All ACFAS 2023 programming and events will take place in L.A. LIVE, L.A.’s largest entertainment district, featuring sports, dining, music, games and more!
Join over 2,000 foot and ankle surgeons for an unforgettable experience February 9-12!
Plan to arrive early to kick off your ACFAS 2023 experience with hands-on pre-conference workshops on February 8. (Continued on page 4)
As I write this, its early October, which means that baseball’s “Boys of Summer” have just finished vying for the division pen nants and “wild card” playoff spots on the pathway to the World Series. I’ve always found it interesting how often the teams that are leading the pennant chase are said to be “in control of their own destinies.” Some may argue this concept is a contradiction in itself – win or lose, the team was “destined” to do so. What reigns true is this – as long as they perform, the team in the lead of the standings will prevail, regardless of how all the others do.
There’s no doubt the podiatric profession, and within it the specialty of foot and ankle surgery, have faced challenges throughout its history. One that stands out is the dwindling pool of applicants to colleges of podiatric medicine. There’s been quite a bit of discussion on this – what’s caused it, who’s to blame, what should be done to solve it, and who’s responsible for doing so. The bottom line is that if this trend is not reversed, it stands to have a significant impact on the future of our profession. However we as a profession respond to the applicant pool crisis, we will have played a
role in determining our own fate. Much like a professional sports team looking to clinch the regular season championship, we are indeed in control of our own destiny. This is true not only from what we can do in the form of initiatives sponsored by organiza tions like ACFAS, but also how we act individually. It has been said on countless occasions, “if every doctor of podiatric medicine would guide just one student toward applying to podiatric medical school, there would not be an applicant pool problem.” I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment, but yet, this idea in and of itself has not appeared to resonate enough to have made a difference.
Perhaps some of us feel we cannot recommend pursuing career in healthcare to anyone. A 2015 survey published in the British Medical Journal concluded that only one in ten physicians would recommend becoming a physician. Nevertheless, applications to healthcare careers have continued to rise, with our career path being a notable exception. These folks have decided to pursue a healthcare career in spite of the admonitions from frustrated providers. Among the thousands of applicants every
year, think of how many may never have learned about the possibility that a career in podiatric medicine and surgery could be just as worthwhile.
It is easy to surmise that one of the best ways to expose potential students to a career in podiatric medicine would be to have them spend time seeing us at work. It is time to double down on these efforts if indeed they are fruitful, and based on my own experience, I believe they are. To paraphrase one of our colleagues in a recent conversation, “we have the opportunity to hand pick our own future.” By hosting perspective students in the office, we have the opportunity to interview them as much as they are interviewing our profession. Each of us are positioned to influence not just the quantity of applicants, but the quality as well. We will be contributing not only to the recruitment of students, but also the retention, by ensuring that we have directed qualified, genuinely interested people toward a career in foot and ankle surgery.
We do indeed have a say in the fate of our profession. It’s time for each of us to step up to the plate.
Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS ACFAS President
The ACFAS First Ray Virtual Symposium is coming to you!
Learn about surgical options to correct first ray deformity, along with complication and revision options on Saturday, November 19. Engage with faculty and peers during the live, interactive program and continue your learning experience with an online discussion forum.
Faculty including Lisa Levick-Doane, DPM, FACFAS; Meagan Jennings, DPM, FACFAS; Richard Derner, DPM, FACFAS; Michael Dujela, DPM, FACFAS; Jason A. Piraino, DPM, MS, FACFAS and Brandi M. Johnson, DPM, FACFAS will present on topics including:
Hallux Valgus: Proximal, Distal, MIS
Hallux Rigidus: Implant, Arthroplasty, Osteotomies, Arthrodesis
Can’t join us on November 19? No problem! Register now and get on-demand access. You’ll earn 4 CME credits whether you participate live or on-demand. Visit acfas.org/firstrayvirtualsymposium for more information and to register today.
October 19, 2022 (Wednesday)
How Do I Know If My Practice is Doing Well? Webinar
October 26, 2022 (Wednesday)
Malpractice Preparation: Because it Happens to Everyone Webinar
November 10-11, 2022 (Thursday/Friday)
Comprehensive Fixation for the Ankle and Foot: A Resident's Course Marriott O’Hare Chicago, Chicago, IL
November 12-13, 2022 (Saturday/Sunday)
Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle Course
Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC), Chicago, IL
SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
December 10-11, 2022 (Saturday/Sunday)
Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle Course
Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC), Chicago, IL
To be waitlisted, please contact Maggie Hjelm at hjelm@acfas.org.
of foot and ankle surgeons | www.acfas.org
MIS: From Reconstruction to Trauma (Cadaveric)
7:00 am – 12:00 pm | 4 CECH
Osseous MIS procedures are undoubtedly becoming more prevalent but require a unique skill set in terms of osteotomy techniques and fixation. Get hands-on as you discuss and review:
Patient selection
Available technology review and considerations
Osteotomy techniques
Fixation techniques Distal procedures, akin osteotomies, arthrodesis
Bunion
Calc slide Haglund’s Fibula rod/plate
Surgical Management of Challenging Cases (Cadaveric)
10:00 am – 6:30 pm | 8 CECH
Immerse yourself in two distinct challenging cases and how to handle them.
Case 1: 18-year-old female presenting with transverse and sagittal plane collapse of the midtarsal joint with maximally pronated subtalar joint.
Case 2: Patient presents with chronic pain at the anteromedial aspect of the ankle. Patient points to the anterior aspect of the medial gutter and senses pain within the medial aspect of the ankle joint. CT images reveal absence of the subchondral plate at the site of the lesion with minor cystic changes of the underlying bone.
Learn how to perform:
Evans calcaneal osteotomy with allogenic bone graft or porous titanium wedge
Navicular cuneiform fusion without and with bone graft (revision procedure)
Cotton Osteotomy with Allogenic Bone Graft or Porous Titanium Wedge
Gastrocnemius recession: runout (Strayer) and intra-muscular approaches
Articular cartilage transplantation
OATs with medial malleolar osteotomy
Osteochondral allograft transplantation of medial talar dome
12:00 – 5:00 pm | 4 CECH
Dive deep as you review soft tissue reconstruction of the foot and ankle, including:
Deltoid repair
Lateral ankle stabilization
Spring ligament
Achilles repair
FHL transfer
FDL transfer
PT tendon transfer
ACFAS 2023 offers nearly 50 sessions and up to 34 CECH. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from leaders in foot and ankle surgery and connect with your colleagues in sunny Los Angeles!
Visit annualconference.acfas.org for more information and to register today.
college
foot and ankle surgeons
Practice Management Webinar Wednesday is underway! Get expert tips for your practice’s success and simplify your administrative burdens when you join us October 19 and 26.
October 19 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm CT | 1.5 CME
Bela Pandit, DPM, FACFAS and Heraj Patel, DPM, FACFAS
Listen in as faculty show you how to do a deep dive analysis of your practice by accurately determining and measuring your top revenue makers…and losers…and how to adjust accordingly—all without hiring an outside consulting company!
October 26 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm CT | 1.5 CME
Ellianne Nasser, DPM, FACFAS; Ross Taubman, DPM; Al Ng, DPM, FACFAS; Barry Rosenblum, DPM, FACFAS and Maryellen Brucato, DPM, FACFAS
While nobody can fully exempt themselves from a possible malpractice case, experts share some tools to help you avoid getting into litigation with patients. You’ll also hear tips and pearls for documentation, peri-operative management and discussions on complications with patients.
|
Make plans for your career as a foot and ankle surgeon when you attend Residents Day! This year’s event is sponsored by Organogenesis.
2023 Residents Day Wednesday, February 8 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Experienced foot and ankle surgeons will discuss relevant topics in completing your post graduate education, including:
The Simple Rules of Achieving Board Certification
The Art of Negotiation: From CVs to Interviews and Contracts
Why Can’t We All Just Get Along? Conflict Resolution
Post-Residency Bazinga: Making the Next Step the Right One
Catch more ACFAS 2023 pre-conference programming when you stick around for Coding Fundamentals, immediately follow ing Residents Day. Learn the foundation of coding and billing and get a head start on preparing for your future practice.
Finish your residency strong with a full day of education, fun and prizes! Visit acfas.org/asc for more information and to register.
2023 Residency Directors Forum Wednesday, February 8 12:30 – 6:30 pm
CME
Designed to assist resident educators in optimizing their resident review and oversights, you’ll hear from deans, residency and fellowship directors. Topics will include social media dos and don’ts, CPME mock site-visits, DEI advancement within our residency learning environments, and curriculum building for both residents and faculty. An update on the CPME 320/330 re-write status will also be provided.
The 2023 Residency Directors Forum is complimentary for all residency directors, faculty and program coordinators (up to two representatives from each program), fellowship directors and school Deans. This year’s event is co-hosted by the Council of Teaching Hospitals (COTH) and spon sored by Organogenesis. Save your spot when you register online at acfas.org/asc.
news from the college
We are looking for the latest advances in cutting-edge surgical techniques for correction of foot and ankle disorders for Foot & Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports & Cases (FASTRAC), the College’s open access journal.
FASTRAC’s streamlined submission process allows foot and ankle surgeons around the world to stay up to date on the best clinical practices. Plus, as an ACFAS member, you’ll receive a discount on the author fee charged upon acceptance.
You can also help shape the profession by becoming a FASTRAC peer reviewer.
Visit acfas.org/FASTRAC for more information and submit your research today!
ACFAS is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity—The ACFAS Future Leader Scholarship Powered by PICA!
One recipient will receive:
An academic scholarship in the amount of $40,000, supported by an unrestricted grant from PICA
Recognition at ACFAS 2023 in Los Angeles
Exclusive opportunities to network with ACFAS leadership
ACFAS Student Club Faculty Advisors may nominate one ACFAS Student Club member in good academic standing. Only one applicant will be accepted per school. Applicant nominations are due from faculty advisors on November 1 and the scholarship application deadline is November 22. The lucky winner will be notified by December 20.
Learn more at acfas.org/futureleaderscholarship.
from the american college of foot and ankle surgeon |
education
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2023
Join the coding and billing experts in Los Angeles! As part of the ACFAS 2023 pre-conference programming on Wednesday, February 8, you’ll have two opportunities to increase your knowledge and ensure you get paid for the care you provide.
Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon
8:00 am – 5:30 pm | 8 CECH
Hear what’s new in coding for 2023! Participate in surgical coding scenarios including forefoot reconstruction, arthrodesis, office procedures, rearfoot and ankle reconstruction, tendon surgery, arthroscopy, trauma and diabetic foot surgery.
2:30 – 6:15 pm | 3.5 CECH
Start or refresh your coding and billing foundation! Join the experts to gain an understanding of CPT and E&M codes, common modifiers and their use, and how to code minor in-office procedures. This is an excellent opportunity for residents, fellows, new practitioners, office staff of foot and ankle surgeons to learn more of the basic coding and billing terminology and process.
Register now at annualconference.acfas.org
The ACFAS Fellowship Committee recently determined the following fellowship exceed the minimal requirements to be reinstated to Recognized Status with the College after a one-year hiatus:
Associates in Medicine and Surgery Sports Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Fort Myers, Florida
Program Director: Eugene Batelli, DPM, FACFAS
The following two fellowships exceed the minimal requirements to be upgraded to full Recognized Status with the College after their first successful year:
Advanced Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Limb Salvage Fellowship
Salt Lake City, Utah
Program Director: Scott Clark, DPM, FACFAS and David Seegmiller, DPM, FACFAS
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Foot and Ankle Sports Medicine Fellowship
Seattle, Washington
Program Director: Eric Heit, DPM, FACFAS
Also, the following six new fellowship applicants have been granted Conditional Status* with ACFAS:
San Antonio Sports Medicine Associates Foot & Ankle Surgical Fellowship
San Antonio, Texas
Program Director: Marque Allen, DPM, FACFAS
Puerto Rico Foot and Ankle
Reconstructive Surgical Fellowship
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Program Director: Carlos Arroyo-Romeu, DPM, FACFAS
Saint Josephs Medical Center Limb Salvage & Hyperbaric Medicine Fellowship
Yonkers, New York
Program Director: James De Meo, DPM, FACFAS
Washington Orthopaedic Center
Advanced Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery Fellowship
Centralia, Washington
Program Director: Michael Dujela, DPM, FACFAS
Foot and Ankle Physicians of Ohio Fellowship Grove City, Ohio
Program Director: Elizabeth Hewitt, DPM, FACFAS
Nebraska Foot and Ankle
Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Hastings, Nebraska
Program Director: David E. Waters, DPM, FACFAS
All new Conditional Status programs are considered for Recognized Status with ACFAS after they have received status and the first fellow completes the program.
ACFAS highly recommends taking on a specialized fellowship for the continuation of foot and ankle surgical education after resi dency. If you are considering a fellowship, visit acfas.org/FellowshipListing to review a complete listing of programs and minimal requirements.
foot
ankle
ACFAS membership dues reminders for all Fellow and Associate members were recently sent out for the 2023 calendar year. This year, we're making it easier than ever to maintain your member benefits with our new auto renewal option. Enroll when you renew online and we will automatically renew your membership each year to ensure continuous access to your ACFAS benefits.
Payments for your 2023 membership are due by December 31, 2022. Be sure to renew early so you don’t miss education and professional development offerings, practice growth and management tools and our top-rated Annual Scientific Conference.
Visit acfas.org to pay your dues and to learn more about what ACFAS offers you.
Synthes
Medical Concepts, Inc.
©2022 American
West Higgins Road, Suite
Chicago IL 60631-2724
reserved
