50 Years Later, A Brenner’s Still Caring For Canarsie’s Feet

Dr. Cunningham helps Dr. Brenner tape the departing colleague’s name on a sign outside the podiatrist’s Rockway Parkway office.

By Neil S. Friedman

There’s been a Brenner taking care of Canarsiens’ feet for nearly half a century. That’s a lot of corns, calluses, bunions and fungi, but the Brenner podiatry clan doesn’t mind — it’s their job and they have your feet well in hand.

Dr. Norman Brenner began his practice on Rockaway Parkway in 1956. Thirty years later his son, Marc, joined the practice, which had moved a few doors north to its current location at 1899 Rockaway Parkway, be-tween avenues M and N.

Before the end of May, Dr. John Cunningham, who’s been working with Dr. Brenner since 1989, is relocating to Florida. Despite the departure of his dedicated, reliable friend and colleague, Dr. Brenner says it will not affect the experience and concern to which his patients are accustomed. Cunningham is a native of Virginia who moved to Brooklyn with his family at age 4.

“I’m sorry to see John leave, but his departure will be capably satisfied by Dr. Shibu Kinatukara, who’s been with me for the last several years. I wish Dr. Cunningham the best of luck.”

Regarding his departure, Dr. Cun-ningham said, “It’s been a pleasure serving the community. I’ve enjoyed my time here, but I will miss my patients, though I’m leaving their feet in the excellent hands of my colleagues.”

He added, “More importantly, I’ll miss Dr. Brenner’s expertise. And, I helped train Dr. Kinatukara, so I know he’s more than able to fill my spot.”

Dr. Brenner, who is board certified in foot surgery, a member of the American Podiatric Medical Associa-tion and a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, and Dr. Kinatukara will continue to provide courteous, gentle and dependable care for major and minor surgeries in the office or a hospital, sports injuries, ingrown toenails and other foot problems.

“We’ve only had a few changes in personnel over the years,” Dr. Brenner explained, “but it’s never affected the quality care we offer patients, whether they’ve been with us for years or just moved to the neighborhood.”

Under Dr. Brenner’s care, patients are offered the latest state-of-the-art technology, including a fully equipped operating room suite, custom made orthotics to relieve pain without surgery and complete Doppler and circulatory analysis performed in office.

Office hours are six days a week and house calls can be scheduled. Medicare, GHI, Blue Shield and other medical plans are accepted. To make an appointment or to inquire about a foot problem just call 1-718-251-1122.

Neil S. Friedman