“He saved my foot.” – Jeanna Tharp, Milan, MO
A patient’s story of healing, hope, and specialized care at the Pershing Health System Outpatient Foot Clinic.
When Jeanna Tharp developed a sore on her foot in early 2024, she never imagined how serious it could become. Living with diabetes, she knew foot health was important, but even after a week-long stay in the hospital in Kirksville, the ulcer was only getting worse.
“I thought I was going to lose my foot,” Jeanna said. “I had been in the hospital for a week and there was just no improvement. I was scared, frustrated, and honestly starting to lose hope.”
That’s when a family member stepped in. Jeanna’s niece, Katie, works in the Outpatient Clinic at Pershing Health System and recommended she see a visiting foot specialist—Dr. Erich Eriksen, DPM, a podiatric medicine specialist and podiatric surgeon.
“Katie told me about Dr. Eriksen and how he had helped other people (including some of my family members) with foot issues. At that point, I was willing to try anything,” Jeanna said.
Jeanna had her first appointment with Dr. Eriksen in March of 2024. From the very beginning, she was impressed by his thoroughness and compassion. “He really took the time to explain what was happening with my foot and what we were going to do about it,” she said.
Dr. Eriksen began treating Jeanna’s wound by carefully debriding and offloading it. Then, he introduced her to an innovative option that offered new hope—a placental tissue graft, a treatment used to promote healing in chronic wounds.
“He told me about using placental tissue as a graft to help cover the wound and stimulate healing,” Jeanna recalled. “It sounded a little strange at first, but he explained it all so clearly, and I trusted him. We went ahead with it.”
The results were more than Jeanna could have hoped for.
“Today, you can barely see where the wound even was,” she said with a smile. “Dr. Eriksen saved my foot. I truly believe that.”
Jeanna now encourages anyone facing foot issues—whether it’s related to diabetes, injury, or chronic pain—to consider making an appointment at Pershing Health System’s Outpatient Foot Clinic.
“Don’t wait until it gets worse. Go see Dr. Eriksen. He knows what he’s doing, and he truly cares about his patients.”
Thanks to expert care close to home, Jeanna is back on her feet— literally—and grateful every step of the way.
Ask your provider about a referral to Pershing Health System’s Outpatient Clinic. Call 660-258-1183 to see either Dr. Erich Eriksen or Dr. Eric James.
