As a former dancer, a recreational athlete and certified fashionista, Dr. Gina Mendoza understands the needs, demands and issues of her patients.

Influenced by her father, a Hendersonville pediatrician, and her brother, a local podiatrist, a medical career seemed certain for Dr. Mendoza. “I always knew I wanted to be a doctor,” she recalls. “My father and brother were a big influence in my career decision.”

Her interest in podiatry was started by an early injury. "I suffered from a large laceration on my foot and was unable to walk for months. That incident made me realize how important the foot is. I couldn't return to ballet for quite a long time.” The incident solidified her desire to dedicate her life to helping people avoid disabling injuries like the one she suffered. “Relieving someone’s pain and making them comfortable gives me a lot of satisfaction,” she says. “It’s very gratifying when someone who was in pain when they came into my office is wearing a smile when they leave.”

After graduating from Beech High School and earning double Bachelor’s degrees in biology and graphic design from Western Kentucky University, Dr. Mendoza earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Barry University School of Graduate Medical Sciences in Miami Shores, FL. She spent one year in podiatric surgery training at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA and Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. Dr. Mendoza then acquired two years of surgical training at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. During her training, she received several honors, including an Excellence in Podiatric Extension Clinics Award.

Dr. Mendoza is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association. She is also board qualified with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. She has volunteered her time to the New York Methodist Diabetic Health Fair, the Los Angeles Hispanic Diabetic Health Fair and the Los Angeles Korean Diabetic Health Fair.

When she’s not treating patients, she enjoys many of the same recreational activities her patients do, including running, biking, weight training and her all-time favorite: snowboarding. She can often be spotted in her natural habitat wearing heels. "My dream is to design fashionable shoes for women and men that are ergonomically designed for comfort.” she says. "People shouldn't have to compromise comfort for style."