Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Sharkey
Hi Anne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a deep passion for healthcare. From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, which led me to earn my certified nursing assistant (CNA) license at age 16 so I could work in a hospital and gain early exposure to patient care. That experience reinforced my desire to help people and set me on the path to becoming a physician
I ultimately chose podiatry because of its unique blend of medicine, surgery, and biomechanics. Through podiatry, I am able to treat patients ranging from newborns to geriatrics, offering both acute care for issues that may only require a single visit and long-term management for conditions like diabetes, where I build lasting relationships with patients and their families. While many people think podiatry is just about the feet, it actually spans nearly every bodily system—the skin, vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems all play a role in foot health. It’s an incredibly dynamic field that allows me to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions while helping people maintain mobility and overall well-being.
After completing a three-year surgical residency, I spent over a decade in traditional medical practice. Over time, I saw a gap in patient care. This inspired me to step outside the traditional medical practice model and launch Solely Podiatry, a direct-care podiatry practice. In addition to Solely Podiatry, I also own and operate Solely Nails Salon, which is located inside of the podiatry practice, medical nail salon specializing in dry pedicures performed by advanced-trained nail technicians.
Both businesses are rooted in my belief that foot health is foundational to overall well-being. I wanted to create spaces where people could receive expert care in a transparent, patient-centered environment. Alongside my clinical work, I’ve also expanded my reach through media and educational content, helping people understand how to care for their feet and make informed choices about footwear, nail health, and overall wellness.
My journey has been about listening to what people need and building solutions that empower them to thrive—whether it’s through medical care, education, or innovative brand partnerships. It’s been an exciting road, and I’m grateful to be part of Austin’s vibrant small business community!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road certainly hasn’t been smooth or without challenges. Personally, I have undergone 24 knee surgeries since the age of 13. Balancing my recovery while pursuing my education was no easy task. Managing to complete my undergraduate studies, medical school, and residency on time—despite multiple surgeries—was a challenge that required resilience, adaptability, and determination. However, my experiences as a patient have profoundly shaped me as a physician. I understand firsthand what it’s like to navigate medical care, make treatment decisions, and work through the physical and emotional toll of recovery. This perspective has deepened my empathy for my patients and strengthened my commitment to providing them with the best, most comprehensive care possible. I strive to educate my patients about their conditions and treatment options so they feel empowered in their own healthcare journey.
On the business side, stepping into the role of a business owner has been a whole new learning curve. Running a medical practice and a nail salon requires a completely different skill set than being a doctor. From navigating finances to marketing and operations, I’ve had to learn and grow in ways that medical training didn’t prepare me for. But I truly believe that growth happens through challenges, and every obstacle has pushed me to become a better leader, practitioner, and entrepreneur.
While the road hasn’t been easy, every challenge has shaped me into the person and professional I am today. And for that, I am grateful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in podiatry, with a focus on diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. Within podiatry, my expertise includes heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, ankle pain and injuries, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, warts, biomechanics, gait analysis, and custom orthotics.
What sets me apart is the way I approach patient care. I am known for truly taking the time to get to know my patients, ensuring they understand their diagnosis and treatment options, and making sure they have ample opportunity to ask questions. I want my patients to feel seen and heard—not rushed through an appointment. Education is a key part of my practice, and I strive to empower my patients to make informed decisions about their foot health.
I am incredibly proud of the career I have built in podiatry, and even more so as I expand into the business world as the owner of Austin’s first medical nail salon, Solely Nails. There is no other salon in Austin that is both physician-owned and operated, offering a medical-grade approach to nail care. When creating this salon model, I dedicated a great deal of time to researching and learning about the nail industry to ensure we could offer something truly unique. My top priority was to create a relaxing, spa-like environment where clients can receive nail care without the worry of infection or unsafe practices—and we have done exactly that.
In addition to my clinical and business ventures, I am also proud and excited about the opportunities I’ve been afforded through social media. The ability to provide foot and ankle education on a larger scale has been incredibly rewarding. Through digital platforms, I’ve been able to reach people beyond my local community, educating them on foot health, footwear choices, nail care, and overall wellness. I love engaging with people, answering their questions, and breaking down complex medical topics in a way that empowers them to take better care of their feet.
Through both my medical practice, my business, and my growing online presence, my goal is to improve people’s quality of life—whether that’s by alleviating foot pain, improving mobility, or offering a safe, high-quality space for nail care. I’m excited to continue growing and bringing these much-needed services to my community and beyond.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love connecting with people, whether it’s through patient care, collaborations, or education! The best way to work with me, collaborate with me, or support me is by following along on Instagram, where I share foot and ankle health tips, insights into my practice, and updates on my businesses. You can find me at @drsharkey_dpm.
If you’re in the Austin area and looking for expert foot and ankle care, you can visit my direct-care podiatry clinic, Solely Podiatry, at www.solelypodiatry.com. For those seeking a safe, medical-grade nail salon experience, Solely Nails is the first physician-owned and operated nail salon in Austin, designed for both wellness and relaxation—learn more at www.solelynails.com.
For business inquiries, collaborations, or speaking opportunities, feel free to reach out at hello@drannesharkey.com. I’m always excited to connect, educate, and create meaningful partnerships that promote foot health and overall wellness!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.solelypodiatry.com / www.solelynails.com
- Instagram: @drsharkey_dpm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drannesharkey
Image Credits
Cheyenne Morris Photography
