Remembering: Mark Whitesides, DPM

22/10/2023

With deep sadness, we announce that Dr. Mark Whitesides passed away on March 18, 2023, at 53 years old. Dr. Whitesides died peacefully in Basel, Switzerland after suffering from a progressive neurological disease for several years.

Dr. Whitesides founded Southwest Austin Foot & Ankle Clinic in February 2014 because he was passionate about providing high quality podiatric care in the Central Texas area. Under his leadership, Southwest Austin Foot & Ankle Clinic grew to two locations and a team of five doctors. Dr. Whitesides cared deeply about each of his patients and forged strong bonds with them over the years.

Dr. Whitesides graduated from the University of Idaho and went on to pursue a Master’s in Medical Microbiology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He accomplished his lifelong dream of becoming a physician when he graduated with Honors from the California College of Podiatric Medicine.

Regarded as an expert in limb salvage and diabetic wound care, his services were widely sought in Central Texas for almost two decades. Dr. Whitesides brought an innovative spirit to podiatry and developed several novel surgical techniques in foot and ankle surgery. He will be deeply missed at the hospitals he served, where he was the consummate professional, mentor, and team player.

Dr. Whitesides served as the Chief of Podiatric Medicine at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center from 2018-2021. He was active in the Texas Podiatric Medical Association, serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Board of Directors from 2015-2022. He received the TPMA Advocate of the Year Award in 2017 and the TPMA Merit Award in 2018.

Dr. Whitesides was a dedicated husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, and three children, Madison, Dillon, and Sean. He is also survived by his father, Paul, his stepmother, Bonnie, and his two brothers, Bret and Matt (Bill Killinger). He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Bufford. Dr. Whitesides was an active musician and multi-sport athlete throughout his life.

We are grateful to Dr. Whitesides for the legacy he created at Southwest Austin Foot & Ankle Clinic. We will remember his passion for podiatry, his kindness, and his dedication to serving others as we continue to provide the highest quality podiatric medical care.

Click here to view our Our Founder page at Southwest Austin Foot And Ankle Clinic in Austin and Dripping Springs, Texas!

05/10/2022

It has been my sincere pleasure to provide services to every patient that I had the opportunity to care for over the last 20 years.

It is with deep sadness and sincere gratitude that we announce that Dr. Mark Whitesides, founder of Southwest Austin Foot & Ankle Clinic, retired from practicing medicine in July 2022 after being diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS).

28/04/2021

By: Dr. Kim L. Dao A common condition that can affect the feet is a neuroma. What is a neuroma? It is a growth of nerve tissue located at the ball of the foot. Although it can occur between any of the toes, it typically presents in the space between the 3rd and 4th toes. […]

16/04/2021

09/02/2021

Checking your feet daily and having regular appointments with your podiatrist is so important for our patients living with diabetes! 👣

(And yes, even during COVID-19!)

If you are living with diabetes it’s important to check your feet daily for any changes. While you’re at home APMA suggests daily self exams and keeping regular appointments with your podiatrist to keep feet healthy. If you notice a problem, contact your doctor today. Apma.org/diabetes

01/02/2021

I enjoy mentoring students who are interested in exploring careers in podiatry. Visit www.stepintopodiatry.com to learn more! 👍

Step Into Podiatry. There is a lot of opportunity in podiatry – both in practice types and settings!

26/01/2021

Playing sports is great for kids! Sports teach kids teamwork, discipline, communication, and the importance of physical fitness. Not to mention, they are just fun!  However, the dark side of playing too many sports at a young age is an increase in musculoskeletal injuries in our young athletes. Ado...

19/01/2021

What should I expect at my appointment? Southwest Austin Foot & Ankle Clinic is a friendly, comfortable office. Our caring staff is available to answer any question you may have. At your appointment, you will be taken to an examination room and seated in our modern podiatry chairs, which allow you t...

28/12/2020

By Mark Whitesides, DPM As of 2020, nearly 27 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. If you are one of these people, Southwest Austin Foot & Ankle Clinic can help answer the questions you might have about taking care of your feet. We can also help you avoid many of [....

21/12/2020

I am grateful for the opportunity to be vaccinated so I can continue to safely care for my patients!

14/12/2020

We are so excited to see that Austin hospitals are receiving the vaccines for health care workers this week! 🎉

However, this news comes as Austin's COVID-19 numbers are rising. 😥

We are committed to safe protocols in our office for as long as it takes to keep our patients and staff safe in our offices. 👣

If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have traveled in the past 14 days, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment. And as always, we require masks at all times in our offices.

The city's top doctor said he also might recommend pausing extracurricular activities at schools if Austin moves to Stage 5.