ACFAS Update (Vol. 27 No. 1) by ACFAS

ACFAS VOLUME 27 ISSUE 1

NEWS from the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE ACFAS 2020 APP You can check out this year’s Annual Scientiﬁc Conference before landing in San Antonio by downloading the free mobile meeting app—your all-access pass to ACFAS 2020! In the palm of your hand you’ll ﬁnd:

Before you leave, download the app in one of two ways:

Search your Apple or Google Play app store for ACFAS 2020 (iOS or Android). Visit core-apps.com/dl/acfas2020

Once you’ve downloaded this year’s app, you’ll be able to add your personal schedule and contact information to connect with other attendees. Just follow the instructions and login information, which will be emailed to you prior to the conference. App instructions will also be available on the back of your badge in San Antonio.

A list of your pre-selected sessions The entire conference schedule Session evaluations Exhibitor directory Important meeting alerts & announcements Convention center maps Live Twitter & Facebook feeds And more!

COUNTDOWN TO ACFAS 2020 FEB 19-22 page 4

Sourcing Referrals for Your Practice page 8

President’s Perspective GO BIG OR GO HOME! page 2

perspective

GO BIG OR GO HOME! Wasn’t it just yesterday we were closing in on New Orleans for another record-setting Annual Scientific Conference? What a ride you have allowed me to lead! Within this column, you have permitted me to share my thoughts, ramblings and charges on our profession as I attempted to draw from real life lessons and philosophies. We have covered a lot of ground in these perspectives—persevered through adversity in our responses to negativity from outside noise and from within our own ranks; paid it forward as leaders in foot and ankle surgery education and training; marched toward parity in our work on the combined task force and interprofessional relationships; embraced the opportunity for change with our new CEO taking the reins; ignored the noise and remained steadfast in our belief a quality standard must exist in what our patients expect in a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, and that standard is ABFAS. My typical approach is to “learn the lessons” but always remain forward-facing and focused. Today, however, when I sat down to write this final message, I allowed myself a few minutes of reflection. Reflection on my time as a surgeon, Board member and president of ACFAS, I am reminded of a quote by Sir Isaac Newton, “I see further, because I stand on the shoulders of giants.” Anytime a leader is stepping aside, there is often the reflective question, “are you leaving it better than you found it?” Twelve months ago, I was admittedly anxious about this question; just look at the leadership lineage before me, seventy-eight years of “leaving it better.” The law of averages was bound to catch

up to me. In a few short weeks, however, the vision was clear as I quickly realized I was in fact “standing on the shoulders of giants.” I just needed to harness the energy and focus provided by the strategic plan set before us. Today with great pride and humility, and from the shoulders you have graciously allowed me to stand on, I am ready to answer the question with a resounding “YES!” Who are these “giants?” They are my friends and mentors, the laser-focused ACFAS Board of Directors, the dedicated and experienced staff members, ACFAS volunteer leaders and most importantly, YOU—the ACFAS membership who continue to push the profession forward, demand excellence and make me proud to be your colleague as an ABFAS Board-Certiﬁed Foot and Ankle Surgeon and ACFAS member. The recent accomplishments of this organization are impressive. We often focus on big picture goals and events of the organization and forget about the tools that help members every day. I think it is important to recognize these direct member beneﬁts, including: the new mission and vision we now use to guide our strategic compass; our expanded national public relations awareness campaigns and practice marketing tools available to help us promote who we are and what we do; and the new ACFAS OnDemand learning system on acfas.org, which we can now use to earn CME. All these accomplishments, and many more, are great additions to our professional collection.

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So, we are at the end and as retiring ACFAS Executive Director Chris Mahaffey stated in his resignation letter and is now ﬁtting for both of us, “it is time for fresh leadership who can help your leaders take the College to even greater heights.” Thank you for the honor and privilege of leading this great organization. I am truly humbled. I am excited to pass the baton to my good friend, Dr. Scott Nelson, and admire his leadership from a new seat. With Scott at the helm of the new Board you have elected, ACFAS is in excellent hands and the sky is the limit. ACFAS and the letters FACFAS after your name mean something, take pride in that privilege and always set the standard. The time is now to take our College and the specialty of foot and ankle surgery to the next level. As Dr. Gary Jolly once said, “pick up the colors and lead.” I challenge you to attack the day, be relevant and make the ACFAS difference as proven leaders and life long learners that change lives every day.

An organization is only as strong as the talents and dedication of its members and because of you, Fellowship in ACFAS is an earned privilege

Questions for Dr. Reeves? Write him at president@acfas.org. 02

with a culture of excellence and care that allows its leaders to lead and puts the profession and the members as its priority. By now you know I ﬁrmly believe there is no end to the good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit. While we can surely sit here and discuss all of the accomplishments we have achieved, it is more important to recognize these successes are due to ACFAS being full of quality people, doing quality work getting quality results, which makes the ACFAS difference.

Christopher L. Reeves, DPM, MS, FACFAS ACFAS President

update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons

www.acfas.org

education

2020 EDUCATION PROGRAMS February 18, 2020 (Tuesday)

May 1–2, 2020 (Friday/Saturday)

September 11–12, 2020 (Friday/Saturday)

Pre-Conference: Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon

On the Road with ACFAS – Fixing a Flat: Comprehensive Approach to Pes Plano Valgus Workshop and Seminar

Coding & Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX February 18, 2020 (Tuesday)

Pre-Conference: Diabetic Deformity—Master Techniques in Reconstruction Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX February 18, 2020 (Tuesday)

Double Tree Suites by Hilton Charlotte SouthPark Charlotte, NC May 15–16, 2020 (Friday/Saturday)

On the Road with ACFAS – Fixing a Flat: Comprehensive Approach to Pes Plano Valgus Workshop and Seminar

Pre-Conference: High Frequency Foot Surgery Techniques

Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown St. Louis, MO

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX

July 11–12, 2020 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle Courses

February 18, 2020 (Tuesday)

Residents’ Day Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX

Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC) Chicago, IL July 31-August 1, 2020 (Friday/Saturday)

February 19-22, 2020 (Wednesday-Saturday)

Palmer House Hilton Chicago, IL October 4–5, 2020 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle Courses Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC) Chicago, IL October 10-11, 2020 (Saturday/Sunday)

Surgical Management for the Active Patient TBD October 24–25, 2020 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle Courses Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC) Chicago, IL November 14-15, 2020 (Saturday/Sunday)

Advanced Arthroscopy

Coding & Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon

2020 ACFAS Scientific Conference Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX March 28–29, 2020 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle Courses Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC) Chicago, IL

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Lake Buena Vista, FL August 29–30, 2020 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle Courses Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC) Chicago, IL

*To be waitlisted for sold-out courses, contact Maggie Hjelm at hjelm@acfas.org.

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update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons

www.acfas.org

COUNTDOWN TO

ACFAS 2020 FEBRUARY 19-22, 2020

Soon weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be packing our bags and heading to the Lone Star State for ACFAS 2020! Here are some tips to plan your trip and make sure you maximize your time in San Antonio. 1. Download the ACFAS 2020 app and have instant access to your customized schedule, interactive maps, exhibitor lists, session evaluations and important alerts and messages right on your phone or tablet. Find the ACFAS 2020 in your app store to download. 2. Check the weather before packing your bag. San Antonio hits the high 60s during the day and dips into the 40s at night throughout the month of February. Be sure to check the forecast to make sure you pack appropriately for the temperature closer to your departure date. 3. Check your email inbox for badge information. Your badges will be printed onsite at the registration area, so be sure to stop there to pick up your badge and conference program. 4. Visit the Exhibit Hall to meet vendors and network with colleagues over lunch. Check out the poster display, participate in a HUB session or search for a job or a new hire at the ACFAS Job Fair. Scan for prizes! Throughout the day look for the PRIZE stations.

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5. Stay connected with us! Follow #ACFAS2020 on social media to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening throughout the conference and be sure to use it in your own posts to share your ACFAS 2020 experience! 6. Relax and reconnect with colleagues at the Premier Connection opening event on the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk, attend the Honors and Awards Ceremony on Thursday and close out the conference at the Wrap Party at the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum on Friday. 7. Wear your badge. Your conference badge must be worn at all times for food and beverage service and security. This includes all sessions, the Exhibit Hall and evening events. 8. Give us your feedback on the sessions you attend by evaluating them through the ACFAS 2020 mobile app. 9. Sit back, kick your boots up, relax and enjoy true Texas charm!

update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons

www.acfas.org

education

THREE REASONS TO COME TO SAN ANTONIO A DAY EARLY

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020 1

Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Diabetic Deformity: Master Techniques in Reconstruction

High Frequency Foot Surgery Techniques

ACFAS has designated an unrestricted education grant from Wright Medical to support this workshop.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020 Take your coding and surgical skills to the next level with three preconference workshops offered on Tuesday, February 18 in San Antonio.

Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon 7:30am-5:30pm | 8 Continuing Education Contact Hours This interactive and comprehensive workshop will cover pertinent issues relating to properly coding surgical procedures and evaluation and management services. Leave with a better understanding of trends in surgical coding, including how to code for new advances in the practice, appropriately select modiﬁers for complex, staged and multiple procedure cases and know where higher level E&M codes ﬁt into your surgical practice.

Diabetic Deformity: Master Techniques in Reconstruction (Cadaveric)

High Frequency Foot Surgery Techniques (Cadaveric)

7am-Noon | 4 Continuing Education Contact Hours

Noon-5pm | 4 Continuing Education Contact Hours

Navigate and manage challenging wounds and associated deformities complicating non-healing wounds in the diabetic patient, get an overview on multiple amputation techniques and learn how to surgically manage conditions that indirectly and directly contribute to Charcot arthropathy.

This workshop offers an advanced review of high-frequency technigues in foot surgery. Review up-to-date evidence for procedure and patient selection, gain an understanding of ﬁxation mechanics and options, leave with technique pearls to improve outcomes and an understanding on how patient recovery and satisfaction varies based on procedure choice and technique.

Spots are ﬁlling quickly, so visit acfas.org/sanantonio now to sign up.

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update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons

www.acfas.org

Head to Make time to visit the HUB during ACFAS 2020 in San Antonio February 19-21 and get your questions answered during real-world discussions with experienced colleagues in an intimate setting. The HUB is the spot for genuine advice and a fresh lineup of topics! The small 50-person theater allows for candid, interactive discussions between attendees and speakers in an intimate setting during the hourly presentations. This year’s topics include: RVUs and You Peer-to-Peer Insurance Review Early Career Finance Practice Exit Strategies And more! Preregistration is not required to participate in HUB sessions. Visit acfas.org/sanantonio to download the ACFAS 2020 conference program and see the complete HUB schedule.

Peer-to-Peer Insurance Review at ACFAS 2020 Understand what happens with insurance on a daily basis in practice with 8 Seconds—How to Win the Rodeo on Thursday, February 20 during ACFAS 2020. This session discusses billing for experimental procedures, dealing with delays in reimbursement and coding ethically to get reimbursed appropriately. Don’t miss it! Visit acfas.org/sanantonio to download the full program and learn more.

the HUB Schedule Wednesday 2/19/20

Thursday 2/20/20

Friday 2/21/20

10:00 am

1. Early Career Finance

7. Exit Strategy--Dos and Don'ts on When It's Time to Leave A Practice

11. ACFAS Fellowship Initiative: Program Directors Meeting

11:00 am

2. Being Part of a Team

8. Preparing for Success—ABFAS Board Certiﬁcation Process

12. Why Should I Do Research?

12:00 Noon

3. JFAS-How to Get Published: Get Your Questions Answered

1:00 pm

4. Streamlining Your Day: Strategies for Efficiency

9. RVUs and YOU

2:00 pm

5. Peer-to-Peer Insurance Review

10. Practice Hacks: How to Make Every Patient Happy

3:00 pm

6. Residency Director Panel—Navigating Your Path to Residency

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13. The Fellowship Application Process: Is Advanced Training Right for You?

update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeon

www.acfas.org

news from the college 40-YEAR MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Lawrence Fallat, DPM, FACFAS

When Lawrence Fallat, DPM, FACFAS was a college student contemplating what medical career path he would follow, he liked the idea of foot surgery. At that time foot surgery was just developing. It presented numerous challenges, which interested him, so the decision was made. After speaking with Dr. Fallat about his career and his time with the College, it’s evident he made the right choice. His time with ACFAS began just out of residency, and he recognized early on that the College was the continuing education portion of the profession. “I was always impressed with the College’s dedication to teaching and to the education of its members. Forty years ago, not all podiatrists were fortunate enough to get a residency and the College did everything it could to supplement the education of podiatrists.” Early in his career, surgical procedures were just being developed and over the years there has been a tremendous change in the profession. “The change is in our scope of practice, our skill level and our knowledge.” “What we did 35 and 40 years ago was a lot different than what we do today. When I started practicing, bunions were a big procedure and we used pins and wires for

fixation. None of us were using bone screws and plates. Our profession has progressed to the point where we now participate in emergency room call for all foot and ankle trauma. Foot and ankle surgeons now routinely perform flatfoot surgery, cavus surgery, reconstruction of the foot and total ankle replacement.” Another change, and maybe the most significant, is the acceptance of foot and ankle surgeons in the medical community. Dr. Fallat believes this is due largely in part to the dedication of his fellow foot and ankle surgeons. “Our commitment to the profession is shown in the development and refinement of our three-year residency programs, research, publications and pursuit of knowledge. Others in the medical community see our motivation and dedication and have started to accept our profession.” Outside of the profession, the College has continued to grow. It encourages research and publication, and it sponsors many educational conferences. The Annual Scientific Conference presents state-of-theart treatment concepts with exceptional experienced speakers.

When looking ahead to the future of the College, Dr. Fallat has this to say to newer members, “Support the College and participate in their activities. This is the branch of our profession, which has led us to where we are, and new members need to give it their full support.” Reﬂecting on his career and his 40-Year membership status he is admittedly surprised and wonders where the time went. As the saying goes, time ﬂies when you’re having fun, and this seems to be the case for Dr. Fallat who recently gifted his residents with Nerf guns to hold battles after seeing patients. He also hosts other fun resident outings, including touring haunted houses, playing laser tag and doing 5k/10k races. Dr. Fallat participates in roughly 30 races throughout the year with his daughter, which is impressive for someone who claims they’re not a runner! When asked what he likes to do for fun in his spare time, he replied, “What I do professionally is my life, and that makes me happy.” His level of passion shows and is part of what helps to move the profession forward.

“The change is in our scope of practice, our skill level and our knowledge.” — Lawrence Fallat, DPM, FACFAS

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update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons

www.acfas.org

practice management

Sourcing Referrals for Your Practice The internet is an easy way to answer most questions people have, but when it comes to more important matters like ﬁnding a new doctor, word of mouth is at the top of the list. People trust people they know and it makes sense this would be the same for physicians who are looking for referral sources to help grow their practices. Evergreen Park, Illinois based Bela Pandit, DPM, FACFAS, gives insight into the doctor referral process, the work that goes into sourcing those referrals and how it helps business. Referrals are an important part of each practice. It’s a way to promote your practice while building relationships with other physicians you trust and respect. Dr. Pandit shares, “Referrals are the most important way to generate business, new patients and garner a strong reputation among peers and throughout the community.” Some referrals can come simply from word of mouth from

patients or doctors. As doctor-to-doctor referrals go, Dr. Pandit shares, “Doctors are most likely to refer other doctors who may be in network with a particular insurance, those whose reputation they trust and most importantly, those they’ve had a chance to meet.” Because of this, it’s important to think about your behavior in and out of the office as you’re the face of your practice. People are more likely to refer a professional and respected individual they have rapport with over someone they’ve never met. Dr. Pandit adds, “Bedside manner, both in and out of the practice, reﬂects on your reputation so make sure it’s a kind and conﬁdent one.” The College offers its members some excellent referral resources in both it's Marketing Toolbox on acfas.org and as part of its Take a New Look at Foot and Ankle Surgeons referral campaign at TakeANewLook.org. From foot and ankle surgeon fact sheets and

Bela Pandit, DPM, FACFAS referral guides aimed at other referring physicians to customizable infographics and videos tailored to patients, both of these toolboxes are excellent resources for members to help in their practice referral and marketing. There are no set rules for a quantitative number of referrals one practice should have. Nor is ﬁnding referral sources something that should start and begin at any time. Dr. Pandit thinks the healthiest of practices never stop obtaining referral sources. “It would be unwise to expect to have a thriving, booming practice without several referral sources.” She advises physicians to constantly network, creating new relationships and fostering them to maintain a strong network of people. It’s also important to think outside the box with ﬁnding referrals as Dr. Pandit adds, “My referrals come from everywhere. Doctors, patients, friends,

“Doctors are most likely to refer doctors who may be in network with a particular insurance, those whose reputation they trust and most importantly those they’ve had a chance to meet.” — Bela Pandit, DPM, FACFAS

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update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeon

www.acfas.org

classmates and even social media.” One thing to keep in mind aside from referral volume is the one thing that is strictly prohibited; bribing a patient, referral source or doctor with money or kickbacks is illegal.

Promoting Your Practice with Help from ACFAS

When it comes to vetting new referrals, Dr. Pandit recommends doing your due diligence. “Stop by offices of doctors you think would be a great referral source and introduce yourself. Host a lunch, volunteer for health fairs or speaking opportunities and thank everyone you work around in the community from the person you buy coffee from every day to a bank teller.”

If you’re looking to grow your practice either by referrals from other providers or marketing directly to potential patients, the College has laid out the ground work to help with its practice marketing/public relations awareness program “Take a New Look at Foot and Ankle Surgeons.” This award-winning program was designed speciﬁcally to raise awareness of foot and ankle surgeons and to educate both providers and patients about the beneﬁts of working with true specialists.

Once a referral is found and in place, these names are often printed and given to patients or put into an insurance’s system. Another way to keep the referral relationship strong, Dr. Pandit advises, “It is important that when another doctor refers their patient to you that you send a progress note and a letter of thanks for the patient referrals.” Dr. Pandit usually sends a small thank you card and a small token of thanks. This keeps the relationship transparent and respectful for both doctors and the patient. Consider taking a closer look at your network and refreshing your referral pool. Maybe it’s time to add more referrals. Keep an open mind and reach out to old friends, classmates and colleagues to continue boosting your practice, improving patient relationships and creating a stronger network of referrals.

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Visit the Take a New Look website at TakeANewLook.org to access a full library of promotional resources available for you or your referral providers to download, including: fact sheets on who foot and ankle surgeons are and what conditions they treat; referral guides with information on when to refer patients (including those with diabetes) to foot and ankle surgeons; an informative video with faces of every day foot and ankle surgeons and how they change patients’ lives; a FAQ about foot and ankle surgeons and a Find A Surgeon tool for visitors to ﬁnd a foot and ankle surgeon near them.

A wide variety of practice marketing tools to reach out to patients and the community are also available for download in the Marketing Toolbox at acfas.org/marketing. Here you can access PowerPoint presentations on some of the most common foot and ankle health topics for community health talks, customized colorful infographics for use on social media and your website, customizable press releases to share news about your practice with the media, quarterly FootNotes patient newsletters to keep communications open with your patients and potential patients and ways to link your practice website to FootHealthFacts.org to give your website a full library of foot and ankle health information for your patients. You have all the tools you need to build your practice and design a marketing program that will increase your practice’s visibility in the Marketing Toolbox! Visit acfas.org/marketing to ramp up your marketing program today.

update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons

www.acfas.org

news from the college

ACFAS Region Meetings at the 2020 Annual Scientiﬁc Conference Want to hear about ACFAS events in your part of the country? Want to take part in a raffle for one of nine $100 Amazon Gift Cards? Don’t miss your ACFAS Region’s membership meeting at the 2020 Annual Scientiﬁc Conference in San Antonio. The schedule of meetings is as follows: Wednesday, February 19, 1-2pm

Friday, February 21, Noon-1pm

Mid-Atlantic Region (MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, DC, WV)

Southeast Region (FL, GA, PR)

Paciﬁc Region (AK, CA, GU, HI, OR, WA, BC)

Tri-State Region (DE, NJ, PA)

Northeast Region (CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, ON, QC, RI, VT)

Friday, February 21, 1-2pm

Thursday, February 20, 1-2pm

Gulf States Region (AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TX)

Great Lakes Region (IN, KY, MI, OH)

Big West Region (AB, AZ, CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, SD, UT, WY) Midwest Region (IL, IA, MN, MO, WI)

ACFAS Membership Elects New Board Members and Approves Bylaws In online balloting that ended on December 22, ACFAS members approved recommended bylaw amendments by a 91 percent majority and elected three new board members: Christopher D. Lotufo, DPM, FACFAS Alan Ng, DPM, FACFAS Matthew E. Williams, DPM, FACFAS Previously elected to serve as chair of the Region Presidents Council and ex-officio board member: Alan A. MacGill, DPM, FACFAS Drs. Williams and Ng will serve threeyear terms (2020-2023). Drs. Lotufo and MacGill will serve two-year terms (2020-2022).

Also serving on the 2020-2021 Board of Directors are Scott C. Nelson, DPM, FACFAS, President; Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS, President-Elect; Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS, SecretaryTreasurer; Christopher L. Reeves, DPM, MS, FACFAS, Immediate Past President; Eric A. Barp, DPM, FACFAS and George T. Liu, DPM, FACFAS. Barry Rosenblum, DPM, FACFAS has been appointed by the Board of Directors to ﬁll a two-year vacancy of the term left by the resignation of Brian B. Carpenter, DPM, pursuant to the bylaws. The new board will be installed on February 20 during the ACFAS 2020 Scientiﬁc Conference in San Antonio.

volume 27 issue 1

update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeon

www.acfas.org

education

Don’t Leave Money on the Table with the Coding & Billing Preconference Workshop

Ensure you have the tools you need to properly code surgical procedures and evaluation and management services. Attend the Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon preconference workshop on the day before ACFAS 2020 Tuesday, February 18. This interactive comprehensive workshop

will leave you with knowledge to understand trends in surgical coding, including how to code for new advances in foot and ankle surgery, appropriately select modiﬁers for complex, staged and multiple procedures cases and understand where higher level E&M codes ﬁt into your surgical practice. You’ll

even receive handouts and customized forms and checklists made speciﬁcally for this workshop to take home for future reference. Visit acfas.org/sanantonio to register and reserve your spot for this comprehensive workshop today.

“This was an extremely beneficial course that I’m sure will pay for itself in no time. I think every new practitioner should take it.” Marta L. Riniker, DPM, AACFAS “Amazing course, very beneficial to the young (and older) practitioner. Nice to learn things the right way the first time.” Onya V. Lemar, DPM, AACFAS

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update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons

www.acfas.org

What is and An a Foot kle Surg Post-S urgery eon? Care B ur Surgery Yo a r s fo ic g in s Prepar

patient outreach

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Three New Infographics Now Available You now have three more infographic options for patient education—Post-Surgery Care Basics, Preparing for Your Surgery and What is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon. These new colorful informational graphics offer patients tips on how to best care for themselves after foot and ankle surgery; how to prepare for surgery and make recovery better; and explains who exactly foot and ankle surgeons are and when to see one. These pre- and post-surgery infographics are especially helpful as you prepare

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Post-O p Issues

Call you r foot exp ererience anyand ankle surg eon of help surgeon tothese possible immediately ankle andSev ere swe y process and if you problem Ask your foot lling or in s: h the surger pain your calf up before Red guide you throug Excthings lined ness getting essive a big difference in remember, Fou make amounts truly blood l odo on ence. procedure can the ban of experi surgical r from your urgery dage Toes, foot site your post-s Fev that bec and/or ankle er above omes cold 102 degrees turns pale or —Check tempera your Blue ture dail or whit Sev y e toes toenail ere pain or beds that is not relie ved with medicat pain ion

Your Care Partn

patients for upcoming surgeries with tips on preparing their home, scheduling and planning the surgery and how to get around and back to work once it’s over. Once surgery is complete, patients can ensure they’re on the road to recovery with helpful information about pain relief, swelling reduction, proper weightbearing instructions and a list of post-op issues.

n Just Foot and Surger y conditio ankle surgeon ns s diagnose pain and of the foot, and trea ank t all as well bunions to diab le and lowe r leg— as etic foot arthritis amputation care/com from heel preventi , sports plicatio on, repair of injur ns both the ies, infectio ingrown toen ns, trau ails, foot and ankle, and ma, fracture Pionee much mor rs & Col e! lab

in the Car orators e of Pat ien

Foot and ts breakthr ankle surgeon s oughs in treatme have pioneere techniqu d es that and ank has help nt protocols and surg le surg ed milli eon such as ical ons of patients diabetes s are experts and arth . Foot in , ritis (wh infections, card chronic con ditions, They also Your Car ich can iovascul all affe regu ar dise e Partne team r s (patient larly collabora ct lower extremi ase Ask you te on mul r foot and in both ’s prim guide you ary care tidiscipl ties). the hosp ankle surg inary eon toital and offic doctors and rememb throughthe thecare help spec pati surgour e er, gett com settings ialists) ery procents rece procedu ing thinprehensi to ensu ve ess and ive is the gs re re lable. best and your pos can truly mak lined up avai befo most re t-surger e y experie a big differenc your e in nce.

When Sho and Ank uld I See a Foo le Sur t

geon? Anytime change you have foot s or ankle ankle, an in the appeara discomf nce of your foot ort, medical abnormal grow conditio th, or etc.) that n (diabete an injury or a s, poor to func can affect you tion in r feet or circulation, certain time to your abil activitie see a foot ity s is imp and ank aired, it’s If you don le surg eon ’t have a . visit Foo foot and tHealth ankle Facts.o rg to ﬁnd surgeon, one nea r you.

printed out as ﬂyers to include with billing statements or handed out at community health events. All these, plus a library of others on various topics, can be found in the ACFAS Marketing Toolbox at acfas.org/marketing.

Infographics can also be displayed in exam rooms, printed out for waiting rooms, posted on social media or your practice website or

update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeon

www.acfas.org

education

Chart Your Career Path at the Seventh Annual ACFAS Job Fair

If you are looking for a new job or plan to expand your practice, bring your updated CV or job listing to the ACFAS Job Fair at ACFAS 2020 in San Antonio. In its seventh year, the ACFAS Job Fair is sponsored by ACFAS Beneﬁt Partner PodiatryCareers.org. Located in the Exhibit Hall, the Job Fair allows you to post your CV and open positions, as well as, arrange on-site interviews with employers present at the conference. If you need a little advice on how to make your CV stand out from the crowd, take advantage of one-on-one time with an on-site professional CV reviewer. The reviewer

volume 27 issue 1

will have appointments available for the first two days of the conference during Exhibit Hall hours. Don't delay--appointments fill up quickly! If you haven’t had a chance to get a professional headshot done, a photographer and makeup artist will also be available to take free professional headshots for your CV and social media profiles. If you cannot make it to San Antonio, don’t worry—all positions received before the conference will be posted on PodiatryCareers.org.

update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons

www.acfas.org

education

Experience ACFAS 2020 From All Angles:

You can follow the College's social media feeds through the conference's mobile app or through your own social media apps. If you're at the conference, connect with us and your colleagues by sharing your photos and posts using #ACFAS2020.

volume 27 issue 1

â&#x2DC;&#x2026; ACFAS

ANTONIO N A S

2020 â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

Whether you're with us in San Antonio at ACFAS 2020 or at home, you can get the inside scoop and behind the scenes look at the conference by following #ACFAS2020 on social media.

update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeon

www.acfas.org

news from the college

Get a New Headshot at ACFAS 2020

Time to update your professional headshot? ACFAS 2020 is the perfect time and place. Visit Booth 1121 in the ACFAS 2020 Exhibit Hall and have your headshot taken for free by a professional photographer. A makeup artist will also be available for a free touchup during the photo session. You’ll also receive a hard copy and digital version the same day. Use the new photo to update your resume or on your practice website and social media accounts. Take advantage of this free perk to promote yourself in a fresh, new way in 2020.

In Memory Bernard Berg, DPM, FACFAS Seattle, WA

Jerry H. Langford, DPM, FACFAS Collierville, TN

Edward H. Fischman, DPM, FACFAS Past President 1984-1985 Jupiter, FL

David J. Micca, DPM, FACFAS Kennebunk, ME

Paul R. Scherer, DPM, FACFAS San Francisco, CA

ACFAS CORPORATE SPONSORS Platinum Level

Gold Level

Silver Level

Bronze Level

Pewter Level

Copper Level

Arthrex

Stryker Foot and Ankle

DePuy Synthes

In2Bones

Arthrosurface

Organogenesis Inc.

Medartis, Inc.

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.

PICA

Novastep, Inc.

ABFAS Amniox Medical Orthoﬁx Paragon 28

Wright Medical Zimmer Biomet

MedlineUNITE Foot and Ankle MiMedx Group Podiatry Foundation of Pittsburgh

ACFAS.org | JFAS.org | FootHealthFacts.org | 773-693-9300

volume 27 issue 1

update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons

www.acfas.org

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 1 | NEWS from the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS

Get details about these member services at acfas.org/beneﬁtspartners.

in this issue

★ ACFAS

A N TO NI O SAN

2020 ★

Stay Connected #ACFAS2020

Make Time to Visit the Hub

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page 6

Regions Meetings Schedule page 10