The Founder and Legacy
 James M. Losito, DPM
 Dr. Cynthia Marzouka-Losito
 Melissa Leeds
Current News

Protech is a health facility made up of a team of doctors and medical experts that provide high quality therapeutic treatment for the foot and ankle. A few of the ailments we address include plantar fasciitis (heel pain), heel spurs, Morton's Neuroma, arch pain, tarsal tunnel syndrome, section bunions, any foot, ankle or leg problems, fractures, and nail and skin problems. Through the use of such techniques as biomechanics, surgery and custom made Orthotics, we are able to treat a variety of symptoms and better your life.

We are committed to providing quality care for all of our patients through integrity, reliable service and genuine care and concern for your well being. At Protech we take pride in giving you the best customer service possible and in treating you as a person, not just another patient. Our job is to listen to you and use our expertise and vast training to find the best possible treatment for you. This philosophy was inspired by the late founder of Protech Sports Medicine, Dr. Stuart Leeds, who passed away on Friday, September 29, 2006. His inspiring story and legacy is best told through the eyes of Protech's current medical director James M. Losito, DPM.

The Founder and his Legacy

Dr. Stuart Leeds (1941-2006)

On Friday, September 29, 2006 the Academy lost a dear friend and colleague when Stuart Leeds, DPM passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 65 years old. Dr. Leeds was a pioneer in the field of Podiatric Sports Medicine and was certainly the preeminent podiatric sports medicine practitioner in the southeastern United States for many years.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Leeds attended the University of Miami and graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1968. He completed his residency training at Beth Israel Hospital in New York and established his Podiatry practice in Miami, Florida. In just a few years Dr. Leeds developed a flourishing practice in south Miami and established a reputation of excellence in Podiatric Sports Medicine.
Dr. Leeds was most certainly one of the first Podiatrists in the world to establish himself as a team physician in collegiate and professional sports. He was the Team Podiatrist for Florida International University, the University of Miami and was the Podiatric consultant to the Miami Dolphins. In 1989, he was named the Podiatrist for the Miami Heat becoming one of the first Podiatric Physicians to hold such a position.
Whoever came in contact with Dr. Leeds was better for it. He helped so many besides his patients; residents, fellows and other physicians, including myself. He was a fantastic teacher and motivator and he practiced with great enthusiasm for his profession.

Dr. Leeds meant so much to me personally; he was great friend, mentor and father figure. He taught me a tremendous amount about Podiatric sports medicine and life. When he retired from active practice in 1998, I assumed his positions with the University of Miami and with the Miami Heat. He made a major contribution to me personally and professionally and he will be sorely missed.

Thank you Stu, for touching our lives.

Respectfully submitted,
James M. Losito, DPM
Past President, AAPSM

Meet the staff:

James M. Losito, DPM is originally from Los Altos California. He began his medical career in 1981 as a graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a Degree in Biological Sciences. His early interest in the medical field led him to the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, where he obtained his D.P.M. His career in the field of Podiatry blossomed through a residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in San Francisco, as well as a fellowship program in Podiatric Biomechanics and Master of Science Program in Podiatric Biomechanics at the California College of Podiatric Medicine, also in San Francisco.

Dr. Losito is currently a Professor in the school of Graduate Medical Sciences at Barry University. He serves as attending Podiatrist to the Barry University athletic program, the University of Miami men's basketball team, and the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association. Dr. Losito is also currently the Immediate Past President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine. His tremendous career spans from past experience as a Professor of Podiatric Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Vallejo, California, to team Podiatrist for the Miami Sol. Some of Dr. Losito's strengths include his well-rounded background and natural talent, which did not go unnoticed by his mentor, Dr. Stuart Leeds.

Dr. Losito met Dr. Leeds in 1995 when he was called by Dr. Leeds to cover his practice while he underwent shoulder surgery. Dr. Losito was the only Podiatrist Dr. Leeds felt was qualified for this task, as Dr. Losito was also trained in sports medicine. Dr. Leeds took the young and talented Dr. Losito under his wing and helped him to follow in his footsteps. In 1999 Dr. Losito took over as the team Podiatrist for The Miami Heat, freeing Dr. Leeds to stay on only as a consultant to the Heat and pursue other interests. In the same year Dr. Leeds founded Protech Sports Medicine and the expertise, versatility, drive, and talent of these two doctors united to create what today is known as one of the top Podiatric medical facilities in the country. In his rare downtime, Dr. Losito enjoys spending time with his wife and beautiful twin boys, and enjoying activities such as basketball, cycling, running, swimming and fencing.

Dr. Marzouka-Losito began her career with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. She later attended Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida to become Doctor in Podiatric Medicine.  Dr. Marzouka-Losito's residency was completed at the Cedars Columbia Medical Center in Miami, Florida with an emphasis in Biomechanics and Sports Medicine.

To her current position as a Podiatric Physician at Protech Sports Medicine, Dr. Marzouka-Losito brings extensive experience in the field of podiatry. Examples of her varied medical background include experience as an Adjunct Professor for the Department of Biology at Miami Dade Community College, as well as several positions as a Podiatric Physician for fine medical facilities throughout Florida, before joining the team at Protech.  Aside from her position with Protech, Dr. Marzouka-Losito is also currently the official medical advisor of the practice of Podiatry for the Arthritis Foundation, as well as for Carnival Cruise Lines.

Currently, she serves on the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedic and Podiatric Prima Medicine and has served as a member on the American Podiatric Medical Association, the Florida Podiatric Medical Association and the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County. Dr. Marzouka-Losito's other active national memberships include the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine, American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics, Editorial Board of Forum Medicum, Inc., Florida Public Health Associations, American Society of Biomechanics and the American Diabetes Association.

Along with her husband Dr. James Losito, Dr. Marzouka-Losito, has helped countless patients of Protech Sports Medicine. Their pioneering work in the field of Biomechanics has contributed to the many success stories reflected on this website in the Testimonials section. When not caring for her patients, Dr. Marzouka-Losito enjoys such activities as tennis, swimming, fishing, traveling, watching movies and spending time with her husband and beautiful twin boys.

School is out, and the warm summer days we have been longing for are in full swing. Protech's Dr. Marzouka-Losito has some tips for staying healthy this summer. Many of our summertime fun events call for high heels and wedges to come out of hiding from our closets, but Dr. Marzouka-Losito warns that this could be risky if not done in moderation and with proper precautions. These fashion forward looks, although attractive, can lead to painful disorders such as Neuroma's, ankle sprains and Metersalagia. A custom Orthotic may help reduce your risk, but it would be wise to save your heels for only those special occasions. If you currently have discomfort you think might be associated with these ailments, you can make an appointment to see one of our experienced doctors at Protech for specialized treatment.

Planning on spending time outdoors? Flip flops are the epitome of a summer shoe, but you may be surprised just how hazardous they can be to your health. Because this style sandal provides no ankle stability, they should be worn with caution as they can lead to painful sprains and even plantar fasciitis. Young, active children should also be careful while wearing flip flops this summer.

For those of you who are looking forward to taking your workout outdoors should also be cautious. One of the most challenging outdoor workouts involves running on the beach, but Dr. Marzouka-Losito advises her patients to wear supportive sneakers fitted with a SporTech Orthotic and to be particularly careful. This unstable running surface can easily lead to plantar fasciitis and sprained ankles, especially if running barefoot. For more information on how to stay healthy all summer long, make an appointment to see one of the expert doctors from the Protech Sports Medicine team.

Have a great summer, enjoy the outdoors and stay healthy! Check back this fall for more feet friendly advice from Dr. Marzouka-Losito and the team at Protech.