Alieu Kanu

Biography

Dr. Alieu Kanu is a fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon with specialized training in diabetic limb salvage, Charcot reconstruction, and complex revisional elective foot and ankle procedures. He completed his fellowship training at HCA Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas under the tutelage of Dr. Thomas Zgonis.

Dr. Kanu earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, where he served in prominent leadership roles and received the Dean’s Leadership Award. Prior to his podiatric medical education, Dr. Kanu completed a Master of Science in Medical Science from Indiana University, a Master of Science in Public Health Microbiology & Emerging Infectious Diseases from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins University. He completed his rigorous podiatric residency at Inspira Health Network in New Jersey with a heavy surgical focus on elective foot and ankle trauma, cavus reconstruction, and total ankle replacements.

Dr. Alieu Kanu provides expert podiatric surgical care at Artesia General Hospital, serving patients from Artesia, Carlsbad, and Roswell, New Mexico, as well as surrounding communities. Patients across southeastern New Mexico trust his evidence-based approach, advanced surgical skill, and commitment to compassionate care close to home. 

Specialized Experience

Dr. Kanu has extensive specialized experience in external fixation of the lower extremity and orthoplastic surgical techniques for diabetic limb salvage as well as for chronic ulcer management. He is dedicated to ensuring that patients are fully optimized for the best outcomes prior to surgery.

Publications & Presentations

Dr. Kanu is a published researcher and invited lecturer who frequently contributes to national conferences and academic journals. His scholarly work appears in peer-reviewed journals including Foot & Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports & Cases, and Blood. He has presented award-winning poster research at major medical conferences—such as the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons (ASPS), and the Symposium for Advanced Wound Care (SAWC)—and serves as invited faculty lecturing on diabetic foot and ankle surgical techniques at the annual Methodist International Lower Extremity Symposium (MILES). 

Additional Information

Dr. Kanu is deeply committed to medical education, professional advocacy, and mentorship. Selected for the prestigious APMA Emerging Leaders Program, he has previously served as President of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Students Association and as Student Dean at Rosalind Franklin University. Throughout his career, he has organized hands-on surgical workshops and led community initiatives exposing high school students to careers in podiatric medicine. 

Professional Affiliations

• American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) – Emerging Leaders Cohort 2025-2026
• American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS)
• American Society of Podiatric Surgeons (ASPS)

Certifications

• Board Qualified – American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS)
• Board Eligible – American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM)

Languages

• English (native fluency)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Dr. Alieu Kanu | Podiatric Surgeon

1. Who is Dr. Alieu Kanu?

Dr. Alieu Kanu is a fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon specializing in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, diabetic limb salvage, and lower extremity trauma.

2. What conditions does Dr. Kanu treat?

Dr. Kanu treats a wide array of lower extremity conditions, including diabetic foot ulcers, Charcot foot deformities, foot and ankle trauma/fractures, severe osteoarthritis requiring ankle replacement, cavus foot deformities, and chronic non-healing wound issues.

3. Is Dr. Kanu accepting new patients?

Yes, Dr. Alieu Kanu will be accepting new patients.

4. What is Dr. Kanu’s educational and training background?

Dr. Kanu earned his DPM from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and holds advanced master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins, George Washington University, and Indiana University. He completed his residency at Inspira Health Network and an advanced reconstructive foot and ankle fellowship at HCA Methodist Hospital in San Antonio.

5. What surgical procedures does Dr. Kanu perform?

Dr. Kanu performs reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, total ankle replacements, diabetic limb salvage procedures, Charcot reconstruction, orthoplastic nerve and soft-tissue procedures, and revisional lower extremity surgery.

6. Does Dr. Kanu conduct medical research?

Yes, Dr. Kanu is a published researcher and frequent presenter at national conferences like ACFAS, ASPS, MILES and SAWC, focusing on innovative limb salvage techniques and surgical outcomes.

7. Is Dr. Kanu board certified?

Dr. Kanu is Board Qualified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and board eligible by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM).

8. Where is Dr. Kanu located?

Dr. Kanu sees patients at Artesia General Hospital in Artesia, New Mexico. For directions or to learn more, visit www.artesiageneral.com.