Conversations with Sindhu Srinivas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sindhu Srinivas.

Hi Sindhu, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was five years old growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. That path briefly shifted after college when I pursued a Master’s degree, and during that time I went through my own experience with a health misdiagnosis. It was a defining moment that showed me how important it is for a physician not only to treat, but to truly listen with compassion.

Shortly after, while working, I discovered the field of podiatry and realized that upon completing my training I would become a foot and ankle surgeon. That sparked something in me. I continued to deepen my interests through a fellowship in limb salvage, in Atlanta, with the goal of helping patients stay mobile and get back on their feet.

Years later, now practicing in Atlanta and often asked what led me to podiatry, I’ve realized that feet and medicine have subconsciously shaped my life for a long time. My great-grandmother once struggled with an infection from walking barefoot, and that memory has always stayed with me—somewhere in the background guiding my path.

Today, in addition to practicing day-to-day, my focus includes being active in local and national societies to raise awareness, provide free screenings, and emphasize that foot health plays a pivotal role in everyone’s overall well-being.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the earliest challenges I faced was my own health misdiagnosis, which was emotionally and physically draining. It taught me firsthand what it feels like to be unheard in a medical setting—and ultimately shaped the kind of physician I strive to be.

Starting residency during a pandemic brought an entirely different set of challenges. I worked in a Level 2 trauma center where isolation was the norm for nearly a year. The intensity, uncertainty, and lack of connection took a toll, but it also strengthened my resilience and deepened my sense of purpose in medicine.

Being a woman in a surgical profession has also come with its hurdles. There were moments of feeling underestimated or overlooked, and I had to learn to advocate for myself and my place in the room. Those experiences taught me confidence, grit, and the importance of supporting other women coming up behind me.

Even after graduation, the job market for physicians was far from easy. Navigating that uncertainty pushed me to redefine what perseverance looks like and reminded me that a closed door isn’t failure—it’s often a redirection to something better aligned with your path.
Looking back, each struggle has shaped me into a stronger, more grounded physician. Every setback pointed me toward where I was meant to go.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a surgically trained podiatrist with a strong focus on limb salvage. My work spans a wide spectrum—from treating acute foot and ankle fractures to managing complex diabetic wounds. Every day is different, and I’m grateful to practice in a field where immediate impact is possible, whether it’s stabilizing an injury or preventing an amputation.

What I’m most proud of is helping patients regain their ability to walk and witnessing the confidence that returns when they feel supported, heard, and hopeful again. There’s something incredibly meaningful about having patients trust me with their mobility, their safety, and often their quality of life. Being a steady guide through that journey is one of the greatest privileges of my career.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to limb preservation. I combine surgical expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered mindset—seeing each patient not just as a diagnosis, but as a whole person with goals, fears, and a life they want to get back to. My goal is always to guide them toward the healthiest, strongest version of themselves.

How do you think about luck?
I’ve always believed in the quote, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” I don’t think luck simply shows up on its own. In my life and career, the moments that may look like “good luck” from the outside were really the result of persistence, consistency, and putting my best foot forward—even on the difficult days (no pun intended).

There were many challenging moments along my path, but continuing to show up allowed me to build genuine connections, network with intention, and find myself in rooms I once only hoped to be in. Those opportunities introduced me to mentors, colleagues, and leaders whose vision and goals aligned with mine.

So while luck may have played a role, I see it more as the natural outcome of preparation, resilience, and staying open to the right opportunities at the right time.

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