Posted on March 05 2025
International Women’s Day is more than a celebration—it’s a movement. A movement that honors the achievements of women across industries, cultures, and generations while continuing the fight for equality and empowerment. At ALLY Shoes, we are proud to support women every step of the way—literally. This year, we’re spotlighting Dr. Farah Alani, a foot and ankle surgeon and the founder of To Healthy Feet Podiatry—an all-women minority-led practice that is setting new standards in podiatry. Join us as we celebrate her story and achievements.
ALLY Shoes: What led you to pursue a career in podiatry, and what excites you most about the field?
Dr. Alani: Although I originally aspired to be a lawyer, I was inspired to become a podiatrist after volunteering with a local charity in Uganda while I was in college. I realized then that if I could help people to improve their mobility, it would open them up to new opportunities for them and their families.
ALLY Shoes: You founded To Healthy Feet, an all-women, minority-led practice that is setting new standards in podiatry. What inspired you to take this entrepreneurial step, and what has been the most rewarding part of the journey?
Dr. Alani: I am a young female foot and ankle surgeon, born to two immigrant parents. My mother has a sixth grade education and my father was a refugee in three countries. Everything I have achieved is because my parents worked hard to give me the best education possible and because they instilled in me the will to push myself to my full potential. I am grateful for the opportunities afforded to me they never had.
When I completed my residency, I knew that I could help more people and make a greater impact in this space if started my own practice. I began by renting a small office two days a week. After 6 months, I got my own space full time, and in a year and a half, I hired my first associate doctor. Years later, our team has grown to a 22 person team consisting of mostly female members including: 5 doctors, an incredible COO, 1 office manager, 3 receptionists and 6 medical assistants. Having separate locations and the availability of female doctors in other parts of the city allowed us to grow and provide high-quality care that is sometimes not provided for people looking for a doctor they could “identify with.”
I have prided myself on encouraging my staff to improve themselves and I do my best to mentor them and provide opportunities for professional development. Though this has resulted in greater staff turnover and losing some amazing people, I take great pride that they are moving on to bigger and better things, hopefully with some of the ethics and values they learned in our office.
Dr. Nancy Artis, Dr. Farah Alani, Tiffany Goodin, Dr. Roxann Clarke, Dr. Alison Bell of To Healthy Feet Podiatry
ALLY Shoes: What has been the most significant challenge you’ve faced as a female entrepreneur and medical professional, and how did you approach it?
Dr. Alani: My journey, which has only just begun, has come with many challenges, some of which are regular growing pains, and others which could be attributed to being a woman. Oftentimes, it seems like business contacts like landlords and surgery centers do not take my requests seriously or try to take advantage of me, like not fixing things that are broken or giving us sub-optimal surgical times. While I always try to remain polite, I am not afraid to advocate for what our team deserves. Over the years, we have sought to find vendors and partners that are female-led.
ALLY Shoes: Dr. Roxann Clarke, ALLY Shoes' Chief Scientific Officer, is also part of your practice, along with other power women. How has collaboration with fellow female professionals shaped your approach to leadership and innovation?
It’s helpful having allies in the industry like Dr. Clarke who don’t always look at situations and challenges the same way that I do and can offer their unique perspectives and new solutions. This is a value we share with each other as we look to both support each other and challenge each other to be better. Sometimes this means that if one us has come up against something first, they will share those best practices and solutions so the rest of us don’t face the same struggle. Most importantly, when we face challenges that may feel unique to us, we know we are not necessarily alone.
ALLY Shoes: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the medical field or start their own practice?
Dr. Alani: Yes you can. It will be a harder journey for you and you will be given every reason why you can’t do this or why you can’t do this on your own. But you are not alone. There are so many strong women out there who can be allies and who have and are paving the road. If it's something you want to do, its worth the efforts.
ALLY Shoes: Who is your ally?
Dr. Alani: My two younger sisters, both also doctors. They don’t put up with my excuses and challenge me to be better when I can be and provide grace when they know I’m doing my best. They inspire me through their own accomplishments. They’re my biggest cheerleaders
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