Vito J. Rizzo, DPM, graduated from West Babylon Senior High in 1974. He attended SUNY @ Buffalo and graduated there in 1978 with a degree in Biology. He then attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, graduating from there in 1982. His career as a Podiatrist has spanned almost 40 years. He is Board certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Professional Wound Care Association and a Fellow of the American Society of Extremity Nerve Surgeons. Recognized as a specialist in the Diabetic Foot and the resultant complications Dr. Rizzo maintains a philosophy of education, prevention and early intervention geared to the avoidance of limb threatening developments. Besides maintaining a private practice, Dr. Rizzo has been on the teaching staff of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine as an associate Clinical Professor. He has maintained his involvement in education throughout the years as Director of Residency Training at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore and as an Attending Surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip. He is auxiliary faculty of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine; a Student Ambassador at the Arizona Podiatric Medical Program at Midwestern University, a student Mentor at the NYCPM. He has been a lecturer on surgical techniques to his peers through various programs nationwide. Beside his professional work he served on the Board of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association for 13 years and became state President for a term in 2011-2012. He was instrumental in passing legislation in Albany to expand the scope of practice for Podiatric Physicians during his tenure. Dr. Rizzo has had a full life. During medical school he was a waiter and bartender at the world-famous Copacabana in New York City. During his career he has had the honor to serve on a number of community boards focusing on Diabetes education and wellness in general. He loves to travel. He loves his family and especially his wife, JuliAnn and his 9 grandchildren. Dr. Rizzo has been a supporter of West Babylon educational efforts. Many students have shadowed at his office where they were exposed to a possible career in Medicine. He also would insist that the student recite the Alma Mater at the end of their time with him hopefully instilling in them the notion that “Once and Eagle, Always an Eagle”.