Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine Receives Laser Donation

“It’s new technology on the market to help patients and it’s good exposure for the students”

Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine received a donation of two high-tech lasers to be used at the university and Cleveland Foot & Ankle Clinics.

Erchonia Corporation, a global leader in developing low level laser therapy technology, donated their FX 635 and Lunula Lasers to be used in a clinical setting.

This donation makes Kent State the third podiatry college in the nation to have the opportunity to work with these lasers. The New York Podiatric College was first, followed by Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago.

The FX 635 laser is used to treat chronic lower back pain and heel pain due to plantar fasciitis. The Lunula laser is used to treat onychomycosis [toenail fungus] and is the first and only non-thermal, “cold” laser to receive FDA market clearance for treating toenail fungus.

David Tucek, sales manager at Erchonia Corporation, hopes to push forward the future of medicine beyond what is standard in the United States by donating these lasers to Kent State.

“The standard in the United States right now is surgery and medications like opioids, things of that nature,” he said. “We’re hoping to give a non-invasive option, that in the majority of cases for pain related conditions, has a much better efficacy than medications or surgery.”

Based out of Melbourne, Florida, Erchonia Corporation has been developing and manufacturing low level medical lasers for 23 years.

Every laser manufactured by Erchonia Corporation is pain free with zero side effects and there have been zero adverse effects in the history of the company, Tucek said. All Erchonia’s lasers are also FDA cleared through level one clinical studies.

Erchonia Corporation connected with Kent State in December 2017 when they attended a conference hosted by Kent State’s College of Podiatric Medicine in Orlando.

“We really appreciated the people at Kent State and the event they put on,” Tucek said. “We’re working currently with New York and Chicago and Kent State was one of those we said we really wanted to work with. We really liked what they’re doing and trying to accomplish in podiatry and really wanted to partner up with someone like Kent State.”

Patrick Riley, director of advancement at Kent State’s College of Podiatric Medicine, works to continue advancing medical education efforts in the college.

“It’s new technology on the market to help patients and it’s good exposure for the students,” Riley said. “We’re very happy Erchonia chose us to give this donation to.”

Maria McGinnis is a reporter. Contact her at mmcginn9@kent.edu.