Fallen leaves swirl in the autumn breeze as Marc Pawsat rides his bike to meet other members of the Limestone Cycling League for a “short ’n sweet” 15-mile Wednesday ride to enjoy the October air.
For some, cycling comes with a bit of friendly competition, but for Marc, it’s a release from the pressures of his job as Maysville’s only podiatrist. It’s also a release from the racing thoughts in his mind.
Marc described three types of cyclists: sprinters, climbers and endurance riders. While sprinters use their energy to race to the finish, the climbers tend to work their muscles to climb to higher elevations. But sometimes life is a marathon. Those like Marc who ride for endurance are in it for the long haul, competing with mind over matter.
Marc applies this philosophy to his practice as he sees patients. In a rural town like Maysville, which has limited access to healthcare specialists and health education, he recognizes the need to emphasize the importance of self care. He provides personalized care for the people of Maysville to improve their quality of life by giving them the hands-on care they need. His work has inspired him to lead a healthier lifestyle by adopting a vegan diet and pursuing cycling.
“Cycling changed my life,” Marc said. “It brought people into my life, it brought me fitness, it brought me better friends.” Cycling has not only introduced Marc to new people but has also allowed him to invest in his relationship with his wife, Stefanie Pawsat, who occasionally rides beside him.
“He lives mind over matter,” Stefanie said. “He truly does.”
Born and raised here, Marc has been Maysville’s podiatrist since 1994. He returned home after meeting Stefanie during his radiology residency in Missouri. Working to help people in the hospital brought them together. As a family, they raised three kids and continued to foster the essence of kinship through their practice in and outside of the office. Their community has become their second family.
“He is a good guy to work for, and you become a part of the family with routine patients,” said Amanda Bennett, office manager at Maysville Foot & Ankle Clinic. Amanda has been working with Marc for nearly 29 years and has seen many of the same patients repeatedly during her time there. “We see patients with diabetes, who have higher risks of ulcers,” she said, “and being here gives patients access to routine checkups and reduces the risk of amputations.”
Building a community and making his presence known has been an essential ingredient to Marc’s practice. Caring for feet is a crucial aspect of managing diabetes. Lifestyle modifications and standard foot care are some of the best ways to prevent wounds from appearing, he said. Having this kind of care in rural communities helps keep residents healthy because, without these resources, referrals may require patients to travel long distances.
“When you don’t have that person (specialists) right across the street, it’s harder to make that referral,” Marc said. “You don’t have that intimate connection. If that specialist was next door, he’d go, ‘Hey, here’s my buddy, I think you need to go see him.’ It makes it a lot easier.”
The community of Maysville has come to know Marc for who he is — a kind, loving man who aims to live a healthy life.
