Meet the Doctor

Hi, Let Me introduce myself, I'm Dr. Calvin Douglas Baize, foot & ankle specialist or Podiatrist. I operate the Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Clinic

I was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, where my father was stationed at the local air force base. Of course, military families move often, and the Baize family was no exception. I have an older sister and brother, so I guess that makes me the baby of the family. We moved a lot during my adolescence, which taught me how to make friends easily and be fairly independent.

I liked to play rough in high school, so my eyeglasses were frequently broken, requiring that my mother visit the optical shop frequently. During one such repair trip, she asked the owner if he could use a bright young man to work part-time after school. She was always thinking of me, bless her heart. I got the job and gained valuable experience in the ophthalmic industry that lead to a great career. After some time in the optical business, I decided to pursue a career as an optometrist.  When it became obvious that I could handle the academics, the decision was made to switch to Podiatry.

I joined the US Army Reserves, and after basic training, I returned home to visit my family and met my future wife and was married in a small chapel in Bloomington, Illinois. We had five beautiful children, four girls and one boy in the middle (poor kid).

I was promptly activated to full-time active duty and called to serve in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. I was attached to a highly mobile reserve hospital from Salt Lake City. I served for 6-8 months and returned home just in time to see the birth of my daughter Calina.  Having seen my father serve several tours in Vietnam, I was grateful for the opportunity to serve my country.  My military life and service have afforded me with a strong sense of patriotism, and I stand strong in support of the constitution.

I graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor in biology and was accepted into the Podiatric surgery program at the University of Osteopathic Medicine & Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. I was granted a surgical residency in Gardenia, California, where I had the privileged to participate in the Baja Crippled Children Clinic.  I relocated to Montrose Colorado n 2001 and opened the Blue Mesa Foot & Ankle Center. Colorado is an excellent place to live but felt I wanted to be closer to my family, and I've always loved the Ozarks.

We manage all aspects of foot and ankle care from simple diabetic foot care, nail disease, to most forms of surgical reconstruction or trauma—my areas of special interest, success, and treatment, center around diabetic limb salvage and biomechanics.

I love the Ozarks, and its small-town feel and all the outdoor activities, i.e., hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and of course, off-roading, etc. if you are considering an appointment with myself and the Step Ahead Foot & Ankle staff, Welcome.

Sincerely Yours
Cal D. Baize DPM