After two decades guiding aircraft safely through crowded skies, Kathleen Bauer charted a very different course, one focused on helping people stay steady on their feet. 

Bauer, founder of Gentle Touch Mobile Podiatry, launched her practice in 2017 following a 20-year career as an air traffic control specialist with the Federal Aviation Administration. While the professions may seem worlds apart, Bauer said both require precision, focus, and a deep sense of responsibility.

 “I felt a calling to move into health care and service,” Bauer said. “I wanted to do something more directly connected to helping people.”

 Answering that call meant returning to school. Bauer earned her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Barry University and completed a post-graduate surgical residency at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Baltimore, where she gained extensive clinical experience in foot and ankle care. 

Today, nearly nine years into her second career, Bauer operates a solo practice that blends clinical expertise with a highly personal approach. Gentle Touch Mobile Podiatry offers both in-office treatments and mobile services, bringing care directly to patients in their homes and nursing facilities throughout Westmoreland County and surrounding areas. 

Her clinic, located on Harrison Avenue in Jeannette, provides a range of services including fungal nail care, laser treatment for nail fungus, KeryFlex nail restoration, callus and nail care, basic wound care, and diabetic foot education. But it’s her mobile service model that sets the practice apart.

 “For many patients, especially seniors or those with mobility challenges, getting to an appointment can be difficult,” Bauer said. “Being able to bring that care to them makes a real difference.” 

During house calls, Bauer provides essential foot care services such as nail trimming, callus care, diabetic foot exams, and wound care assessments, often serving patients who might otherwise go without regular treatment. 

Her approach emphasizes both medical care and patient comfort. By combining modern treatment options with hands-on, individualized attention, Bauer aims to improve not only foot health but also overall mobility and quality of life. 

“Foot health plays such an important role in independence,” she said. “When people are comfortable and able to move without pain, it impacts so many aspects of their daily lives.”

Bauer’s path to podiatry was shaped by a lifelong interest in problem-solving and service. She began her professional journey with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Carlow University before entering the high-pressure world of air traffic control. 

While the transition from managing airspace to treating patients may seem unconventional, Bauer said the skills she developed in her first career, attention to detail, quick decision-making, and clear communication, translate well into medicine. 

Still, it’s the human connection that defines her work today. “What makes this practice special is the opportunity to build relationships with patients,” she said. “You’re not just treating a condition, you’re helping someone feel better, stay active and maintain their independence.” 

That personal connection is often enhanced by an unexpected member of the team. Bauer’s border collie, Aurora, occasionally accompanies her to nursing homes and can sometimes be seen in the office. The friendly dog has become a favorite among patients, offering comfort and a reason to smile. 

“She brings a warmth that patients really enjoy,” Bauer said. “It’s a small thing, but it can make a big difference in someone’s day.”

Operating as a solo practitioner, Bauer manages every aspect of the business herself, from patient care to scheduling. While that can be demanding, she said it allows her to maintain the level of personalized attention that defines Gentle Touch Mobile Podiatry.

“I’m able to take the time each patient needs,” she said. “That’s something I value highly.”

Bauer also stays current with advancements in podiatric care, incorporating modern treatments such as laser therapy for fungal nails and KeryFlex nail restoration into her practice. At the same time, she maintains a gentle, patient-centered approach that prioritizes education and long-term health. 

“Education is a big part of what I do,” she said. “When patients understand how to care for their feet, they can prevent many common issues.” 

As her practice continues to grow, Bauer is focused on expanding access to care within the community. Her partnership with Stroll Murrysville is one way she is reaching more local families, seniors, and individuals who may benefit from her services.

 “Their mission aligns with my goal of supporting the health and well-being of the community,” Bauer said. “It’s a great way to connect with people who might not otherwise know these services are available.” 

Looking ahead, Bauer remains committed to the principles that guided her career change: service, compassion, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. 

Whether in the clinic or on the road, she continues to meet patients where they are, literally and figuratively, helping them take each step with greater comfort and confidence.

Gentle Touch Mobile Podiatry

724.433.3774