While growing up, Dr. Sandra Eisele dreamed of becoming a physical education instructor. But after trying her hand at teaching for a few years, her aspirations soon moved from the high school gymnasium to the hospital operating room.

At age 26, she opted to go back to school to complete her medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School in Evanston, Ill., and later completed her internship and residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Initially a sportsmedicine specialist, Dr. Eisele continued her studies by completing a foot and ankle fellowship. "I was in Knoxville at the time, and I saw a lot of people with significant problems who needed specialized foot care," said Dr. Eisele, who has been with Wellington since 1994.

As a wife and mother of three children, she understands the need for patients to return to their active lifestyles as quickly as possible following an injury. "I see patients who have constant pain," she said. "If there's anything that can be done to alleviate that pain, that's what I'm here for."

Dr. Eisele likes to get to know her patients and works with them for a full recovery. "I want people to be able to go out of my office with an improved quality of life," said Dr. Eisele. "That's my whole reason for being in medicine."

Certifications

• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• American College of Surgeons