Our physicians

Dr. Elizabeth Franger is a Podiatric Physician and Surgeon who was born and raised in Shrewsbury, MA. She is an alumna of Shrewsbury High School and attended Fairfield University for her undergraduate education. She graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Molecular Biology and Minor in Psychology.

Dr. Franger attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and after receiving her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine, completed a rigorous 3 year PMSR/RRA surgical residency program at Good Samaritan University Hospital, a level 1 trauma center, in West Islip, NY. 

Dr. Franger was the Chief resident of the program during her third year of training. 

Some highlights from her training include working in an orthopedic office where she learned from Podiatrists and Foot and Ankle Orthopedic surgeons how to treat active individuals, conservatively and surgically, and get them back on their feet. She spent time at the St. Catherine's of Siena Wound Care and Hyperbarics Center. Dr. Franger has had comprehensive exposure to both forefoot and rearfoot surgical cases, including arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery. She completed a 2 week Mini Fellowship in Dermatopathology at the Bako Diagnostics Lab.

Dr. Franger discovered a love for rowing in high school and competed on the crew team for both SHS and at a D1 level at Fairfield University. Dr. Franger now spends her free time running and participating in half and full marathons. 

Dr. Frederick Kaestel is a Podiatric Physician and Surgeon, Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Medicine.

Dr. Kaestel is originally from Long Island, NY, and graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Magna Cum Laude). He then attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City and obtained his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. 

Dr. Kaestel completed his three year post graduate residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the prestigious Long Island Jewish Medical Center/ North Shore University Hospital (Level 1 Trauma) in New York. During this time, Dr. Kaestel received thorough Pediatric training at Cohen Children’s Medical Center (New York’s largest Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center), as well as extensive wound care and limb salvage experience at Northwell Health’s Wound Care Center.

In addition, Dr. Kaestel has comprehensive training in elective surgery, arthroscopic surgery, as well as reconstructive and trauma surgery of the foot and ankle. He has also trained in the latest non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments of common foot and ankle conditions. 

Dr. Kaestel’s background as an outdoorsman and marathoner has helped him to understand exactly what it feels like to be in a patient's shoes. He is a compassionate doctor who takes his patients goals and lifestyle to tailor the best treatment for each specific patient.

Dr. Robert R. Franger officially retired in 2024. Dr. Franger provided exceptional, compassionate care to central Massachusetts for over 40 years. He was a Board Certified Podiatric Physician and Surgeon. Dr. Elizabeth Franger and Dr. Frederick Kaestel have expanded the practice and will continue to provide premier foot and ankle care to the community.