Craig E. Clifford, DPM, MHA – Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Genesis® Regenerative Protein Array Clinician in Oregon City, OR
Pathways Foot & Ankle – Comprehensive and Conservative Lower Extremity Care
Serving patients in Oregon City, Oregon, Dr. Craig E. Clifford is a double board-certified podiatric specialist practicing at Pathways Foot & Ankle. Dr. Clifford pairs extensive clinical experience with an award-winning academic background. While completing his medical residency, he transitioned into teaching and served later as the Director of Residency Training at the Franciscan Foot and Ankle Institute. His dedication to medical education earned him honors, including the Outstanding Teaching Award and Instructor of the Year. He has also been recognized multiple times as Clinician of the Year and was awarded Physician of the Year by the Washington State Podiatric Medical Association in 2020.
Though highly proficient in surgical interventions, Dr. Clifford’s medical philosophy underwent a significant evolution. Recognizing that the vast majority of lower extremity surgeries can be safely avoided with the right conservative measures, he chose to transition away from a high-volume surgical practice in 2022. His primary goal is expanding access to advanced, non-surgical treatment options for patients. When absolutely required, he performs surgery with minimally invasive surgical techniques. Guided by the belief that all patients deserve an evidence-based, individualized approach rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment plan, Dr. Clifford works collaboratively with individuals to build custom pathways to recovery.
Dr. Clifford’s clinical excellence is supported by a robust professional background:
- Education & Training: Earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Master of Health Administration degrees before executing a rigorous residency at the Franciscan Foot and Ankle Institute in Washington.
- Certifications & Affiliations: Board-certified by both the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He serves on the Board of Directors for the International Foot & Ankle Foundation and maintains an active role as a peer reviewer and editor for multiple scientific medical journals.
- Philanthropy: Strongly believes in global health equity, dedicating over a decade of volunteer service providing lower extremity care to children through the Yucatán Children’s Project in Mexico.
To help individuals regain steady, pain-free mobility, Dr. Clifford provides customized, non-surgical care targeting major lower extremity issues, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis & Chronic Heel Pain: Employs advanced, non-invasive modalities to minimize chronic structural stress, calm persistent inflammation, and assist the heel’s native recovery pathways.
- Achilles Tendonitis & Partial Tears: Utilizes localized conservative strategies to support the biological environment surrounding compromised tendons, accelerating a safe return to everyday function.
- Osteoarthritis in the Foot & Ankle Joints: Curates individualized care plans focused on optimizing joint stability and enhancing functional mobility to combat progressive wear and tear.
- Ligament Sprains & Sports Injuries: Deploys data-driven recovery regimens centered on environmental optimization to restore structural integrity after acute physical trauma or athletic injuries.
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Implements precise, advanced wound care protocols designed to balance the local tissue microenvironment and safely reinforce complex cellular repair.
Genesis® Regenerative Protein Arrays
To expand his options, Dr. Clifford utilizes the Genesis® Regenerative Protein Array (RPA). This approach relies on a specialized, cell-free protein matrix designed to support the body’s innate recovery mechanisms. Rather than using living cells, this acellular technology delivers a concentrated mixture of natural signaling proteins, cytokines, and growth factors precisely where it is needed.
The main objective of the array is localized environmental optimization. By utilizing paracrine signaling, the protein matrix communicates with the surrounding biological area, delivering the essential chemical cues needed to support the body’s own repair pathways. This mechanism has shown great potential in aiding functional movement and promoting ongoing tissue stability.
Patients who wish to understand the science behind this cell-free alternative are invited to explore our patient resources. Medical practitioners interested in learning more about RPA can visit our clinician resources page for further insights.
