When it comes to an intimate understanding of the impact of foot and ankle impacts or injuries, it might be a good idea to ask someone who’s been there/done that.
Dr. Casey Burchill, DPM, FACFAS knows firsthand the impact a foot and ankle injury can have—because he’s lived it. Once the second-fastest runner in Arizona State University history and a qualifier for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, his dreams of potential Olympic glory were halted by a foot injury during a backpacking trip. That setback became a turning point, redirecting his planned medical career toward a specialty that now helps others literally get back on their feet.
Originally from western North Dakota, Dr. Burchill is double Board Certified in Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery and Forefoot Surgery. (For those wondering: the letters stand for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.) His professional journey has taken him coast to coast, with extensive education and surgical training at some of the country’s top programs, plus hands-on experience in both private practice and Level 1 Trauma Centers.
Dr. Burchill earned his undergraduate degree at Arizona State University on a full Track & Field scholarship, majoring in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Biomechanics. But following his own injury, his decision was to then pursue his passion for podiatry – earning his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois.
In a twist of fate that sometimes combines what you know with who you know, Dr. Burchill next completed a three-year residency in podiatric surgery at the prestigious Emory University, Department of Orthopedics in The Emory Program. Created in 1969 by surgical pioneer E. Dalton McGlamry, The Emory Program was the first three-year surgical residency for podiatrists, with emphasis in rearfoot and ankle reconstruction and trauma. He graduated this program as Primary Chief Resident, ultimately becoming a faculty member of the residency’s educational arm, The Podiatry Institute.
In 2015, Dr. Burchill made Las Vegas his home, most recently serving as a Foot and Ankle Trauma and Reconstructive Surgeon at Sunrise Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center. Alongside his surgical experience, Dr. Burchill is an active contributor to his field through research, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at medical conferences nationwide.
In short, it’s accurate to say that if you have an orthopaedic injury or condition that affects anything below the knee, Dr. Burchill is the one you want on your team.
His journey into podiatric surgery wasn’t planned, but it makes perfect sense in retrospect. A family friend/mentor in Phoenix (and, fun fact, his first babysitter) sparked his initial interest in the field, which led to opportunities that landed him at Emory. A later work/friend connection in Las Vegas brought him together with Dr. Michael Crovetti—founder of Crovetti Ortho—where the two now work side-by-side, combining shared values, passion for patient care, and a mission to get people “back in their game.”
Dr. Burchill’s care philosophy is rooted in partnership. “This isn’t going to work if I care more about your foot than you do,” he often tells his patients. His focus is on setting realistic goals, collaborating on the path to healing, and celebrating every milestone—“Because the best thing in the world for me,” says Dr. Burchill, “is to see my patients recovering, especially when the crutches are gone and walking resumes.”
Away from work, Dr. Burchill enjoys life at full stride with his wife Maggie, their three kids (Reese, Quinn, and Silas), two dogs (Jack and Hazel), and two cats (Griswold and Gilbert).
“Vegas really grows on you,” Dr. Burchill admits. “Of all the things I love about this place, I think the best is finding a group of families like our own to spend time with.” Visiting the many parks here, taking walks, riding scooters, and this year – the excitement about their first family Disney Cruise – are things he’s long wanted to enjoy as a family. Along, of course, with his annual backpacking trip to the High Sierras (obviously, he holds no grudges against his favorite activity – despite his near-Olympics miss).
