North Providence, RI Office

James Appleton, DPM, FACFAS, is a board certified podiatrist and the newest partner of the Rhode Island Foot Care team. He currently sees patients at the practice’s locations in North Providence and Newport, and Rhode Island.

Dr. Appleton is a native Rhode Islander born in Providence. He attended Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts, from 2000-­2004, and received his bachelor’s degree in biology with a focus in computer science. While attending Assumption University, he was actively involved in intramural sports and was a member of the baseball team. After obtaining a degree in biology, he attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and received his medical degree in 2010.

Dr. Appleton completed his podiatric medical and surgical residency from Roger Williams Medical Center, a program with an emphasis on forefoot and rearfoot reconstruction as well as diabetic wound care and limb salvage. There, he trained under many local podiatrists, as well as orthopedic surgeons, and served as the chief resident in his final year of training.

He is active with surgical residency training and is a member of the academic training committee associated with the Roger Williams Medical Center residency program. Dr. Appleton takes a personal approach with each patient, providing care and treatment in a comfortable and friendly setting.

In his free time, Dr. Appleton enjoys playing sports, spending time with family, and building and carpentry work.

Brian Pontarelli, DPM, is a board certified foot and ankle surgeon at Rhode Island Foot Care’s locations in Cumberland, North Providence, Cumberland & Johnston, Rhode Island as well as Norfolk, Massachusetts.

Dr. Pontarelli received his Bachelor of Science in biology and minor in business administration from Providence College in Rhode Island. He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia. Afterward, he completed his residency and surgical training at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island.

He performs all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery and has a passion for sports medicine. Dr. Pontarelli is also an avid diabetic wound care specialist. He is a founding member and staff podiatrist of a local wound care center and has helped heal many difficult wounds utilizing cutting edge technology such as hyperbaric oxygen chambers and synthesized skin derivatives.

Dr. Pontarelli became board certified and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in 2002. Over the past nine years, Dr. Pontarelli has brought many innovative ideas to better serve patients, using a “one-stop shopping” mentality, with in-office circulation testing and a full line of foot care and footwear products.

He holds hospital affiliations with Lifespan/The Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Care System, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, and Roger Williams Medical Center. He also serves on the Education Committee and participates in resident training at Roger Williams Medical Center.