DESOTO, TX – As part of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, the team at Cardiac and Vascular Interventional Group (CVIG) and Comfort Podiatry are raising the alarm about a serious but often overlooked condition that affects millions—especially within the Black community—and can lead to devastating consequences if undetected.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when arteries that supply blood to the limbs—particularly the legs and feet—become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. Left untreated, PAD can lead to severe pain, non-healing wounds, amputation, and even death from heart attack or stroke.
“PAD is a silent epidemic in our community, and early diagnosis is the difference between healing and losing a limb,” said Dr. Mark Jenkins, interventional cardiologist, founder and CEO at CVIG and nationally recognized expert in cardiac disparities. “We are deeply committed to bringing accessible, life-saving care directly to those who need it most.” African Americans are disproportionately affected by PAD, experiencing higher rates of diagnosis, complications, and amputations compared to other groups. The reasons are complex: higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, along with systemic barriers to healthcare access, contribute to worse outcomes and delayed care.
CVIG and Comfort Podiatry—situated at the end of Scotland Drive in the DeSoto Medical District and also Llewelyn Ave in the heart of Dallas, Oak Cliff —serve as a vital resource, delivering high-quality cardiac and vascular care to historically underserved populations in the Southern Dallas area and surrounding metroplex.
This multidisciplinary team brings unmatched expertise and deep community roots to their diverse patients.
The founder and CEO of CVIG, Dr. Mark Jenkins is a top 100 U.S. Physician and Texas Top Doctor. He is a national leader in healthcare equity and a member of the team that developed the Paclitaxel-Coated Drug Delivery Stent, a breakthrough in vascular care. He is a leader in the community and known for his extensive knowledge and impeccable care for his patients
Dr. Dan Jones is highly respected Board-Certified Podiatrist. He’s a native of Dallas, Texas and a Morehouse College graduate with nearly 30 years of podiatric experience. He specializes in forefoot reconstruction and diabetic limb salvage and is beloved and well revered in Podiatry and the medical community at large.
GeTonya Dickerson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C is a skilled cardiology nurse practitioner with nearly a decade of specialized experience. GeTonya is A member of both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and an Associate of the American College of Cardiology, and an integral part of this physician-led team. “We’re not just a clinic—we’re a mission-driven team dedicated to preventing avoidable amputations and closing the health gap for our community,” said GeTonya Dickerson, NP.
Know the Risk Factors for PAD:
Get Screened. Get Answers. Get Hope.
“PAD is preventable. It’s treatable. And when caught early—it’s manageable. Don’t wait,” said Dr. Jenkins. “We’re here for you.”
The CVIG Team ~ Preserving Families and Transforming Communities
Media Contact:
Celia Walker
(972)658-5918
