Meet our Physicians
Leslie B. Dowling, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Leslie Dowling, DPM, FACFAS, is originally from Blackshear, Georgia, and has returned home to serve the community she grew up in. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University, followed by her Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Master of Business Administration, and Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Miami, Florida.
Dr. Dowling completed a three-year residency at DeKalb Medical in Atlanta, Georgia, where she trained alongside some of the most respected foot and ankle surgeons in the world. During her time in Atlanta, she received extensive training in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery and diabetic limb salvage — skills she now brings to every patient she serves.
As a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Satilla Foot & Ankle, Dr. Dowling is committed to compassionate, personalized care for patients across Waycross, Baxley, and the surrounding communities of Southeast Georgia. She believes expert podiatric care should be rooted in both clinical excellence and genuine care for the whole person.
Dr. Dowling is married to David Dowling and they have two children, Drake and Caroline. Drake is a student at Pierce County High School. Caroline joined Jesus in Heaven on May 18, 2024.
Lee M. Hlad, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Lee Hlad, DPM, FACFAS is originally from Lowville, New York, where the cows outnumber the people. He completed his residency at Grant Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma facility in Columbus, Ohio, before being accepted into a highly competitive orthopedic pediatric fellowship in Baltimore, Maryland focused on limb lengthening and deformity correction.
Dr. Hlad has held faculty positions for residency programs and served as fellowship director for numerous post-graduate fellows. He lectures and trains physicians both nationally and internationally on cutting-edge procedures and advanced surgical techniques, and is heavily involved in research — having published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, textbook chapters, and scientific posters.
He is recognized as an expert in limb salvage, external fixation, 3D custom implants, Charcot reconstruction, total ankle replacement, and complex revisional surgery. A board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Hlad has proudly served the Waycross community and surrounding Southeast Georgia areas for over seven years as part of the team at Satilla Foot & Ankle.
Outside of the office, Dr. Hlad is an active member of his local church and enjoys hunting, four-wheeling, working through his honey-do list, and spending time with his four children.
Danielle R. McKenna, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Danielle McKenna, DPM, FACFAS, was born in Woodbury, New Jersey. Growing up, she moved many times — but always hoped to land somewhere close enough to drive to the beach. After attending graduate school in New York City, she completed a three-year surgical residency at Grant Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma facility in Columbus, Ohio.
As a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Satilla Foot & Ankle, Dr. McKenna has built her practice around advanced, conservative treatment options that are patient-goal centered and individualized to each person's needs. She believes in meeting patients where they are and finding the right solution for their lifestyle and goals.
Dr. McKenna has proudly served the Waycross community and surrounding areas of Southeast Georgia since June 2019, and genuinely loves being part of the region she calls home. Serving Waycross, Baxley, and the surrounding Southeast Georgia community, she provides expert podiatric care for patients of all ages.
Outside of the office, she enjoys cooking for family and friends, gardening, and spending time at the beach with her husband and four children.