For decades, White Bear Foot & Ankle Clinic has been the place our neighbors turn to when foot or ankle pain gets in the way of everyday life. Dr. Christopher Phillips has led the practice since 2014, and together with our podiatrists and support staff, we treat patients at our White Bear Lake and Sandstone locations. Our goal has always been simple: get you back on your feet again. Our community continues to recognize that work, most recently with the 2025 Best of the Press Awards, where the clinic was named Best Orthopedic Clinic in the Quad Community and Dr. Phillips was named Best Orthopedic Doctor in both the Quad Community and The Citizen (Hugo).
Our Doctors
Dr. Christopher Phillips
Dr. Phillips was born and raised in White Bear Lake. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from St. Olaf College, then his DPM degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine). He completed a three-year surgical residency at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Phillips returned to Minnesota in 2014 and has led White Bear Foot & Ankle Clinic since. He sees patients at both our White Bear Lake and Sandstone locations.
Dr. Melanie Johnson
Dr. Johnson is originally from Youngstown, Ohio. She attended John Carroll University, majoring in Biology and English, then earned her DPM degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. She completed a three-year surgical residency at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, followed by an additional year of training in infectious disease and wound care. Dr. Johnson moved to Minnesota in 2016.
Dr. Ross Nelson
Dr. Nelson earned his DPM degree from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at Deaconess Hospital System in St. Louis, Missouri. He is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and holds appointments at United Hospital, St. John’s Hospital, Maplewood Surgery Center, Woodwinds Hospital, and Lakeview Hospital.
Dr. Corey Valentine
Dr. Valentine graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. His professional interests include bunionectomies, hammer toe correction, soft tissue mass removals, endoscopic plantar fasciotomies, fracture care, and nail procedures.
Our Staff
Our front office and clinical support team keeps the clinic running day to day.
Lori
Office Manager
Pam
Office Manager
Mary
Office Staff
Olivia
Medical Assistant
Amber
Medical Scribe