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Dr. Shonka was born in the city of Chicago, the youngest of six children. His father - an internationally renowned nuclear physicist - instilled in him a respect for education and the value of hard work. Dr. Shonka attended Illinois Benedictine College where he played on and eventually captained the NCAA Division II hockey team. He also played Junior B hockey during this time, where he was mentored by his coach, a young man from Toronto attending Podiatry school in Chicago. From this fortuitous meeting, Dr. Shonka developed an interest in sports medicine and eventually attended the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, receiving his degree in 1978. After his surgical residency at Hines VA Medial Center, associated with the Loyola University Medical School complex, and after his parents had passed away, he found his way to Boulder. While volunteering as race podiatrist at the 1980 Bolder Boulder, the decision to stay in Boulder came to him as an epiphany. Four months later, he opened his practice and continues to volunteer at every Bolder Boulder. Since moving to Colorado, he has continued his lifelong interest in sports, becoming an avid road and mountain cyclist. Additionally, he and his wife, Holly, regularly participate in triathlons. Their five sons and one daughter make life incredibly busy, interesting and rewarding. A member of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA ) and a nationally licensed driver, he struggles to find time to keep his Spec Racer from getting dusty. Dr. Shonka functions as an information broker, educating the athlete as to cause of injury, pertinent anatomy and treatment alternatives available. This allows the athlete to be actively involved in choosing a treatment plan. Education - Undergraduate - Illinois Benedictine College - 1974
- Medical Degree - Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine - 1978
- Surgical Residency - Hines VA Medical Center - 1979
Hospital Privileges - Boulder Community Hospital
- Avista Hospital
- Longmont United Hospital
- St. Anthony's North Hospital
Professional Memberships - American Podiatric Medical Association
- Colorado Podiatric Medical Association
- American College of Sports Medicine
- American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, Past President
- American Board of Podiatric Surgery
- American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics
- American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
- American College of Podiatric Orthopedic
Visit the Foot & Ankle Care of Boulder Website
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