Pictured: Derek D. Harper, DPM
Memorial Regional Health is pleased to have a podiatrist as a member of our medical team: Dr. Derek Harper. He serves as the one and only podiatrist for both Craig and Steamboat. Derek has a strong background in complex foot and ankle surgeries and effective skills in treating a variety of common foot and ankle issues.
What inspired you to become a podiatrist?
When my wife was pregnant with our first child she experienced foot pain and we visited several podiatrists in search of a solution. I realized podiatry sparked my interest and after learning more enrolled in medical school. Podiatry interested me because of its broad focus—I can do so much from treating skin issues to performing surgeries and everything in between.
As a successful doctor you could start a practice anywhere, why Craig and Steamboat?
I grew up in southern Idaho in a small town and our closest neighbor was three miles away. We wanted to raise our kids in a similar environment and we were fortunate to find a house right outside of Craig with some space and land.
What is your family like?
My wife, Talane, also grew up in southern Idaho. We met while I was in college at Brigham Young. She enjoys being home with the kids and cooking, crafting and running. We have three kids, Lily (8), Rose (3) and Flinn (1). As a family we enjoy spending time outdoors together. The girls really got into fishing this summer and Flinn loves all kinds of animals, so we have fun spotting animals as a family.
What’s something unique about you that most people don’t know?
I’m fluent in Russian and double majored in Russian along with neuroscience in my undergraduate studies. I served a two-year Latter Day Saint mission in Ukraine and lived all over eastern Ukraine where I learned to speak Russian. I really enjoy the language.
What do you do to unwind?
I work on older cars. When I started podiatry school at Temple University in Pennsylvania I had an uncle that had an old Volvo. He said if I could get it running I could have it. I still have that car today and I’ve had to work on it quite a bit over the years. I also play piano, hunt, fish, camp and BBQ. Lately I’ve picked up smoking pork shoulders and ribs.
So are you practicing out of two locations? Steamboat and Craig?
Yes. I’m in the former Steamboat Podiatry Clinic and at MRH’s Medical Clinic. I split my week between the two locations and conduct all surgeries at the Memorial Hospital in Craig. I am really impressed with MRH’s facilities and especially the surgical suites. Bringing podiatry to these locations seems like a great way to meet patients’ needs and help the whole community. We are happy to be a part of it.
Podiatry at the Steamboat Signature Specialty Clinic
Memorial Regional Health provides comprehensive podiatry services for all of your podiatry needs, from routine foot and ankle care to simple and complex surgery. We treat conditions of the foot and ankle for individuals of all ages — no matter the cause.
Whatever the issue, if it involves the foot or ankle, our experienced staff can treat you and get you back to performing your daily routine in comfort, or enjoying your favorite sport or activity with gusto. Our podiatrist provides individualized care for each of our patients to ensure they always get the best treatments and podiatry solutions for their condition.
If you have any questions regarding our podiatry services, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with our podiatrist, please feel free to contact our office at 970-826-2465.
