Dr. Knochel graduated from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in 1976. His residency was at University of Southern California, in Los Angeles. He was also a clinician for the USC Podiatry Program [in charge of Podiatric students at the school].
After graduating, Dr. Knochel returned to Arizona and began his practice in Phoenix on June 6th, 1977. He bought Leona Evans, D.P.M.’s small Prescott practice in 1978, and began building this practice by commuting from Phoenix once a week. He was the first podiatric surgeon admitted to the Yavapai Regional Medical Center (courtesy staff).