Morton M. Polokoff, DPM

Dr. Morton Polokoff, DPMMorton M. Polokoff, DPM was a foot surgeon for 55 years. Dr. Polokoff began his career after graduating from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine) with a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine degree in 1932.

Dr. Polokoff is best known for his role as an early adopter of minimal incision surgery, or ambulatory foot surgery. According to Hymes, L., Forefoot Minimum Incision Surgery in Podiatric Medicine, published in 1977, "Morton Polokoff, DPM of Patterson, NJ, worked out a system of subdermal surgery using very fine chisels, rasps and spears connected to a galvanic current... Eventually Dr. Polokoff abandoned the galvanic current and switched to very small rasps. These techniques were originally used by surgeons, especially plastic surgeons, for rhinoplasties, which is the removing and remodeling of nasal bones in a blind, closed or Minimum Incision Surgery fashion. It is probably the modern origin of the so-called "closed surgery".

Throughout his many years in the field, Dr. Polokoff earned much recognition and held many leadership positions within podiatric medicine and podiatric medical education, including:

  • New Jersey Academy of Podiatry Fellowship Award, 1938
  • Citation for Outstanding Contributions to the Profession, Podiatry Society of the State of New York, 1950
  • Temple University School of Podiatry, Faculty Emeritus, 1950-1960
  • American Society of Podiatric Roentgenology, President, 1951
  • California College of Podiatric Medicine Award for outstanding service to the college, 1962
  • Certificate of Appreciation, American Podiatry Council, 1965
  • Kensington Hospital Award for Distinguished Service and Advancement of Podiatric Medicine, 1966
  • Region III American Podiatric Association, President, 1966-1967
  • New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society, President. 1966-1967
  • Special Recognition for the Advancement of Ambulatory Foot Surgery, Region I of the Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery, 1976
  • American Board of Ambulatory Foot Surgery, Diplomate, 1980
  • Certificate of Appreciation for special effort and contributions in the field of post-graduate education, New Jersey Medical Society, 1980
  • Wolfson Scholar of the Year, 1983

Dr. Polokoff was also an author on numerous publications throughout the course of his career. He has been published in the Clinical Journal of Chiropody, Podiatry and Pedic Surgery, Journal of the National Association of Chiropodists and in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

The Polokoff family continues to support podiatric medical education today through an established faculty chair named in honor of Dr. Polokoff. The Dr. Morton Polokoff professor will foster continued growth in the Biomechanics and Orthopedics department at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. In addition, a graduation award is given every year to a graduating podiatry student at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.