Dr. Clayton B. Brandes

Rex Z. Nilson, DPM, has been practicing podiatric medicine and surgery in the Seattle area since 1984. He believes in being a lifelong learner so he consistently embraces opportunities to attend medical seminars, workshops, and conferences. He brings compassion and understanding to the practice of medicine, and is a proponent of prevention as well as providing comfort. It is important to him that patients have an understanding of their condition so that they can work together to improve their situation.His distinguished career includes serving as Chief of Staff at Fifth Avenue Hospital in Seattle, and working for six years as a member of the Washington State Podiatric Medical Board, appointed by Governor Gary Locke. Today, he is the Chairman of the Waldo Medical Foundation, a position he has held for 20 years. He is also a 33-year board member and Treasurer of the International Foot & Ankle Foundation and was named podiatric physician of the year in 2018 by the Washington State Podiatric Medical Association.Dr. Nilson lives in the greater Seattle area with his wife, Torri, who is a journalist and a teacher. Their family includes four wonderful children. Dr. Nilson is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. His top areas of expertise are Plantar Fasciitis, Tendinitis, Hammer Toe, and Morton Neuroma.

Erik Novak, MD, PhD, is board-certified and a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon providing surgical and non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions. He also specializes in general orthopedics and the treatment of fractures. He believes that taking the time to explain to patients their musculoskeletal conditions and treatment choices allows for a faster recovery and return to the activities and sports they enjoy.He serves as the team physician for the Thunderbirds hockey team and has international experience as a volunteer with Orthopaedics Overseas in Mthatha, South Africa. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family. He also takes part in outdoor recreational activities and traveling. Dr. Novak is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. His top areas of expertise are Achilles Tendon Rupture, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Metatarsalgia, and Hip Replacement.

Zach Laidley, DPM, completed his training at one of the nation's top podiatric residency programs and is Foot and Ankle Surgery Board Qualified. He served as chief resident at the Swedish Podiatric Medicine and Surgery with Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery in Seattle. This rigorous and comprehensive program is considered one of the elite foot and ankle surgery programs in the United States, with direct training from some of the top podiatric and orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons in the Seattle area. His training encompassed all aspects of foot and ankle pathology and surgery, including forefoot and rearfoot reconstruction, total ankle replacements, ankle arthroscopy, sports medicine, trauma and limb salvage. Dr. Laidley is originally from the St. Louis area and obtained his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in 2019 from Scholl College at Rosalind Franklin University, where he graduated at the top of his class. Dr. Laidley is committed to the advancement of foot and ankle surgery and serves on the residency training committee at the Swedish Podiatric Residency Program.Dr. Laidley, his wife, and their dog live in Seattle. He enjoys weightlifting, hiking, golf, hunting and fishing. Dr. Laidley is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. His top areas of expertise are Flat Feet, High Arch, Bunions, and Plantar Fasciitis.