OUR FOUNDER

Dr. Mark Whitesides

With deep sadness, we announce that Dr. Mark Whitesides passed away on March 18, 2023, at 53 years old. Dr. Whitesides died peacefully in Basel, Switzerland after suffering from a progressive neurological disease for several years. 

Dr. Whitesides founded Southwest Austin Foot & Ankle Clinic in February 2014 because he was passionate about providing high quality podiatric care in the Central Texas area. Under his leadership, Southwest Austin Foot & Ankle Clinic grew to two locations and a team of five doctors. Dr. Whitesides cared deeply about each of his patients and forged strong bonds with them over the years.

Dr. Whitesides graduated from the University of Idaho and went on to pursue a Master’s

in Medical Microbiology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He accomplished his lifelong dream of becoming a physician when he graduated with Honors from the California College of Podiatric Medicine.

Regarded as an expert in limb salvage and diabetic wound care, his services were widely sought in Central Texas for almost two decades. Dr. Whitesides brought an innovative spirit to podiatry and developed several novel surgical techniques in foot and ankle surgery. He will be deeply missed at the hospitals he served, where he was the consummate professional, mentor, and team player.

Dr. Whitesides served as the Chief of Podiatric Medicine at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center from 2018-2021. He was active in the Texas Podiatric Medical Association, serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Board of Directors from 2015-2022. He received the TPMA Advocate of the Year Award in 2017 and the TPMA Merit Award in 2018.

Dr. Whitesides was a dedicated husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, and three children, Madison, Dillon, and Sean. He is also survived by his father, Paul, his stepmother, Bonnie, and his two brothers, Bret and Matt (Bill Killinger). He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Bufford. Dr. Whitesides was an active musician and multi-sport athlete throughout his life. 

We are grateful to Dr. Whitesides for the legacy he created at Southwest Austin Foot & Ankle Clinic. We will remember his passion for podiatry, his kindness, and his dedication

to serving others as we continue to provide the highest quality podiatric medical care.