Representatives from Stockdale Podiatry Group and a physician from Western University told the Tulare County Board of Supervisors during public comment that Porterville lacks sufficient specialty foot and ankle care to meet high local needs among diabetic patients.

A Stockdale representative identified in the record as Sherry introduced the group and said the practice has 12 podiatric physicians across four Central Valley locations, including Tulare and Porterville, and is developing a recruitment pipeline with Western University. "We proudly boast 12 podiatric physicians across 4 geographic locations in the Central Valley," Sherry said, and noted the group was working with Sierra View Medical Center on the partnership.

Dr. Paul Kim, identified as a Stockdale physician who trained at Western University, described clinical demand in Porterville. "I see close to 40 to 60 patients a day... 75 percent of our patients are diabetic," Dr. Kim said, and described treating neglected ankle fractures and wounds that carry the risk of limb loss and that sometimes require referral to Bakersfield. He said many patients are unable to access orthopedic surgeons locally and that the clinic is working to be part of a local care pipeline.

Sherry said the group was not requesting a specific action from the board at the meeting but sought conversations to help fill service gaps and to be partners with local providers. "We are stewards of the community... if there is a way that we have a conversation that we can help fill the gaps ... we'd be happy to have those conversations," she said.

Board members did not take action on the matter; the remarks were entered as general public comment. The presenters left contact information for county staff and local partners to follow up.