BY STEFANIE APPEL

Special to The Press

The Allentown Rescue Mission has honored Dr. Neal Kramer, DPM for his dedication to helping the homeless men of the Allentown Rescue Mission.

Once a month, at the in-house DeSales Free Medical Clinic, Dr. Kramer provides free foot and ankle care to men staying at the mission who otherwise may not seek care.

Dr. Kramer, a native of the Lehigh Valley, has been in practice for more than 40 years.

In 2018, after years of private podiatry practice, Dr. Kramer merged his business into the orthopedic services of OAA where he continues to practice to this day.

He also began volunteering his time and talents at the Allentown Rescue Mission that same year.

Men often arrive at the mission with foot trauma.

Therefore, podiatry is the most requested medical specialty at the mission.

In addition to medical issues that could affect their feet, many men at the shelter suffer from the effects of wearing the wrong size shoes, worn-out shoes, wet shoes, no shoes, or frostbite.

Dr. Kramer treats a wide variety of the clients’ foot ailments, such as diabetic foot care, sprains, bone defects, corns, calluses, and nail problems.

He also fits the men for shoes donated to the Allentown Rescue Mission.

Dr. Kramer stated clients are so appreciative of medical care.

“I receive handshakes from everyone but I also get a lot of hugs, and I always take the hugs,” he happily disclosed.

After volunteering at the Allentown Rescue Mission for over four years, Dr. Kramer said,

“I get the most positive sensation helping the men. Seeing their smiles is one of the most rewarding times of my life.”