Interview: Dr Sanjay Sharma, Co-founder of FootSecure, a leading podiatry and wound care company

An interview with Dr Sanjay Sharma, Co-founder of FootSecure, a leading podiatry and wound care company

In an insightful interview with Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Co-founder of FootSecure, a pioneering force in podiatry and wound care, profound insights were unveiled into the company’s innovative approaches and impactful contributions to healthcare.

Can you share the story behind the founding of FootSecure? What inspired you to start a company focused on podiatry and wound care solutions?

Dr Sanjay Sharma: In a culture where touching the feet of elders symbolises respect, it is ironic how little care or attention is given to the health of those very feet. This neglect affects not only the elderly but also children and the general population, often ignored by both clinicians and the community in India and other South Asian countries.

The human foot, with its intricate assembly of 26 bones, 119 ligaments, tendons, and muscles, is among the most complex structures in our bodies. It is susceptible to over 300 potential ailments, with diabetic foot conditions being especially severe, resulting in a lower limb amputation every 20 seconds worldwide.

FootSecure was founded to address the critical need for specialised foot and ankle care in India, particularly to reduce the high rate of amputations among diabetic patients. Recognising the lack of comprehensive podiatric services, we aimed to create an ecosystem that consolidates all foot and ankle care aspects under one roof.

Our goal was to establish podiatric departments within known hospitals, leveraging advanced diagnostics and therapeutics to offer effective treatment. The inspiration came from the desire to provide accessible, quality care and significantly reduce the amputation rate through advanced dressing technologies, regenerative medicine, and biomechanically designed offloading footwear.

FootSecure is recognised as a leader in healthcare innovation. What key challenges did you face in the initial stages of establishing the company, and how did you overcome them?

Dr Sanjay Sharma: The initial days of establishing FootSecure were marked by several challenges, including a lack of awareness about podiatry among patients and healthcare professionals. Many did not understand the significance of podiatric interventions for conditions like diabetic foot, ulcers, sports injuries and other common foot and ankle ailments.

To overcome these challenges, we focused on educating the medical community and the public about the importance of podiatric care. We also started our services within established hospitals to build credibility and trust. Despite these obstacles, our commitment to providing comprehensive and specialised care helped us gain recognition as one of India’s leading podiatric service providers.

Could you describe the most significant achievements or milestones FootSecure has reached under your leadership?

Dr Sanjay Sharma: Since its inception, FootSecure has achieved remarkable milestones, including reducing the amputation rate due to diabetes to 2.63%, which is nearly ten times lower than the national average for diabetes-related amputations.

We have expanded our operations to five hospitals across Bangalore and have been recognised as one of India’s top 10 podiatric service providers. Additionally, we have developing digital platforms, Wound360 and Foot360, to extend our reach and provide virtual consultations and personalized treatment plans.

These achievements reflect our dedication to advancing podiatric care and addressing the critical needs of our patients.

Innovation is crucial in healthcare. What role does research and development play at FootSecure, and how do you stay ahead in terms of technological advancements?

Dr Sanjay Sharma: At FootSecure, research and development are at the core of our operations. We continuously invest in advanced technologies and innovative solutions to improve patient care. Our digital platforms, Wound360 and Foot360, incorporate AI-enabled chatbots, 2D and 3D imaging, gait analysis, and plantar pressure scans to provide comprehensive diagnostics and treatment plans.

We also focus on minimally invasive surgeries, regenerative medicine and biomechanically designed offloading footwear to reduce the need for amputations and enhance patient outcomes. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, we ensure that our patients receive the most effective and cutting-edge treatments available.

Collaboration often drives success in healthcare. How does FootSecure collaborate with other healthcare providers or institutions to enhance patient care?

Dr Sanjay Sharma: We at FootSecure have been working along with national and international organisations like

• Diabetic Foot Society of India,
• Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons, Glasgow,
• American Board of Podiatric Medicine
• American Limb Preservation Society, and
• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

We have also collaborated with established hospitals by integrating podiatry departments within their infrastructure. This allows us to augment their facilities, providing advanced diagnostics and therapeutics.

We also work with a team of podiatric, orthopaedic, vascular, plastic surgeons, diabetic foot specialists, physiotherapists, wound care nurses and orthotists to offer comprehensive care. These collaborations enhance patient care by ensuring access to a multidisciplinary team of experts and state-of-the-art facilities.

By working closely with industry bodies and other healthcare providers, we can deliver holistic and effective treatment solutions to our patients.

The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving. What trends or developments do you foresee shaping the future of podiatry and wound care, and how is FootSecure preparing for these changes?

Dr Sanjay Sharma: Advancements in digital health technologies, personalised medicine, minimally invasive surgeries for Foot & Ankle, and regenerative therapies will likely shape the future of podiatry and wound care.

At FootSecure, we are preparing for these changes by investing in digital platforms like Wound360 and Foot360, which provide virtual consultations, personalised treatment plans, and continuous patient monitoring.

We are also gearing up to become among the first few in India to offer minimally invasive surgeries for foot & ankle. Apart from surgical and medical innovations, we are also focusing on developing specialised therapeutic footwear and integrating advanced diagnostics and therapeutics into our care model.

By staying ahead of industry trends, we aim to provide innovative and effective solutions that meet the evolving needs of our patients.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the healthcare sector, particularly in niche areas like podiatry and wound care?

Dr Sanjay Sharma: For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the healthcare sector, especially in niche areas like podiatry and wound care, it is essential to understand the specific needs of your target patient population. Focus on providing comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality care by leveraging advanced technologies and building strong collaborations with other healthcare providers.

Educate both the public and medical community about the importance of your specialty to build awareness and demand for your services. Additionally, be prepared to face challenges and stay committed to your vision. Innovation, perseverance, and a patient-centered approach are key to success in the healthcare industry.

Dr. Sharma’s visionary leadership at FootSecure exemplifies a commitment to advancing podiatric medicine, underscoring the company’s pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes and setting new benchmarks in the field of wound care.

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