General Practitioners

• Osteoporosis
• Warts
• Arthritis
• Plantar Fasciitis
  Our specialty team is well-versed in working with lower extremity issues such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, peroneal/posterior tibialis tendinitis, ankle sprains, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Our goal is to get our patients back to the activities they love so they can spend more time walking, hiking, biking, and climbing and less time worrying about their feet.

Psychiatrists

• Mental Health
  What is Protected Health Information? “Protected Health Information” is information that individually identifies you and that we create or get from you or from another health care provider, health plan, your employer, or a health care clearinghouse and that relates to (1) your past, present, or future physical or mental health or conditions, (2) the provision of health care to you, or (3) the past, present, or future payment for your health care.

Endocrinologist

• Diabetes Care

Surgeons

• General Surgery
  After graduation from podiatric medical school, the foot and ankle surgeon enters a post-graduate residency in podiatric medicine and surgery approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. These residencies are similar to, and are often integrated with, residencies for MDs and DOs, and provide training in general medicine, general surgery, and surgical specialties. The critical difference is the higher volume of cases and time focused on the foot and ankle in residency programs for a podiatric surgeon.
• Ankle Surgery
  Dr. Jetter then pursued further surgical training, completing a fellowship in foot and ankle surgery in Louisville, Kentucky. He was afforded opportunities to hone his skills under world-class surgeons and developed more surgical assets in adult and pediatric reconstruction.

Dermatologists

• Frostbite
  From ankle sprains to frostbite, ulcers and so much more, we’re here to get you back on your feet and keep you there.

Physical Therapists

• Sports Medicine
  Heather comes to us from the East Coast. She specializes in treating patients who benefit from gait and balance training, orthopedic rehabilitation, pre/post-surgical care, and sports medicine services. She also has additional continuing education in vestibular rehabilitation and post-concussion syndrome. She enjoys running and spending time outdoors with her dog in her free time.
• Physical Therapy
  Liz was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and continued on to pursue physical therapy. Her skillset includes assisting patients with balance/gait deficits and returning to prior activity levels after surgery. She also has a special interest in assisting patients with neurological conditions.  She enjoys the warm weather and spending time at the beach but since her move here in September 2021, she has been exploring the outdoors of Alaska with some hiking and attempting to snowboard.
• Flatfoot Correction
• Heel Pain
• Manual Therapy
  • Additional Certifications: ABPTS board certified sports clinical specialist 2014, APTA credentialed clinical instructor 2014, Certificate of Orthopedic Manual Therapy 2022, Trigger Point Dry Needling certified

Podiatrists

• General Podiatry
  Alaska Foot & Ankle Specialists (AFAS) is an entire clinic dedicated exclusively to diseases and conditions of the foot and ankle. Whatever your condition, the providers at AFAS have the training and experience in podiatry to provide a solution.
• Hammertoes
  “I had bunion and hammertoe repair with Dr. Heilala on 9 March. On 19 April my pin was to come out of the hammertoe. I went in and unfortunately that same day was when we were going to put our dog down due to liver cancer. I was a hot mess not only sad for the loss of my dog but also concerned about the pin coming out. I went to the office and Tracey met me in the waiting room-I was crying and when I told her what was going on – her compassion and concern for me was overwhelming. Dr. Heilala came into the room and saw my meltdown and was so sensitive to my feelings and was concerned that I was OK. My pin was removed and honestly it really was no big deal – just like he told me from day one. My point is through this whole dissertation is there is no place better than AFAS and the crew. I wholeheartedly recommend these guys and would never go anywhere else. They’re the best not only for what they don’t but for how much they REALLY care. I’m thankful for all of these guys and what they do.”
• Heel Pain
• Ingrown Toenails
  Whether you have plantar fasciitis, calf pain, an ingrown toenail, or something else that’s keeping you off your feet, Alaska Foot & Ankle Specialists is ready to help you solve the problem with care and kindness.
• Plantar Fasciitis
  Often, heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed. Heel pain could result from a number of other causes, however, including tendonitis of the Achilles tendon or a fracture.
• Podiatric Deformities
  Stress fractures are tiny, hairline breaks that can occur in bones. Stress fractures in the bones of the feet can be caused by over training or overuse, improper training habits or surfaces, improper shoes, flatfoot or other foot deformities, or osteoporosis. These tiny breaks can lead to a complete break if left untreated.
• Podiatric Surgery
  Born and raised in Alaska, Dr. Matt Heilala graduated from Soldotna High School in 1988. From his childhood through early adulthood, he was a commercial fisherman in his family’s small business. Although he enjoyed fishing, it was clear that it was not the direction for him. Having personally undergone foot surgery and with guidance from his uncle in Michigan, who was a foot doctor, Dr. Heilala became interested in the world of foot and ankle surgery early on.