Dec. 23, 2025: After more than five years of dedicated service, Dr. Jon Peterson, a podiatrist, is stepping into retirement and closing a chapter of compassionate, patient-centered care at Lakewood Health System.
Dr. Peterson joined Lakewood in June 2020, bringing with him decades of experience and a commitment to helping patients maintain mobility, independence and quality of life.
His path to podiatry was shaped early on, both by a lifelong interest in medicine and his own personal experiences with foot issues as a young athlete. Those experiences inspired him to pursue podiatry.
Throughout his career, Dr. Peterson developed a special focus on diabetic foot care, an area he describes as especially impactful.
“The goal is to help people remain independent ... walking, working and living their lives,” he shared.
He noted that foot-related complications are one of the most common reasons patients with diabetes are hospitalized. Helping patients avoid limb loss and preserve their mobility has been one of the most meaningful aspects of his work.
Some of Dr. Peterson’s most memorable moments at Lakewood came from caring for patients with complex diabetic infections — seeing them weekly over months of treatment, getting to know their families, and celebrating their healing.
“You really become part of their lives,” he said. “Those relationships stay with you.”
Dr. Peterson also found fulfillment in caring for geriatric patients, helping with routine foot care that may not be glamorous, but significantly improves comfort and daily living.
“It’s satisfying work,” he said, adding, “Helping with those everyday needs can make a real difference.”
Dr. Jon Peterson is proud of the podiatry team at Lakewood. At left, Dr. Travis Johnson and Dr. Taylor Heck.
Collaboration has been a big part of his care at Lakewood, too. Working closely with primary care providers and specialists, Dr. Peterson valued being part of a team that recognized the importance of podiatry in comprehensive patient care.
“Clinics may not realize how much they need podiatry until they have it,” he said. “Then they truly appreciate having someone to turn to.”
As he prepares to retire, Dr. Peterson expressed confidence and gratitude for the future of podiatry at Lakewood. He shared his excitement for the next generation of providers stepping into the role and continuing to build on the strong foundation already in place.
“This has been a great place to work,” he said. “I’m really happy for those [fellow podiatrists Dr. Johnson and Dr. Heck] who are continuing their work here.”
In retirement, Dr. Peterson is most looking forward to spending more time with family, especially his grandchildren, traveling, delving into his love of history, volunteering at church, and looking at new opportunities to teach and give back.
“I see this as the fourth quarter of my life,” he reflected. “I want to make it worthwhile.”
Lakewood extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Jon Peterson for his years of service and dedication to patients. We wish him all the best!
To learn more about Dr. Travis Johnson and Dr. Taylor Heck, go to: Lakewood podiatrists