ACFAS Update (Vol. 28 No. 3) by ACFAS

ACFAS VOLUME 28 ISSUE 3

NEWS from the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS

ACFAS 2021: Getting Together Your Own Way However you’re joining us for ACFAS 2021 – in-person or virtually -- we’re welcoming you all back home at the Annual Scientiﬁc Conference May 18-21 in Las Vegas! ACFAS is excited to be able to bring you all the high-quality educational programming you expect from the College in your own way. While the in-person event in Vegas has reached attendance capacity due to safety regulations, registration for the virtual program is still available and you can also add your name to a wait list for the in-person event by visiting acfas.org/LasVegas.

Book Your HOTEL for ACFAS 2021

Whether you attend in-person or online, here’s what’s in store for ACFAS 2021:

Keynote speaker Zubin Damania, MD (or you may know him as ZDoggMD) an internist and founder of Turntable Health as he speaks about Health 3.0 The College’s ﬁrst-ever Hallux Valgus International Symposium Cutting-edge clinical sessions Award-winning research presented in manuscripts 300+ scientiﬁc posters And much more!

Watch acfas.org/LasVegas for the latest information about ACFAS 2021 and we can’t wait to “get together” again in May!

Vegas is Coming to YOU! page 6

If you’re joining us in-person in Las Vegas, make sure you reserve your hotel room today with onPeak, ACFAS’ official housing partner. Remember also, there is no on-site conference registration. To make your reservation, visit acfas.org/LasVegas and select the Hotel Registration onPeak button to access the housing reservation site. Reservations can also be made by calling (800) 950-5542. Booking through onPeak guarantees you the lowest hotel rate and also protects you from unauthorized third-party vendors or “hotel poachers.” ACFAS will not be responsible for any room reservations or deposits made through other companies or websites, so please book through onPeak for your own safety.

President’s Perspective

Countdown to

ACFAS 2021

page 8

MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE page 2

perspective

MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE The Annual Scientific Conference has always held a special place in my professional and personal life. I have attended the conference almost every year, wearing different hats. Whether I was an attendee, a speaker, a committee member, the Annual Scientific Conference Committee chair or a Board member, I can recall the palpable excitement as the conference drew near. Standing in line to pick up my registration, I would run into classmates, attendings from my days as a resident and colleagues from Boston. Hugs and banter would ensue, and we would laugh at how we have all “matured” with our greying or thinning hair and catching up on family news. Following a jam-packed week of fascinating talks from leaders in the field and late nights socializing with old and new colleagues, I would fly back home inspired and ready to use my new found knowledge to treat my patients with cutting edge techniques and ideas. The 2020 Conference keynote speaker, Ben Nemtin, delivered an inspiring roadmap of his “Five Steps to Make the Impossible Possible.” Sitting in the audience, little did we know that delivering the traditionally successful Annual Scientific Conference in 2021 would be a case study in how ACFAS could make the impossible possible.

The pandemic has caused many organizations to cancel in-person meetings and after lengthy deliberation and carefully weighing the risks and benefits, ACFAS has decided to hold our first-ever hybrid Scientific Conference, delivering the same high-quality content in both virtual and in-person experiences. To do so, the Annual Scientific Conference Committee and ACFAS staff have worked diligently with our Mandalay Bay partners to ensure safety remains our number one priority for attendees, staff and the larger community. But as we all know, rules and regulations are changing rapidly, but caution remains paramount as we navigate this new normal. So as we pivot our ACFAS 2021 to the firstever hybrid event, I have embraced Ben Nemtin’s philosophy on five steps to make the impossible possible (plus, I am a list maker): 1. Adhere to the Local Rules. We will all be traveling from different states, perhaps states that no longer require masks. But, let’s recognize we will be guests of the Mandalay Bay and we should respect their rules as well as ACFAS’ and the local and state ordinances.

Questions for Dr. Dinh? Write her at president@acfas.org. 02

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2. Choices Are Good! Perhaps your hospital or practice will not allow you to travel or family commitments prohibit your absence from home. The beauty of this year is you can attend remotely should you choose. No worries about jet lag either and loungewear is wholly appropriate! 3. Embrace Change. Remember standing in line to scan for CME credits or coffee? No longer! The smaller conference will allow for less waiting and more educating! The intimate lectures will facilitate meaningful conversations. 4. No Monday Morning Quarterbacks Allowed. The Conference Committee and ACFAS staff have worked tirelessly to coordinate our largest conference with constant pivoting due to the quickly evolving rules and regulations. Let’s try not to “could have, should have, would have” their difficult decisions. 5. We Are in This Together. Looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our ACFAS home – both in-person and virtually!

Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS ACFAS President

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

www.acfas.org

education

Safety at ACFAS 2021

2021 EDUCATION PROGRAMS

While we are looking forward to having everyone back together in Las Vegas for ACFAS 2021, we want our attendees, exhibitors, volunteers and staff to feel safe. Not only will ACFAS be implementing our own health and safety protocols, but the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Convention Center also has some of their own.

May 17, 2021 (Monday)

Here’s What you Can Expect From ACFAS

Virtual Course

Limiting registration to the conference to prevent over-crowding Providing a fully contactless on-site check-in process for attendees (there will be no on-site registration for the event) Education sessions set up to allow for social distancing Larger aisle ways and one-way aisles will be deﬁned when necessary, including, but not limited to, in the exhibit hall, registration, receptions, etc. Food and beverages will be provided in a no-contact way Hand sanitizer will be available for attendees to use throughout the convention center and hotel Providing a contactless way to ask questions without touching microphones during educational sessions ACFAS is giving in-person attendees access to the ACFAS 2021 Digital Portal, which will include next-day access to session recordings

Working with medical experts, the Mandalay Bay and the MGM Resorts team has developed a comprehensive plan to welcome back guests. To see an overview of their Seven Point Safety Plan, visit acfas.org/LasVegas.

Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon Virtual as a Live Stream May 17, 2021 (Monday)

Virtual Residents' Day May 17, 2021 (Monday)

Virtual Residency Directors Forum Virtual Course May 18-21, 2021 (Tuesday–Friday)

79th Annual Scientific Conference Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center, Las Vegas July 31-August 1, 2021 (Saturday/Sunday)

Advanced Arthroscopy and Cartilage Restoration Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC), Rosemont, IL August 14-15, 2021 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle Surgical Skills Course Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC), Rosemont, IL October 2-3, 2021 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle Surgical Skills Course Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC), Rosemont, IL December 11-12, 2021 (Saturday/Sunday)

Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle Surgical Skills Course Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC), Rosemont, IL

*To be waitlisted, please contact Michelle Majewski at michelle.majewski@acfas.org

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

www.acfas.org

education

Don’t Miss the Virtual Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon Program

Virtual Program

Join coding and billing experts LIVE from your home or office in a live-streamed workshop on May 17 designed to help you and your office staff learn about the latest coding changes, which hit January 2021. Get expert tips and insights on simplifying your coding and reimbursement practices in this condensed, information-packed 5-hour

program. Learn what you need to know to code and document properly in 2021. The program will also cover the latest changes in billing and coding, the new E&M coding changes and includes an interactive Q&A session.

View the entire Residents’ Day program OnDemand, and on your own schedule starting May 17. Plus, we will have a special LIVE Q & A to ask questions of a great lineup of presenters. During the recorded program, hear from seasoned surgeons about their experiences;

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Virtual, Live-Streamed

Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon

2021

Virtual Program

MAY 17, 2021

ups and downs; get real-world tips and tricks; plus straightforward advice on everything from job searching, interview prep to practice types and managing difficult cases. Residents will beneﬁt from the topics offered this year and take some pearls back with them to use in their practice and future career. Here’s what to expect this year:

LIVE STREAMED FROM VEGAS TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE!

MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021

For more information or to register for this valuable program, visit acfas.org/LasVegas.

Tune in to Residents’ Day— OnDemand Style! Residents' Day is THE program for Residents and the College is making it as inclusive as possible this year with a virtual program for all.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

Transition to Real World-How and When You Should Start Looking for a Job My First and Worst Case: Hindsight is 20/20

VIRTUAL

Potential Employer: What Makes You Worth Hiring How to Prepare for an Interview 10 Ways to Ruin Your Reputation on Social Media Contracts: Accepted “Standards” for Contracts in Different Practice Settings You won’t want to miss the chance to hear ﬁrst-hand the individual journey of these leaders of the profession. Visit acfas.org/LasVegas to register for this virtual event and see the full schedule.

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

www.acfas.org

news from the college

CALL TO SCHEDULE A SURGERY

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STERILE, SINGLE-USE KITS

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Healthcare Remixed with ZDoggMD

ACFAS 2021 Keynote Speaker ZDoggMD

Whether you’re joining us in-person or online for ACFAS 2021, be sure to make time to hear Zubin Damania, MD, (or how you may know him as ZDoggMD) this year’s 2021 Keynote Speaker.

Dr. Damania is an internist and the founder of Turntable Health—an innovative healthcare clinic created as part of an ambitious urban revitalization movement in Las Vegas. While a hospitalist at Stanford, Dr. Damania started a shadow career as a stand-up comedian creating parody videos for medical audiences around the world—all under the pseudonym ZDoggMD. Today, Dr. Damania shares how we can build this idea of Health 3.0, combining technology and evidence-based medicine to seamlessly support healthcare teams and give patients the outcomes that matter to them while also improving the wellbeing of their caregivers. During our captivating opening session, Dr. Damania will dive into the challenges of delivering compassionate healthcare in a severely dysfunctional medical system, through humor, song and storytelling. Dr. Damania discusses ways to revitalize the medical system while also examining how we might work together to collectively transform the current system making the future in medicine bright. volume 28 issue 3

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

A G LO B A L E X T R E M I T Y C O M PA N Y

www.acfas.org

Vegas is Coming to YOU! Everyone who signed up for in-person or virtual ACFAS 2021 is invited to sign into the ACFAS Digital Portal to get involved in the three-week ACFAS 2021 extravaganza! Plus, if you're registered for only Virtual ACFAS 2021 you will have up to 60 days after the conference to watch recorded sessions and earn up to 26 CME. Here’s what we have in store for you:

Week 1-Pre-Event Warm Up:

Week 2-Annual Scientiﬁc Conference:

Week 3-Post-Event Wrap Up:

From May 10-14 you’ll have early access to the ACFAS 2021 Digital Portal where you can familiarize yourself with the program, engage with industry and hear from the conference committee.

The main event takes place during the in-person Annual Scientiﬁc Conference May 17-21. Everyone registered for either can watch these session anytime, anywhere and have up to 60 days after the conference to view them.

ACFAS 2021 is over, but the celebration continues with additional content such as speaker meet and greets, industry webcasts and virtual symposia. All Annual Scientiﬁc Conference registrants will have access to the ACFAS 2021 Digital Portal, but CME for viewing the sessions recordings will only be available to the virtual registrants.

Virtual-only attendees can access up to 26 CME hours of educational content recorded at the conference and can earn your CME by completing a short quiz for each session viewed. You'll receive your certiﬁcate through the virtual conference system upon completion. Through the digital portal, everyone will be able to browse the virtual exhibit hall and product showcase as well as all ePosters. You’ll also have access to a wide variety of additional non-CME education, including live and pre-recorded industry innovations webinars and access to new, 15-minute or less, Lightning Learning videos.

Follow Vegas on Social Media! 06

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Login information for ACFAS Digital Portal will be sent to you in your email. Visit acfas.org/LasVegas for more information and all frequently asked questions on this year’s digital conference.

Whether you’re joining us in Vegas or from your home or office, be a part of every minute during the Annual Scientiﬁc Conference action by following ACFAS on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Join the conversation by using #ACFAS2021 and get a behind the scenes look at this year’s meeting.

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

www.acfas.org

ACFAS 2021 At Your Fingertips

New at ACFAS 2021: Hallux Valgus International Symposium

You can check out this year’s Annual Scientiﬁc Conference before landing in Las Vegas by downloading the free eventScribe mobile meeting app from your phone’s app store—your all-access pass to ACFAS 2021! In the palm of your hand, you’ll ﬁnd:

Hear the latest on hallux valgus at both the in-person and virtual Annual Scientiﬁc Conference at the never-offered-before Hallux Valgus International Symposium. Tuesday, May 18 10:30am-12:30pm

A list of your pre-selected sessions The entire conference schedule New: A listing of over 200 posters Session evaluations Exhibitor directory Important meeting alerts & announcements Convention center maps Live Social Media Feeds And more!

Before you leave, download the app in one of two ways: Search your Apple or Google Play app store (iOS or Android) for eventScribe— it’s a blue icon with a white eS Once you’ve downloaded the app, enter the app and at the bottom of the home page, you should see the ACFAS 2021 icon under the Upcoming Events. You can also search for the event by using the blue search bar in the middle of the home screen. Search for ACFAS 2021. The instructions and login information will be emailed to you prior to the conference. App instructions will also be available on the back of your badge in Las Vegas.

Get ﬁrst exposure to unpublished science and breaking new research. Learn about research and new discoveries relating to the practice of foot and ankle surgery. Authors will have seven minutes to present their papers and engage with the audience. Visit acfas.org/LasVegas for more information on the symposium.

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

www.acfas.org

Countdown to ACFAS 2021 May 18-21, 2021 It’s almost time to head to the bright lights of Las Vegas or see the lights through the ACFAS 21 Digital Platform! However you’re joining us, here are some tips to maximize your ACFAS 21 experience! In-person Event

Virtual Event

9. Download the ACFAS 2021 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 new app by searching in your phone’s app store for eventScribe and download it. Then search for ACFAS 2021 to access the full conference app.

9. Watch your email for your ACFAS Digital Portal login information.

8. Check the weather before packing your bag. Las Vegas hits 90 during the day and dips into the 50s at night throughout the month of May. Be sure to check the forecast to make sure you pack appropriately for the temperature closer to your departure date. 7. Check your email inbox for badge information. You will print your badge onsite through a contactless on-site check-in process in the registration/information area. 6. Visit the Exhibit Hall to meet vendors and network with colleagues over a contactless lunch. Don’t forget to check out the poster display in the Exhibit Hall, too! 5. Stay connected with us! Follow #ACFAS2021 on social media to see what’s happening throughout the conference. 4. Relax and reconnect with colleagues at the Premier Connection opening event. 3. 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 other events.

8. Bookmark the ACFAS 2021 website address to be ready for the fun to start at the Pre-Event Warm Up starting May 10 where you’ll hear from industry partners and watch some pre-event webinars. 7. Stay connected with us! Follow #ACFAS2021 on social media to see what’s happening throughout the conference. 6. Start watching the virtual content on the platform starting the week of May 17. 5. Don’t forget to earn your CME by completing your questions after each session and print your CME certiﬁcate to show you’ve earned your credit where credit is due. 4. See all the latest research by viewing the posters on the portal. 3. Take time to watch the Keynote speaker ZDoggMD starting on May 19. 2. Visit the virtual Exhibit Hall to hear from your favorite vendors and see the new products. 1. Make plans to visit us in-person next year for ACFAS 2022 in Austin, Texas!

2. Give us your feedback on the sessions you attend by evaluating them through the ACFAS 2021 mobile app. 1. Enjoy the bright lights and excitement of Vegas!

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

www.acfas.org

news from the college

Winter Board Meeting Recap The ACFAS Board of Directors met virtually on February 26, 2021. Normally this meeting would be held in conjunction with the Annual Scientiﬁc Conference, which was rescheduled for late May. The Board welcomed new director Andrew J. Meyr, DPM, FACFAS, as well as returning director George T. Liu, DPM, FACFAS at this meeting. Highlights of the virtual Board meeting included:

Review of the College’s investment portfolio with investment advisor Approval to hold a limited capacity, in-person Annual Scientiﬁc Conference in late May in addition to the virtual conference Initial review and acceptance of the Diversity task force report Approval of a task force reporting to the Surgical Skills committee to oversee the new Comprehensive Internal Fixation Course for August 2021 Member dues deadline extension until June 30 ACFAS Board Liaisons assigned to the podiatric medical schools’ student clubs Assigned an ACFAS representative to work with APMA on the “Same or Similar” health policy efforts

Virtual ACFAS Region Meetings— Before and After ACFAS 2021 ACFAS Regions are Zooming for 2021! All College Members and ACFAS Student Club Members are invited to attend their local Region Meetings via Zoom. Meetings are scheduled to be held in evenings in May, either the week before or the week after the ACFAS Annual Scientiﬁc Conference in Las Vegas. Meetings are one hour in length.

Meeting agendas include new Region CME programming, support of local research, plans for the upcoming year, and open officer positions. Also, all members who attend their meeting will be placed in a raffle to win one of two $100 Amazon gift cards. To see your Region’s Membership Meeting agenda, learn who your local officers are, and to register, please go to acfas.org/regions.

Region Meetings Schedule Monday, May 10

Monday, May 24

Gulf States Region 6-7pm CT Great Lakes Region 8-9pm ET

Tri-State Region

7-8pm ET

Tuesday, May 25 Tuesday, May 11

Midwest Region Northeast Region

6-7pm CT 8-9pm ET

Southeast Region Big West Region

7-8pm ET 6-7pm MT

Wednesday, May 12

Mid-Atlantic Region 8-9pm ET Paciﬁc Region 6-7pm PT

In Memory Philip A. Giammarino, DPM, FACFAS Oceanside, NY

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

www.acfas.org

news from the college

Eric Walter, DPM, FACFAS Receives 2021 Distinguished Service Award Someone who gives of their time and is invested not only in their career, but in the career of others deserves to be recognized. After speaking with Eric Walter, DPM, FACFAS, there is no questioning why he is this year’s Distinguished Service Award recipient. Dr. Walter embodies the drive and attributes of a leader and is the colleague everyone wants. Throughout his time as a foot and ankle surgeon, he has shown his dedication to the College and to the profession serving on different committees as well as the Regions Presidents Council and the ACFAS Board of Directors, never doing anything halfway. Scott Nelson, DPM, FACFAS, then ACFAS President, presented Dr. Walter with the award during the ACFAS virtual Member Meeting. Dr. Nelson expresses, “I have had the pleasure of seeing Eric Walter lead our Regions Presidents Council and serve on the Board of Directors. His work ethic,

creative ideas and personal skills exemplify the qualities of this award and I am proud to be able to give him this award. I look forward to his continued work with the College in the future.” The people who are so heavily involved are always the ones surprised to be recognized for their service and achievements. Dr. Walter echoes that sentiment when asked what his initial thoughts were when notiﬁed of the award. “I was surprised when I heard about the award. I feel like I haven’t done anything yet—it was never on my radar,” he says. It typically is not on the radar of those who are so busy giving and helping to better things around them that they don’t spend their time thinking of prestigious awards or accolades. Dr. Walter’s time with the College began gradually like a lot of members do—by starting small. “I’ve been a member since I

Eric Walter, DPM, FACFAS

became board qualiﬁed and for years just paid my dues and went to local meetings but wasn’t very active.” That all changed in 2009 when he attended a DC Division Meeting. “I loaded the family in the car and drove to DC for the Annual Scientiﬁc Conference and attended the NY area meeting and there I was told by the Division President at the time, ‘You’re my new VP’. I got involved from there and it led to planning and organizing more meetings.” After serving as the Division Vice President from June 2008 through March 2011 he stepped up to lead as President until 2016. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping with the transition from Divisions to Regions. He was tasked with persuading Division Presidents to buy into the idea, which was no small feat given this change meant states and their budgets had to merge. “Staff does a lot, but I had to be the cheerleader and get it all set so when it came

“I have had the pleasure of seeing Eric Walter lead our Regions Presidents Council and serve on the Board of Directors. His work ethic, creative ideas and personal skills exemplify the qualities of this award and I am proud to be able to give him this award. I look forward to his continued work with the College in the future.” — Scott Nelson, DPM, FACFAS, past ACFAS President

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

www.acfas.org

Dr. Walter admittedly doesn’t do anything with minimal effort and worked to organize bigger meetings with cadaver workshops, day-long seminars, and—as is the case with good volunteers—he was eventually recruited to serve on other committees, including the Nominating, Post-Graduate Education and Surgical Skills Committees. He has a proven track record with making things better and always being there to step in when needed. It undoubtedly seems like

his service with the College snowballed quickly, but as he shared light-heartedly, “If you want to get something done, give it to the busiest person.” Dr. Walter certainly is busy while heavily involved with the College he somehow ﬁnds the time to be active in New York State Legislation working to get foot and ankle privileges and has coached his four children’s soccer and basketball teams. “I must thank my wife Liz who always made sure that I was able to get to practices and games for our children and run our busy household.” Dr. Walter is currently the Residency Director for a 15-person program in New York and a faculty member in

Watch for FASTRAC! The long-awaited newest ACFAS open access journal FASTRAC is set to go live this month! FASTRAC is the College's new Open Access, case-study journal featuring the latest advances in cutting-edge surgical techniques for correction of foot and ankle disorders. The new journal is electronic and free to access. If you have a case study or other type of article you are looking to have published visit acfas.org/FASTRAC for more information and to submit your article. ACFAS’ members receive a discount on author fees charged upon acceptance of a paper.

volume 28 issue 3

orthopaedics and podiatry so his coaching and teaching never ends, which isn’t surprising given it’s something he is so passionate about. “Teaching residents is a big one, I enjoy what I do at the hospital. It’s fun to see new students come in at the start of residency and graduate three years later as conﬁdent foot and ankle surgeons.” He adds, “Getting them excited about their profession, keeping them motivated and preparing them for their careers never gets old.” Congratulations to this year’s Distinguished Service Award Winner, Dr. Eric Walter, DPM, FACFAS.

FASTRAC

to a vote, it had to get approved. It was a huge undertaking getting forms signed, money transferred, etc.” In the end he got the job done and the transition was fully implemented.

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1

AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS

FOOT & ANKLE SURGERY: TECHNIQUES, REPORTS & CASES

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

ELSEVIER

www.acfas.org

news from the college

2021-2022 Board of Directors Takes Office Congratulations to the new ACFAS Board of Directors. The 2021-2022 Board officially took office during the March 4 Membership Meeting. Serving on the 2021-2022 Board of Directors are Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS, President; Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS, President-Elect; Eric A. Barp, DPM, FACFAS, Secretary-Treasurer; Scott C. Nelson, DPM, FACFAS, Immediate Past President; Christopher Lotufo, DPM, FACFAS; Alan MacGill, DPM, FACFAS; Alan Ng, DPM, FACFAS; Barry Rosenblum, DPM, FACFAS; Matthew Williams, DPM, FACFAS; George T. Liu, DPM, FACFAS and Andrew J. Meyr, DPM, FACFAS. Thank you to Christopher Reeves, DPM, MS, FACFAS for his service on the Board of Directors as he retires this year as the Immediate Past President.

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ACFAS Update & Member Recognition Recap The College held its ﬁrst-ever virtual ACFAS Membership Meeting on March 4. Kicking off the meeting was a video message from the Annual Scientiﬁc Conference Committee announcing the decision to move forward with a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting in Las Vegas May 18-21. Eric Walter, DPM, FACFAS was then honored as the 2021 Distinguished Service Award recipients and the new ACFAS Fellows were recognized. The meeting concluded with new 2021 ACFAS Board of Directors being installed as Immediate Past President Scott Nelson, DPM, FACFAS passed the gavel to new ACFAS President Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS.

Joint Letter Requesting Anthem to Revoke Proposed Policy Changes In late October 2020, ACFAS, AAOS, APMA and AOFAS sent a joint letter to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield requesting they revoke proposed policy changes to the AIM Specialty Health Musculoskeletal Program, effective November 1, 2020, until further discussion with relevant clinical specialty societies. These policy changes pertain to small joint surgery of the foot and ankle and include Hallux Rigidus Surgery, Hallux Valgus and bunionette Surgery, lesser toe deformities (elective, non-emergent surgical intervention) and ankle arthritis (elective, non-emergent surgical intervention). While the policy changes were not revoked, the team of ACFAS, AAOS, APMA and AOFAS members have been in continued discussions with Anthem and will continue to provide their clinical team with resources moving forward.

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

www.acfas.org

news from the college

Resident Educators: Don’t Miss Your Program The Residency Directors Forum has gone virtual for 2021. Are you a residency or fellowship director, or on faculty with a program? Mark your calendar to attend the Residency Directors Forum, co-hosted by the College and the Council of Teaching Hospitals (COTH) during a live stream on Monday, May 17 from 8am–12:30pm Paciﬁc Time via Zoom.

The Forum’s agenda will be ﬁlled with a list of hot topics such as:

A discussion on COVID-19 response by various residency programs, giving directors a chance to share war stories, best practices, and how to pivot to short-term virtual education while still maintaining CPME requirements for resident learning. Guiding your residents into fellowship— representatives from fellowship programs will explain why residents may be interested taking this next step in their career and provide the guidance in supporting them.

The pathway of education and training by exploring the transition of learning from student to resident to fellow to practitioner and reviewing the collaboration and potential milestones along the process. Patient safety regarding resident training, legal considerations, second victim phenomenon and best practices. Understanding diversity and inclusion in healthcare. How this plays a part in residency training, promoting a supportive learning environment for all and encouraging an open and welcoming patient experience. And ﬁnally, back by popular request, attendees will have an opportunity to hear updates from ABFAS, AACPM/COTH news and PRR revisions, and the latest update on the CPME 320/330 re-write.

“The Forum is designed by program directors for program directors and any feedback to address residency issues or concerns are always welcomed, before, during or after the event,”

VIRTUAL PROGRAM

2021

R D

RESIDENCY DIRECTORS FORUM Co-Hosted by ACFAS and COTH

said Roya Mirmiran, DPM, FACFAS, Chair, ACFAS Post Graduate Affairs Committee. The Forum is invitation-only and is complimentary for all residency and fellowship directors, faculty and administrations, as well as for all school deans. The Forum will provide a CPME-approved certiﬁcate for 4.0 Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH). Interested in attending? Please go to acfas.org/LasVegas to access the full agenda and the link to register.

“The Forum is designed by program directors for program directors and any feedback to address residency issues or concerns are always welcomed, before, during or after the event.” — Roya Mirmiran, DPM, FACFAS, Chair, ACFAS Post Graduate Affairs Committee

volume 28 issue 3

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

www.acfas.org

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Another issue of FootNotes is out and ready for Spring. This issue helps ease your patients into spring after a long winter of increased inactivity.

™

With articles geared toward spring conditioning and preparing feet for more outdoor activity, this is a must-read. This issue’s articles include different injuries runners face and how to treat them, what to do when your big toe is constantly in pain and how to keep old injuries at bay while getting more active. Maximize your reach with patient education and marketing your practice with the latest issue. Add your practice information into the customizable second page and keep copies in your office, post it to your practice website and even share it on your social media accounts. Visit the ACFAS Marketing Toolbox at acfas.org/Marketing for more free tools to ramp up your practice marketing efforts.

volume 28 issue 3

Tribio Backfill Plugs

Delivered in sterile, single-use kit for rapid harvest

Proprietary, bio-resorbable backfill plug consisting of hydroxyapatite, tri-calcium phosphate and bioactive glass in a collagen matrix designed to fill corresponding voids after using the CoLink Bone Graft Harvester.

Morselizes bone into chips to facilitate void filling

CoLink Bone Graft Harvester is available in two diameters: 6mm and 8mm. ®

In2Bones See Our Full Line at www.In2Bones.com CoLink, Tribio, In2Bones and the In2Bones logo are registered trademarks of In2Bones and its subsidiaries. • In2Bones USA Memphis, TN, 38119 USA • In2Bones SAS, 69130 Ecully, France © 2019 In2Bones USA, Memphis, TN • All rights reserved • Patent Pending • AU0121_BGH-A, 1220

A G LO B A L E X T R E M I T Y C O M PA N Y

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

www.acfas.org

patient outreach

Check Out the Newest Animation Videos The animation video library is growing again! There are two new ways to educate your patients—check out the newly released Proper Foot Stretching Techniques and Knee Walker/Roll About Use patient education videos. The newest additions in the patient animation video library offer up more great resources giving patients proper stretching techniques

to help them battle different conditions including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis and how to properly use a knee walker/roll about to get around with an injury. The animation shows in a fun and easy-to-follow way how exactly to properly stretch out different parts of the leg and foot and the right way to use the knee walker/roll about and how to get around safely.

These informative videos are now available for you to share with your patients during their visit, on your website or on your social media sites to explain some of the most common instructions you give in each visit. Visit acfas.org/Marketing to download the new videos now and keep checking back for more in the animation video series.

ACFAS CORPORATE SPONSORS Platinum Level

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Arthrex

Stryker

DePuy Synthes

In2Bones

Arthrosurface

Organogenesis

Medartis, Inc.

PICA

Novastep, Inc.

ABFAS Amniox Medical Orthoﬁx Paragon 28

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.

Wright Medical Zimmer Biomet

Medline UNITE Foot & Ankle MiMedx Group Podiatry Foundation of Pittsburgh

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

volume 28 issue 3

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

www.acfas.org

VOLUME 28 ISSUE 3 | NEWS from the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS

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

in this issue

VIRTUAL PROGRAM

2021

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RESIDENCY DIRECTORS FORUM Co-Hosted by ACFAS and COTH

Resident Educators: Don’t Miss Your Program page 13

Eric Walter, DPM, FACFAS Receives 2021 Distinguished Service Award

Get Patients Ready for Spring with FootNotes

page 10

page 14