Dr. Yarger grew up in Centre Hall, but his education and career took him to Cleveland, Colorado, and North Carolina. Now, he is excited to return home. “Growing up in Centre Hall, this community has always held a special place in my heart,” he shared. “It has always been my dream to be closer to family and have the opportunity to improve the quality of life of the people in the community.”
Dr. Yarger felt podiatry was a unique blend of his interests. “I’ve always had a strong interest in art and biology,” he explained. “I found podiatry and foot/ankle surgery to be the perfect way to combine creativity and science. This field allows me to solve complex problems while improving my patients’ mobility and quality of life.”
Dr. Yarger specializes in treating painful bunion deformities, plantar fasciitis/heel pain, unstable/painful ankles, ingrown toenails, and foot wounds. “My goal is to improve foot function by helping patients maintain or regain their desired mobility and activity levels,” he said.
“If the patient’s foot or ankle issue can be resolved with a conservative solution, I prioritize education and address the problem without surgery whenever possible,” he explained. “Before considering surgical intervention, I take time to understand the patient’s concerns so we can customize a procedure that aligns with their needs. In doing so, I am able to help them return to work or activities they love with minimal downtime.”
During patient interactions, Dr. Yarger works to build meaningful relationships and deliver personalized care to meet each patient’s needs. “I believe it is important to get to know each patient as an individual and understand their expectations before recommending treatment,” he said. “By taking time to listen and learn about their goals, we can develop a treatment plan that is not only appropriate but also encourages motivation and adherence, which leads to better outcomes.”
Dr. Yarger earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at North Colorado Medical Center. He holds board certifications in foot surgery, rearfoot reconstructive and ankle surgery, and wound care.
Outside of caring for patients, Dr. Yarger enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and extended family in the area. When time permits, he pursues various hobbies, including hunting, fishing, home improvement projects, whittling, and metal detecting.
At Mount Nittany Health, our podiatry team is dedicated to helping patients maintain or regain their desired mobility and activity levels. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ian Yarger, call 814.237.4321 or visit mountnittany.org/services/orthopedics-sports-medicine for more information.