Dr. Lalita Turaga, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon

About

About Dr. Turaga

Fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon committed to comprehensive, patient-centered foot and ankle care.

Dr. Lalita Turaga, DPM - Board-Certified Podiatrist at Evergreen Health and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Education & Background

Lalita Turaga, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist who provides surgical and non-surgical care for foot and ankle conditions, with clinical interests in diabetic limb salvage and foot and ankle trauma. Dr. Turaga currently practices at Evergreen Health and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and Washington State Podiatric Medical Association.

Dr. Turaga earned her degree in Biotechnology in India, followed by premedical studies at Rosalind Franklin University in Illinois. She received her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed her residency at Cook County Hospital, followed by fellowship training in diabetic limb salvage and reconstructive surgery at Emory University.

Dr. Turaga takes a patient-centered approach to care, considering the whole body and associated co-morbidities when developing treatment plans for each patient.

Outside of her clinical practice, Dr. Turaga has participated in multiple surgical mission trips to India, providing care for patients with Hansen's Disease (Leprosy), congenital foot deformities, and diabetic neuropathy. Her mission work has included trips to Kolkata, Tirupati, and rural areas of Andhra Pradesh, where she performed reconstructive surgeries at BIRRD Hospital for patients with congenital vertical talus and clubfoot, helping to restore mobility in underserved populations with limited access to specialized foot and ankle care.

English Hindi Telugu

Education & Training

Credentials & Certifications

Education, training, board certification, and professional affiliations.

Biotechnology & Premedical Studies

India • Rosalind Franklin University

Degree in Biotechnology earned in India, followed by premedical studies at Rosalind Franklin University in Illinois, prior to pursuing podiatric medicine.

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine

Chicago, Illinois. Part of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, one of the established podiatric medical programs in the United States.

Surgical Residency

Cook County Hospital / Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Centre

Chicago, Illinois. Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Residency at a Level I trauma center with extensive exposure to complex foot and ankle pathology.

Surgical Fellowship

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia. Foot & Ankle Surgical Fellowship with training in reconstructive surgery, trauma, and complex deformity correction.

Board Certification

Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon

Board certified in podiatric foot and ankle surgery, meeting established standards of clinical knowledge and surgical competence.

Hospital Affiliations

Evergreen Health • Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Dr. Turaga currently practices at Evergreen Health and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, providing surgical and non-surgical care for foot and ankle conditions.

Professional Memberships

APMA • WSPMA

Active member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Washington State Podiatric Medical Association, staying at the forefront of podiatric medicine and surgery.

Specialties

Services & Expertise

Comprehensive surgical and non-surgical treatment for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Specialized care aimed at preserving limbs in patients with diabetes-related foot complications, using advanced wound healing techniques and surgical intervention to prevent amputation.

Foot & Ankle Trauma

Expert management of fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries of the foot and ankle. From acute emergency care to complex reconstructive procedures for optimal recovery.

Bunion Surgery

Correction of hallux valgus deformity through modern surgical techniques that restore natural alignment, reduce pain, and return patients to comfortable, active lives.

Hammer Toe Repair

Surgical and non-surgical correction of hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe deformities. Customized treatment plans based on severity and patient lifestyle goals.

Wound Care

Advanced wound care at the Franciscan Wound Care Center, utilizing cutting-edge therapies to promote healing in chronic and complex wounds of the lower extremity.

Ankle Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive surgical technique for diagnosing and treating ankle joint conditions including cartilage damage, bone spurs, and chronic ankle instability.

Plantar Fasciitis

Comprehensive treatment for heel pain and plantar fasciitis, from conservative therapies and custom orthotics to advanced interventional procedures when needed.

Achilles Tendon Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of Achilles tendinitis, ruptures, and chronic tendon conditions. Surgical repair and rehabilitation to restore strength and function.

Fracture Management

Comprehensive care for foot and ankle fractures, from initial evaluation and immobilization to surgical fixation and guided rehabilitation for complete recovery.

Beyond the Clinic

Community & Mission Work

Dr. Turaga has participated in multiple surgical mission trips to India, performing reconstructive procedures for patients with Hansen's Disease (Leprosy), congenital foot deformities, and diabetic neuropathy in underserved communities.

Kolkata, India -- 2014

First Mission: Partnering with the Missionaries of Charity

Dr. Turaga's first mission trip was a two-week visit to Kolkata, India, in partnership with the Missionaries of Charity -- the organization founded by Mother Teresa. She worked alongside Dr. Martin Yorath from Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, with patients pre-screened in coordination with the Missionaries.

The team completed 16 surgeries in six days, primarily performing posterior tibial tendon transfers for foot drop and reconstructive surgeries addressing Charcot foot in leprosy patients. The trip also included a lecture, "Advances in Management of Charcot Foot," delivered at Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Center in Hyderabad.

16 Surgeries in 6 Days

Kolkata & Hyderabad

Missionaries of Charity

Kolkata, India -- 2015

Return to Kolkata: Building on the Foundation

Returning for a second annual trip, Dr. Turaga and Dr. Yorath continued their work with the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata. The team performed 12 surgeries in three days, again focusing on posterior tibial tendon transfers for foot drop and reconstructive procedures for Charcot deformities caused by Hansen's Disease.

All procedures were performed using spinal anesthesia without cautery, adapting to resource-limited conditions. Physiotherapist Angela Yorath and Dr. Roy (anesthesiologist) provided support, and patients progressed through rehabilitation and physical therapy on-site.

12 Surgeries in 3 Days

On-Site Rehabilitation

2nd Year Annual Mission

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh -- 2016

Expanding Reach: Teaching and Operating in Andhra Pradesh

For the third consecutive year, Dr. Turaga traveled to India -- this time to BIRRD Hospital (Baba Institute of Rehabilitation for the Disabled) in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, which serves patients with disabilities in the region. The team screened 50 patients and performed 26 surgical procedures over the course of one week.

Surgical cases included correction of congenital vertical talus, congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV/clubfoot), multiple congenital anomalies, malunion ankle fractures, and Haglund's exostectomy. Dr. Turaga also delivered two days of continuing medical education lectures and surgical demonstrations for local physicians. The hospital has since established recurring annual visits.

26 Surgeries Performed

50 Patients Screened

2 Days CME Lectures

Souls for Soles

Fundraising Event

Event Sponsors

OneStop Medical - Souls for Soles sponsor

Community Initiative

Souls for Soles: Community Fundraiser

Dr. Turaga organized "Souls for Soles," a fundraising event dedicated to providing footwear and foot care resources to those in need. The initiative involved coordinating sponsors, logistics, and community outreach.

The event was supported by local businesses including Apna Bazaar, Mayuri, and OneStop Medical, with proceeds directed toward foot care for underserved populations.

3 Local Sponsors

Footwear & Foot Care

Community Fundraiser

Mission Gallery

Kolkata, India -- 2014

Mission with the Missionaries of Charity. 16 reconstructive surgeries for Hansen's Disease patients.

Dr. Turaga in operating room during 2015 Kolkata medical mission