Javier La Fontaine, DPM, MS, MEd

Biography

Dr. Javier La Fontaine, UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine's inaugural dean, boasts a rich academic and healthcare background. Previously, he served as SOPM's associate dean of Academic Affairs, pivotal in securing candidacy from the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) and accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Before UTRGV, Dr. La Fontaine held critical roles at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, including professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery and Fellowship Director of Limb Preservation at Parkland Hospital. His expertise extends to Texas A&M University College of Medicine and Central Texas Veterans Medical Center, where he was chief of podiatric medicine. He contributed significantly at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) as associate professor of Orthopedics, division chief of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and residency program director at UTHSCSA and Bexar County Hospital.

Dr. La Fontaine's academic journey began at Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, followed by a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine). He earned a Master's in Clinical Investigation from UTHSCSA (2006) and a Master's in Education from Liberty University (2021).

He is recognized for his expertise and holds board certifications from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM).