Dr. Ryan Lerch Looking Forward to Practicing at WHS

By Andrew Wilson

One of the new faces on the medical staff at Washington Health System (WHS), isn’t really a stranger.

“I completed my residency at UPMC, which included yearly rotations through WHS,” said Ryan J. Lerch, DPM. “I became very comfortable and enjoyed the environment at WHS.”

Born and raised in Colorado and attending medical school in Arizona, Dr. Lerch grew up a long way from Washington County, but he identifies strongly with the work ethic in the region.

“Patients might be surprised to learn that I grew up in a very blue collar, very hard-working family,” he said. “My first job was mowing lawns at 15, and I worked four jobs while I was an undergrad for living expenses and to pay for college.”

Dr. Lerch worked hard in the classroom, too. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Colorado State University and was the valedictorian at Midwestern University-Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, where he was a member of Pi Delta National Podiatry Honor Society. He also completed a fellowship at The Reconstructive Institute at Bellevue Hospital in Bellevue, Ohio, and earned numerous academic honors in college and medical school.

He was attracted to a career in medicine early on and originally thought he might practice emergency medicine or become some type of surgeon, but personal experience caused him to change his scope of practice.

“I was mostly drawn to orthopedics, but I had an interest in sports and sports-related injuries due to my personal sports-related injuries,” he said. “Unfortunately, in college I was playing lacrosse and continued to have ankle sprains and ankle instability. That led me to be interested in the foot and ankle field.”

Through this personal experience Dr. Lerch offers some simple advice for both the hardcore and weekend athletes who may experience foot or ankle pain

“A lot of foot and ankle pathology can be treated with frequent and continued stretching,” he recommends. “A tight calf muscle can be a driving force for multiple different pathologies frequently seen by foot and ankle surgeons.”

Dr. Lerch is still active in sports. He runs and works out 5-6 times a week, as well as enjoying hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and biking. As one might imagine, he puts a lot of thought into his footwear, particularly his running shoes. He says he runs in Brooks Levitate, but also recommends Hoka, Asics, Saucony, and New Balance. He says there are several things to pay close attention to when choosing running shoes.

“When picking a good pair of shoes there are a few things you want to check,” he said. “First, the middle portion of the shoe that makes up the arch should not bend. If you can take your hands on the heel and on the toes and flex the shoe and the arch bends, it's not a great option. The toe box is okay to have some movement or flexion. Second, you should not be able to twist a shoe. It is important to have a stable midfoot portion. Lastly, a well-padded, secure heel counter is critical to avoid heel injuries.”

Away from the office, Dr. Lerch enjoys hiking and camping with his fiancé and two dogs. When he can get away, he enjoys spending time at cabin he, his brothers, and father built on Mount Trinchera Peak in Colorado about four hours south of Denver, near the New Mexico border.

“The elevation is about 10,900 feet,” he said. “My brothers and I built it with our father as a vacation place. We are constantly continuing to upgrade it. I went every other weekend growing up, but lately I only get there about once every couple of years.”

In the office, he is dedicated to providing the best care for his patients.

“Most people tell me they are surprised I am a doctor actually,” he said. “I think it's mostly because of my calm and welcoming demeanor, which tends to help with patient rapport. I appreciate the work ethic and community values in Washington County and look forward to serving the community.”

Ryan J. Lerch, DPM, is a podiatrist with Washington Health System. For more information or to schedule an appointment with him visit whs.org/footandankle or call 724-222-5635.