Mark Razzante Named Dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine
Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Mark Razzante as the new Dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM), effective May 16th, 2025.
A graduate of the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a dedicated faculty member since 2022, Dr. Razzante has served as Interim Dean since October 2024. His selection follows a national search and reflects his proven leadership, deep commitment to academic excellence, and extensive clinical experience.
“Dr. Razzante brings a wealth of expertise and vision to this role,” said SMU President Ching-Hua Wang. “We are confident in his ability to advance the College of Podiatric Medicine as a leading force in podiatric education and to continue fostering strong community partnerships and interprofessional learning opportunities for our students.”
Board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. Razzante has built a distinguished career focused on patient care, scholarship, and innovation in podiatric education. Before joining Samuel Merritt University as Dean, he was the co-owner and practitioner at Cleveland Lower Extremity Specialists, served as a staff physician with Kaiser Permanente's Antioch Medical Center, and taught at SMU (2015 – 2017) and Kent State University (2018-2022).
Dr. Razzante is also the co-founder and vice president of the Collaborative Medical Content Foundation, where he has helped shape transatlantic service-learning opportunities and expand access to high-quality medical content for learners worldwide.
An active researcher and speaker, Dr. Razzante has published more than 15 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. His scholarly work has addressed key issues in surgical technique, conservative treatment strategies, and complex foot and ankle pathologies. His conference presentations span regional, national, and international stages, with topics ranging from endoscopic plantar fascia release to the management of Achilles tendon ruptures.
In addition to his academic and clinical credentials, Dr. Razzante is certified in a wide range of advanced surgical procedures and technologies, including Lapiplasty®, Arthrosurface Foot Products, and Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement.
Please join the SMU community in congratulating Dr. Mark Razzante as he begins his official tenure as Dean. His leadership will help shape the future of CPM and ensure continued excellence in podiatric medical education.
