Denver Podiatrist Spends Time Caring for Homeless' Feet

Abstract

Caring for souls and soles — it's what Dr. Michael Schneider does. After a 35-year career as a podiatrist, Schneider retired in 2011. Shortly thereafter, he found himself searching for a new purpose, and his volunteering at the Denver Rescue Mission (Denver, CO) began. Each month the 77-year-old visits the mission to provide its homeless guests with foot care. Dr. Michael Schneider, Volunteer Podiatrist, Denver Rescue Mission, Denver, CO. As he talks and develops friendships with those he serves, Schneider says he's frequently humbled and often brought to tears. According to Kevin Hein, clinic coordinator, the people Schneider works with and serves have similar feelings toward him. “Dr. Schneider is simply a great man,” Hein says. “He is kind, gentle, very funny and highly compassionate. His care for people is further driven by his compassion, and he loves to just help people. They all enjoy his charm, humor and the sense that he cares about them.” In addition to caring for guests' feet, Schneider helps collect and distribute shoes, orthotics and socks. Many of the donations come from companies he used to work with when he was practicing. Other donations come from the foot doctor himself, as well as his friends and neighbors. “He goes above and beyond to make stops all over town to help people in need through a variety of organizations,” Hein says. “It's not surprising to have him come into our clinic on unscheduled days to deliver donations, sort his supplies as well as socks, shoes and inserts. We are so grateful to have him serve here and to witness how he blesses others.” Although he finished his career as a podiatrist, Schneider first began his professional life as a pharmacist in his family's drug store. It wasn't until the age of 38 that he went to school to study podiatry. He practiced in New York and Long Island prior to relocating and starting the first podiatry practices in Vail, Aspen and Frisco, CO. In addition to his work at the mission, Schneider also makes house calls to homebound or facility-bound patients and volunteers at The Barth Hotel Assisted Living Residence (Denver, CO) and The Little Sisters of the Poor (Denver, CO). Sources: Kevin Hein, Clinic Coordinator, Denver Rescue Mission, Denver, CO. Phone (303) 291-4687. E-mail: khein@denrescue.org. Website: www.denrescue.org