Jon T. Fitzgerald: A Passion for Traveling

As a board-certified podiatrist with extensive experience in his field, Jon T. Fitzgerald enjoys his profession and keeping his patients healthy. He holds a long list of accomplishments for his work, but if someone asked him to say more about himself he would prefer to elaborate on his passions outside of podiatry. One such passion is his love to travel and experience foreign cultures.

Dr. Fitzgerald believes traveling is a hobby that people can embrace at any age, and it can have numerous positive effects on overall health and well-being. While time is limited for this, as it is with many with jobs, taking time away from the daily grind of work often becomes an excellent vacation opportunity. Breaking routine helps to quell monotony and boredom for some, while others appreciate the chance to practice a foreign language or learn about new places they intend to visit. Overall, the opportunity to travel gives people a chance to broaden their horizons and grow in their passion and understanding of the world.

Popular Travel Destinations

There are countless places to consider visiting, but some of the most recognized destinations remain in Europe. Countries like England and Spain offer long and rich history to explore, and many locations are in close proximity in relation to one another. Transportation and lodging on the continent is inexpensive when trains and hostels are used, proving that a European vacation does not necessarily have to break the bank. While Jon T. Fitzgerald encourages people to follow their own travel preferences, it never hurts to examine top travel destinations and uncover their best features.

Consider some of the most recognizable European destinations.

1)    London, England—There are so many historical and cultural gems to explore in this city, making it hard to stay less than a few days to hit the highlights. The Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace are must-sees simply for their historical merit. Visitors should also take a ride on the London Eye to get fantastic overhead views of the city. When it comes to food, English pubs with staple dishes like fish and chips add a nice cultural touch.

2)    Rome, Italy—The historical and cultural significance of this city is insurmountable. As the capital of ancient Rome, the Colosseum and Roman Forum are two of its oldest icons. Visitors can see the remains of this ancient civilization and then enter Vatican City to view famous sites like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. No one should miss out on the delicious food, with pasta and pizza to try alongside some of the world’s best wine.

3)    Paris, France—Paris remains the romance capital of the world, and some travelers choose to propose at notable landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Depicted in a variety of films and stories, Paris is also a city of beauty and extravagant taste. The iconic Notre Dame cathedral shows off gothic architecture, while the Palace of Versailles remains the epitome of bygone French royalty.

4)    Barcelona, Spain—Though it is not Spain’s capital, many visitors appreciate Barcelona for its rich Spanish culture. A variety of beautiful cathedrals are frequently toured in addition to world heritage sites like Casa Batllo and the Church of the Sacred Family. Visit the gothic quarter, the Olympic stadium, or famous museums like the Museu Nacional D’Art de Catalunya. Sports enthusiasts should catch a football game at Camp Nou.

5)    Berlin, Germany—Many tourists visit this historic city for its significance during and after World War II. Many monuments remain, including the Holocaust Memorial and the memorial to the Berlin Wall. While not all of these sites are cheerful ones, they remind us of our lowest points in history and our human ability to endure and overcome adversity.

No matter where one chooses to travel, it certainly does not have to mirror a popular European destination like the ones mentioned here. Travel enthusiast and podiatrist Jon T. Fitzgerald would argue that the point of visiting unfamiliar places is to expand horizons. Taking a trip evokes excitement, decreases stress, and triggers learning and growth in anyone who decides to set out on an adventure.

Jon T. Fitzgerald’s Background in Podiatry

Education

Jon T. Fitzgerald is a board-certified podiatrist with over 20 years of combined medical training and experience. Like many medical professionals, his key asset in the onset of his career was his thorough educational background. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1977 from California Polytechnic State University, setting the foundation for his podiatric training before continuing his education in graduate school.

John T. Fitzgerald attended graduate school at the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. During his years in attendance from 1989-1992, he gained more comprehensive and detailed knowledge of foot conditions and common treatments. He remained on the honors list all four years of his study, and by the time he earned his graduate degree he ranked 27^th in his class.

As further testament to his education and experience, Dr. Fitzgerald attended residency at two different medical facilities. From 1992-1993 he worked at Holladay Park Medical Center, collaborating with medical professionals until he eventually transferred to Legacy Portland Hospital. By the time he finished his residency, Dr. Fitzgerald had applied his education to real podiatry cases and learned the daily operations of medical facilities.

Professional Recognition of John T. Fitzgerald

During his years of study and training, Jon T. Fitzgerald received notable honors. In addition to the academic honors he received with his graduate degree, Dr. Fitzgerald was recognized by Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges in 1992. As a sign of continued involvement and his dedication to excellence in podiatry, Jon T. Fitzgerald remains a member of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS).

As a member of ABPS, Jon T. Fitzgerald meets a high list of standards set by the organization. These standards include completion of a four-year doctoral degree at an accredited podiatric medical school, followed by attendance at an approved residency program. Afterwards, candidates must successfully demonstrate performing a variety of podiatric surgical procedures. Even after admittance into ABPS, members must maintain an ongoing standard of excellence considering they are re-examined for certification every 10 years. The goal of ABPS and members like Jon T. Fitzgerald is to push for continued improvements in podiatric research, treatment, and surgical procedures.