Thank you to Tim Dutra, DPM, a core faculty member at the College of Podiatric Medicine, who has been volunteering with students at the Special Olympics for the past 30 years. Dr. Dutra, who is the current Clinical Director for the Northern California Special Olympics Healthy Athlete Fit Feet Program, says that typically about 100 athletes are screened prior to their events.  During the World Games, however, as many as 1,000 Special Olympians are screened, with emphasis on gait analysis, lower extremity biomechanics, athletic footwear and referral for follow up evaluation and care. Prevention and education are a big part of the program.  About 50 percent of Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine students participate in the Healthy Athlete Fit Feet Program during their educational career, contributing to SMU's commitment to community service and outreach.