Director
Dr. Karana M. Pierre is a native of Loreauville, Louisiana, and has been practicing for 20 years in Podiatry. She received her bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, with a major in Biology Pre-Med, and a double minor in Chemistry and French. In 2001, Dr. Pierre received her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from The New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City. She then went on to complete her residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, where she obtained Rotating Podiatric (RPR) and Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (PM&S-24) Certificates. Most recently, Dr. Pierre completed a certificate program in Healthcare Change and Executive Healthcare Leadership, at Cornell University, a Mini-MBA Rural Healthcare graduate certificate program at the University of Arizona, a graduate certificate program in Healthcare Analytics at Pepperdine University, and a professional development program with Korn Ferry’s “Leadership U for Humanity”. She is currently enrolled in a MBA Program in Healthcare at Post University- American Sentinel College.
After completing her residency, Dr. Pierre relocated to Connecticut, where she served as a Podiatrist/Clinical Coordinator and Infection Control Chairperson at Optimus Healthcare, Inc. in Bridgeport, CT, for 13 years. Dr. Pierre consulted in Podiatry for 11 years with The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, serving the Norwalk, Stratford, Torrington, and Southbury Sites. She also served as a Science Teacher at Wilby High School, with the Waterbury School District for one year. Dr. Pierre also served as a Medical Officer Podiatrist with Tohono O’odham Nation Healthcare in Sells, Arizona, as well as a Medical Officer Podiatrist at the Kyle and Wanblee Health Centers on The Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. She is currently a Physician Surveyor with The Joint Commission.
Because of her vast patient base that began to develop while practicing in Connecticut, which presented multiple cases of diabetic foot diseases and wounds, her interest began to grow in this area. In 2008, she was designated as a member of the speaker bureau with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, and as a Regional Speaker for Pfizer in 2010, in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Dr. Pierre enjoys a daily fast paced environment with challenging cases. She is known to have a straightforward, thorough, kind, and compassionate bedside manner. She enjoys working and collaborating with colleagues, support staff, and patients.
Dr. Pierre served on the Board of Directors for Hollaback, a non-profit organization in New York City. She is a member of The Board of Directors for The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry, located in New York City. She serves as a member for the Standing Committee on Equity and Inclusion for Patient Experience in Healthcare for The Beryl Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as new member of The National Committee on Health Disparities for the American Diabetes Associated. Dr. Pierre serves as an active member in professional organizations in her specialty of Podiatry, as well as in wound care and healthcare leadership.
When Dr. Pierre is not practicing Podiatry, she continues with her invested interest in helping to structure community health events, as well as partnering with educational organizations in STEM, medical and healthcare programs for the students of The Waterbury Public School District and Granville Academy of Waterbury.
Dr. Pierre enjoys spending time with her family and friends, international and domestic travel, gardening, enjoying and preparing different types of world cuisines – as a “foodie”, indulging in musical events, being surrounded with nature, dancing, and playing the piano and flute. Regularly engaging in these activities, helps her to restore and revive, in order, to maintain balance as a healthcare provider. Self-preservation is vital in maintaining the capacity to continue serving others.