr. Powell is board certified in Foot & Ankle Reconstructive Surgery by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery. Currently, he is on staff at Piedmont Atlanta and Emory Decatur, and sees patients at two locations: Decatur and Buckhead/Piedmont. He is licensed in Georgia and is in good standing with the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Professional Statement
“My intention with every visit is to establish a level of comfort, candor, and transparency. When you are in my office, my goal is to help you understand your condition and develop a simple and effective treatment plan. I am dedicated to providing the same quality of care as I would for my own family members, utilizing a functional and integrative approach to ensure optimal health and performance.”
Education
Residency: 2008 to 2011, PM&S, Podiatric Surgical Residency; Chief Resident, DeKalb Medical in Decatur, GA; and Eastside Medical Center in Snellville, GA
Podiatry School: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 2004 to 2008
Undergraduate: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, 1999 to 2004
Affiliations
- Diplomat, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
- Member, Georgia Podiatric Medical Association
- Licensed, Georgia State Board of Podiatry
- Faculty, The Podiatry Institute, Decatur, GA
- Member, American Podiatric Medical Association
- Committee Member, Emory Dekalb Medical Podiatric Residency Program
Hospital Affiliations
- Piedmont Atlanta
- Emory Decatur
Publications / Certifications / Presentations & Seminars
Reddy S, Powell DP. Perioperative Management of the Diabetic Patient: An Update of the Literature. In: The Podiatry Institute Update, 2013. Decatur, GA. Podiatry Institute; 2013.
Blanchet KJ, Powell DP. Peripheral Nerve Entrapment. In: The Podiatry Institute Update, 2013. Decatur, GA. Podiatry Institute; 2013.
Tacktill JZ, Powell DP. Tibial Fracture Nonunion: Troubleshooting. In: The Podiatry Institute Update, 2013. Decatur, GA. Podiatry Institute; 2013.
Powell DR, Tacktill, J. Hammer Toe Implants: An Up to Date Review. In: Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle, Update 2012. Decatur, GA. Podiatry Institute; 2012.
Powell DR, Reddy S, Mayo D. Bioengineered Skin Substitutes. In: Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle, Update 2012. Decatur, GA. Podiatry Institute; 2012.
Camasta C, Ravenell RA, Powell DR. The Unreliability of the Intermetatarsal Angle in Choosing a Hallux Abducto Valgus Surgical Procedure. The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery 50 (2011) 287-292.
Gunzy T, Cicchinelli L, Haddon T, Powell DR. Medical Mission Update 2011. In: The Podiatry Institute Update 2011.
Kokenes C, Ryan JA, Menke AJA, Powell DR. Anesthesia. Ch 6. In McGlamry’s Comprehensive Textbook of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 4th ed., Vol 1. Williams & Williams, Baltimore. 2012. 329-399.
Powell DR. Skin Preparation for Surgery: A Literature Review. In: Update 2010. Decatur, GA. Podiatry Insitute; 2010.
Brosky TA, McGlamry M, Powell DR. Revisiting Predislocation Syndrome with Direct Repair of the Plantar Plate. In: Update 2010. Decatur, GA. Podiatry Institute: 2010.
Brosky TA, Jimenez MA, Thomas JM, Ryan JD, Powell DR. The Application of Radiofrequency Coblation on Lower Extremity Tendinosis and Fasciosis – A Retrospective Review. The Foot. 2009; 19, 4. p 240.
Powell DR. Use of Opioid Analgesics for Postoperative Pain. In: Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot an Ankle, Update 2009. Decatur, GA. Podiatry Institute; 2009. p165-168.
Ravenell RA, Powell DR, Ryan JD. Vasospastic Disorders, Ischemic Digits, and the Use of Epinephrine in Digital Surgery. In: Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle, Update 2009. Decatur, GA. Podiatry Institute; 2009. p 187-192.
Update 2012: Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot & Ankle. Atlanta, Georgia. March 2012.
(1) Hammertoe Implant options (2) Bioengineered Skin Substitutes.
21st Annual Sanibel Conference. Sanibel Island, Florida. November 2011.
(1) Antibiotics, The Empiric Guessing Game (2) Bioengineered Skin Substitutes (3) Hammer Toe Implant Update.
Wine Country Podiatric Symposium: Escape to Napa Valley. Napa Valley, California. April 2011. (1) Case Presentations.
Update 2011: Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot & Ankle. Atlanta, Georgia. March 2011.
(1) Complex Cases of A Developing Country: Mission to El Salvador.
18th Annual Winter Conference: Insights and Controversies in Foot and Ankle Surgery. Park City Utah. February 2011. (1) Complex Cases of A Developing Country: Mission to El Salvador. (2) Perioperative Skin Preparation: A Literature Review.
Best of Podiatry Institute & Presbyterian Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. October 2010. (1) Principles and Techniques of Tendon and Ligament Repair (2) Perioperative Skin Preparation: A Literature Review.
Update 2010: Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot & Ankle, San Diego, California. October 2010. (1) Perioperative Skin Preparation: A Literature Review.
Update 2010: Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot & Ankle, Atlanta, Georgia. April 2010. (1) Perioperative Skin Preparation: A Literature Review.
Pacific Coast Conference, Portland, Oregon. August 2009 (1) Vasospastic Disorders, Ischemic Digits, and the Use of Epinephrine in Digital Surgery (2) The Use of Gabapentin and Pregabalin as Adjunctive Postoperative Pain Therapies.
American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine, 2009 Annual Clinical Conference. Orlando, Florida. July 2009. (1) The Application of Radiofrequency Coblation on Lower Extremity Tendinosis and Fasciosis – A Retrospective Review.
Update 2009: Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle, Atlanta, Georgia. April 2009. (1)Use of Opioid Analgesics for Postoperative Pain (2) Vasospastic Disorders, Ischemic Digits and the Use of Epinephrine in Digital Surgery.
Dr. Powell’s Reviews
“My doctor retired & I’m seeing Dr. Powell for 1st time. He is great explaining issues since I’m diabetic.”
-Piedmont Patient
“The Doctor really gave you good care along with his assistant. Nice people.”
-Piedmont Patient
“I have recommended Dr. Powell and staff to others. My need for _____ has been minor, so far. My hope is for comparable attention and skill to be evident if surgery is ever done.”
-Piedmont Patient