ACFAS Update (Vol. 29 No. 1) by ACFAS

ACFAS VOLUME 29 ISSUE 1

NEWS from the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS

ACFAS 2022 IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDS Access everything ACFAS 2022 has to offer before landing in Austin with the 2022 mobile app. Download the app to get your all-access pass to this year's meeting!

Download the app by scanning the QR code below or visiting core-apps.com/dl/acfas2022. You can also ﬁnd it in your phone's app store by searching for ACFAS.

Find everything you need, including 䡲 A list of your pre-selected sessions 䡲 The entire conference schedule 䡲 New: A listing of manuscripts 䡲 Session evaluations 䡲 Exhibitor directory 䡲 Important meeting alerts & announcements 䡲 Convention center maps 䡲 Live social media feeds 䡲 And more!

Instructions and login information will be emailed to you prior to the conference. Login information to access your personalized schedule will also be located on the third panel of your badge in Austin.

Countdown to ACFAS 2022 page 8

ACFAS 2022 On Demand page 5

A New ACFAS.org is Coming! Stay tuned for a brand-new ACFAS website tailored speciﬁcally to you—whether you’re a full member, resident member, student or a non-member, acfas.org will have just what you’re looking for! Watch for the rollout of the website coming soon, which will be complete with a new look and updated content.

President’s Perspective WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LEADER? page 2

perspective

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LEADER? When I was elected to be President of ACFAS, I was both excited and panicked, worried I did not have a sufficient level of knowledge nor skills to lead the preeminent organization representing an elite group of foot and ankle surgeons. But then it dawned on me…I was surrounded by a team of member volunteers with incredible knowledge and the generosity to share their expertise. These volunteers served on ACFAS committees, served as leaders at their local hospitals and were content experts and key opinion leaders in a wide range of topics. So, I led by listening. Listening to their ideas, allowing them to do their job, staying out of the way as I watched their teamwork move the needle forward. As my presidency year ends, we naturally reflect on the highlights of the year and what this ACFAS team has accomplished—and what a year it has been! COVID threw a monkey wrench in all aspects of our lives, but despite this, ACFAS has weathered the storm and managed to continue to advance and build on several programs so vital to our members during this pandemic. On the continuing education side, our Annual Scientific Conference Committee successfully pulled off the first-ever hybrid Annual Scientific Conference in Las Vegas. Featuring both in-person learning and virtual opportunities,

this groundbreaking effort allowed us to be one of the very few organizations who has never missed an annual conference. In addition to the successful annual conference, our Education and Scientific committee rolled out the brand new Comprehensive Resident Fixation Workshop aimed to standardize trainee knowledge and skills in advanced fixation techniques. We continued to deliver the frequently sold-out arthroscopy workshops as well as three advanced surgical skills workshops. And for those unable to attend these in-person learning events, a variety of live webcasts, podcasts and ondemand learning modules were developed to keep our members connected. Continuing along the path of embracing our future leaders, the Post Graduate committee and Fellowship committee held its first-ever virtual Residency Directors Forum and Fellowship Fair. The number of fellowship programs granted ACFAS status continues to expand and swelled to 54 programs strong. The Council for Journal Management launched FASTRAC, a clinically focused journal covering case reports and reviews, a feature in demand from our readers. Plus, acknowledging the great importance of research to our profession, the Research Committee developed a Student Research Lecture series to educate the future leaders

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

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of our profession on research fundamentals. And ﬁnally, a generous grant from PICA allowed the distribution of $100,000 in awards dedicated to original research studies. ACFAS deepened its educational initiatives for members through well-established opportunities, but we also recognize that identifying current and future leaders to lead the College is paramount to continued success. More importantly, we appreciate that leadership should be inclusive and culturally representative of the membership. With that in mind, ACFAS created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force, working on new initiatives to ensure equal opportunities for all. Furthermore, the Board approved the creation of an ACFAS leadership development program focused on building the skills instrumental in leading our organization. But most importantly, ACFAS membership has soared to 7,900 members strong, an all-time high! And even in the midst of a pandemic, our renewal was a staggering 96 percent. I am so proud to be surrounded by the incredible talent and dedication of ACFAS members and to be a part of this team, because we are stronger together.

Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS ACFAS President

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

www.acfas.org

news from the college

Have You Booked Your Hotel for Austin Yet?

2021-22 EDUCATION PROGRAMS February 24-27, 2022 (Thursday-Sunday)

80th Annual Scientific Conference Austin Convention Center Austin, TX

ACFAS 2022 is quickly approaching! Book your hotel today to ensure you’re part of the action in Austin! Hotel reservations can be made through our official housing partner, onPeak. 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. Hotel reservations can be made online at acfas.org/Austin, by calling (800) 950-5542 or by emailing acfas@onpeak.com.

Congratulations to the newly elected ACFAS Board members from online balloting that ended on December 27:

Drs. Shane and Hollawell will serve threeyear terms (2022-2025) and Drs. MacGill & Still will serve a two-year term (2022-2024).

Amber M. Shane, DPM, MS, FACFAS

Also serving on the 2022-2023 Board of Directors are Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS, President; Eric A. Barp, DPM, FACFAS, President-Elect; George T. Liu, DPM, FACFAS, Secretary-Treasurer; Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS, Immediate Past President; Andrew Meyr, DPM, FACFAS; Alan Ng, DPM, FACFAS; and Matt Williams, DPM, FACFAS.

Alan A. MacGill, DPM, FACFAS Previously elected to serve as Chair of the Region Presidents Council and ex-officio board member: Gregory P. Still, DPM, FACFAS

Regional Learning Series: Common Pathologies—How to Resolve and Maximize Function by Restoring Structure Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel Denver, CO April 29-30, 2022 (Friday/Saturday)

Regional Learning Series: Common Pathologies—How to Resolve and Maximize Function by Restoring Structure

Meet Your 2022-2023 ACFAS Board of Directors

Shane Hollawell, DPM, FACFAS

April 1-2, 2022 (Friday/Saturday)

Embassy Suites by Hilton Berkeley Heights Berkeley Heights, NJ May 12-13, 2022 (Thursday/Friday)

Comprehensive Fixation for the Ankle and Foot: A Resident's Course Marriott O’Hare Chicago Chicago May 20-21, 2022 (Friday/Saturday)

Regional Learning Series: Common Pathologies—How to Resolve and Maximize Function by Restoring Structure Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Orlando, FL May 21-22, 2022 (Saturday/Sunday)

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

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education

Follow #ACFAS2022 on Social Media Whether you’re joining us in Austin or holding down the fort at home—you can follow all the ACFAS 2022 action by following ACFAS on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram! Join the conversation by using #ACFAS2022 and get a sneak peak of this year’s meeting with us.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols at ACFAS 2022 We are excited to welcome attendees in-person and are committed to providing an environment that helps ensure the safety and well-being of all members, faculty, exhibitors, staff and guests attending the ACFAS 2022. As part of that commitment, ACFAS will observe and comply with CDC guidelines, along with all state, local, and facility ordinances and regulations at all conference venues. Currently, the City of Austin mandates that face masks are to be worn regardless of vaccination status in or on city property, and on property the city owns, manages or controls. This includes the Hilton Austin and Austin Convention Center.

In addition to abiding by state and local mandates, all individuals will be required to comply with one of the ACFAS 2022 Health and Safety Policies and Protocols in order to enter our space. 䡲

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Attendees should upload their proof of vaccination ahead of time using our secure app. If you are unable to use the app, you can bring your digital or print vaccine card with you. Watch your email and check the ACFAS 2022 Health and Safety Policies and Protocols for instructions on how to submit your proof of vaccination. In lieu of proof of vaccination, those requiring a vaccine exception can upload a negative COVID-19 test within 48-hours of arriving at the conference using our secure app.

Before you travel to Austin be sure to: Follow the instructions in upcoming emails on sharing your proof of vaccination or negative COVID test. 䡲 Check websites of your airline, airport(s), car rental, and hotel accommodations to review their health and safety protocols. 䡲 Pack extra face coverings to use while in the convention hall and throughout your stay in Austin. 䡲 Complete the self-assessment and check the CDC’s Coronavirus Self Checker. If you have any symptoms, please stay home. Continue to check back at acfas.org/Austin for more information and updates regarding planning and safety for this year’s meeting to keep everyone safe. 䡲

To keep yourself and others safe while onsite in Austin, please remember to wear your mask, social distance, wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer stations, cover your coughs and sneezes, and do not enter the conference if you show any symptoms of COVID-19. Visit acfas.org/Austin for more information and any updates on the safety policy for ACFAS 2022.

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

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education

Not Coming to Austin? Access ACFAS 2022 On Demand! If you’re unable to join us for this year’s meeting in Austin, you’re in luck! You can still take part in the ACFAS 2022 OnDemand Package starting March 3, 2022. Access over 20 hours of learning recorded at this year’s Annual Scientiﬁc Conference from your computer wherever you are. The On-Demand Package includes: 䡲 Access to 13 session recordings totaling 23 CME hours of educational content recorded at the conference. You can watch these sessions anytime, anywhere after the March 3 release date and earn your CME by completing a short quiz for each session you view. You will receive your certiﬁcate through the learning management system upon completion.

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䡲

Access to a live-stream presentation of the Opening Keynote Session, featuring Dr. Myron Rolle on February 24 (Note: This is the only session being live-streamed. No CME is available for this live presentation.) Ability to view session recordings for up to one year Convenient 24/7 online access

Fees and Availability (registration opens February 7 for access starting March 3, 2022) Early bird rate before March 1 Member: $395 Non-member: $495 After March 1 Member: $425 Non-member: $525

Please note, in-person attendees will NOT receive access to the ACFAS 2022 On-Demand Package. In-person attendees can transfer registration to the on-demand package without any cancellation fees. The deadline to transfer registration is February 11. To transfer your registration, email info@acfas.org. Visit acfas.org/Austin for more information on the ACFAS 2022 On-Demand Package. Reminder: The ACFAS 2022 On-Demand package is a collection of recordings you will have access to starting March 3. Only the keynote presentation will be streamed live.

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

www.acfas.org

education

Extend your ACFAS 2022 Experience with Pre-Conference Workshops Head to Austin a day early for ACFAS 2022 to take part in one of this year’s Pre-Conference Workshops.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

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 related to properly coding surgical procedures and evaluation and management services. Learn how to code just one or two procedures properly, and you will cover the cost of this course and see an immediate return on investment in your own practice.

New! Coding Fundamentals

Forefoot Revisions: Managing Failed Procedures (Cadaveric) 7am-Noon | 4 Continuing Education Contact Hours Learn techniques to streamline revision surgery in the forefoot while gaining an understanding of ﬁxation methods and implants. Identify the failure points of the index procedures before they happen and review post-operative protocols.

Essential Rearfoot Procedures (Cadaveric) Noon-5pm | 4 Continuing Education Contact Hours Improve skills and become familiar with a variety of ﬁxation methods and implant devices. Learn to execute essential skills to obtain adequate correction when performing corrective osteotomies and soft tissue repair.

2:00-5:15pm | 2.5 Continuing Education Contact Hours Take the ﬁrst few steps to coding and billing by joining us for this all-new comprehensive workshop covering the fundamentals of coding and billing for foot and ankle surgeons. Learn the foundation of the coding and billing process from expert colleagues before taking the ACFAS Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle course.

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news from the college

Region Membership Meetings in Austin Each of the nine ACFAS Regions will hold meetings for their members during this year’s Annual Scientiﬁc Conference. Attend your Region’s meeting to network with your Region’s officers and take part in planning for the Region for the upcoming year. All members who attend their Region meeting will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Your raffle ticket will be distributed during your meeting.

Thursday, February 24 1-2pm in Ballroom D

Friday, February 25 1-2pm in Ballroom D

Saturday, February 26 Noon-1pm in Ballroom E

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

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

Southeast Region (FL, GA, PR)

Midwest Region (IL, IA, MN, MO, WI) Northeast Region (CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, ON, QC, RI, VT)

Big West Region (AB, AZ, CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, SD, UT, WY)

Tri-State Region (DE, NJ, PA) Paciﬁc Region (AK, CA, GU, HI, OR, WA, BC)

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

Join Team ACFAS at the Austin Marathon We’re looking for runners to participate in the race and volunteers to help promote the profession in the ACFAS booth at the upcoming Austin 5K, Half and Full Marathon on Sunday, February 20 before ACFAS 2022! If you’re a runner, join the ACFAS Team! Sign up at the Austin Marathon website and choose ACFAS under the “Team Name” pull down menu. You can also choose to run either the full, half or 5k event that day. Each runner on our team will get an ACFAS athletic shirt to

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wear during the race to show who you are as a foot and ankle surgeon. Packet pickup will start the afternoon of Thursday, February 17 and run through Saturday, February 19 at the ACFAS booth in the Palmer Event Center. If you’re interested in running the marathon, contact Michelle Kennedy, Director of Member Engagement and Post Graduate Affairs by February 18.

marathon expo ﬂoor – join us either Friday, February 18 or Saturday, February 19. Plan to promote yourself and the profession to show what a qualiﬁed surgical DPM can do to assist runners from all over the country with all their foot care needs. To volunteer, contact Melissa Matusek, Director of Public Relations and External Initiatives, to get more information and to sign up by February 11.

If you’re interested in volunteering, join Team ACFAS and man the College’s booth on the

We hope to see you in Austin at the expo and the race!

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

www.acfas.org

Countdown to ACFAS 2022 February 24-27, 2022 We’re counting down the days before we gather in Austin for the 2022 Annual Scientiﬁc Conference! Before you pack your bags, here are some things to remember to make sure you are ready to roll by the time you arrive.

11. Download the ACFAS 2022 mobile meeting app to have instant access to your customized schedule, conference center maps, exhibitor lists, session evaluations, important alerts and messages. Find the new app by visiting core-apps.com/dl/acfas2022 or searching ACFAS in your phone's app store. 10.Check the weather before you pack your bags for Austin. Average February temperature for Austin is a high of 60-70 degrees and low of 40-50 degrees. Be sure to check the forecast closer to your departure date and pack appropriately. 9. Check your airline and airport COVID-19 safety protocols to be prepared, and pack extra face coverings. 8. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test is required for ACFAS 2022. To make registration as smooth as possible, please follow the instructions ACFAS will send you to upload your proof of vaccination or negative test before you arrive.

6. Stop by the Exhibit Hall to meet vendors and network with your colleagues over lunch. You can also check out the poster display while there. 5. Stay connected with us throughout the meeting by following #ACFAS2022 on social media to see what’s happening. 4. Reconnect with colleagues and friends at the Premier Connection Opening Event. 3. Always wear your badge for food, beverage service and security. This includes during all sessions, in the Exhibit Hall and other events. 2. Share your feedback with us after each session you attend by evaluating them through the 2022 mobile app. 1. Enjoy Texas Charm and all Austin has to offer!

7. Keep an eye on your email inbox for badge information. You will print your badge onsite in Austin at the registration area.

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education

Register Now: 2022 Residents Day Pre-Conference Workshop Residents, plan to come to Austin a day early for ACFAS 2022 for Residents Day. Join us on February 23 to get tips from experienced foot and ankle surgeons on everything from ﬁnishing residency strong to transitioning to a successful practice. Residents Day will provide real-world advice and wisdom to help you tackle the end of residency: 䡲

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Understand the ins and outs of CPME’s 320 Standards; Learn skills for conﬂict resolution and hear advice on dealing with issues of harassment; Gain insight on how to establish work/life balance

The workshop will also give you the tools to help with your post-residency life: How to promote yourself properly; Learn the importance of proper documentation and informed consent; 䡲 Consider heading toward a fellowship; or move straight to practice — and hear advice on how to ﬁnd a job Registration includes breakfast, a refreshment break and networking lunch. Visit acfas.org/Austin to see the full agenda and to register today. 䡲䡲

Residents: Bundle Your Pre-Conference Workshops for a Full Day of Resident Learning Interested in maximizing your resident education this year? The College is now offering a full day of learning geared to residents on February 23. Register for Residents Day in the morning to get tips from your colleagues on ﬁnishing residency and transitioning to a successful practice. Close out the day with an all-new Coding Fundamentals course to learn the foundation of the coding and billing process from experts to give you an intro and head start before taking the full ACFAS Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon course. Register for one course, or both to take advantage of special bundle pricing.

2022

Coding Fundamentals

Residents’ Day

Bundle

$125 Member Resident

$95 Member Resident

$210 Member Resident

$165 Non-member Resident

$125 Non-member Resident

$280 Non-member Resident

AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER FEBRUARY 23, 2022 | AUSTIN, TX

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

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education

Step Up Your Coding Game in Austin Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Hone your coding skills with one of two coding courses happening before ACFAS 2022 in Austin. The original Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon course will cover what’s new in coding and other pertinent issues related to properly coding procedures and evaluation and management services. There’s also the new comprehensive course, Coding Fundamentals! Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon 7:30 am – 5:30 pm 8 Continuing Education Contact Hours Find out what’s new in coding for 2022! You’ll walk away knowing how to code more efficiently and effectively and see an increase in reimbursements. By learning how to code just one or two procedures properly, you will cover the cost of this course and see an immediate return on investment in your own practice.

New! Coding Fundamentals 2:00-5:15pm 2.5 continuing education contact hours Join us for this all-new comprehensive workshop covering the fundamentals of coding and billing for foot and ankle surgeons. Learn the foundation of the coding and billing process from expert colleagues before taking the ACFAS Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle course.

Visit acfas.org/practicemanagement to see the schedule for both courses and register today.

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Media Training is Back in Austin! Learn your way around the media in Austin with free media training! Being media savvy can go a long way in helping you promote your practice and the profession. You’ll get the opportunity to learn the PR basics plus how to speak to the media on behalf of the College during a free, formal training program held at ACFAS 2022, February 24–27. Your personalized one-hour training session with a professional media trainer will include: 䡲䡲䡲

One-on-one media training On-camera training with feedback ACFAS media training tips

Slots are limited, so reserve your session now by contacting Melissa Matusek, ACFAS director of Public Relations and External Initiatives, at melissa.matusek@acfas.org.

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

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education

2022

Don't Miss the 2022 Residency Directors Forum Co-sponsored by the Council of Teaching Hospitals (COTH), the College’s annual Residency Directors Forum is back in person for 2022!

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 1-5:30pm Austin Convention Center Austin, TX CECH: Up to 4 Continuing Education Contact Hours will be provided

R D

RESIDENCY DIRECTORS FORUM FEBRUARY 23, 2022

This year’s Residency Directors Forum is back with various topics to help resident educators optimize their resident review and oversight, such as milestones, resident remediation, and resident burnout. The course will also cover tips to teach the teachers, including why good documentation is important and Sim Labs and virtual education options. A session on program mergers and acquisitions and updates from an A to Z list of resident education

stakeholder organizations will close out this year’s program. As always, the Forum will be complimentary for all residency directors, faculty and program coordinators (up to two representatives from each program), fellowship directors and school Deans. Visit acfas.org/Austin today to register today, but don’t wait—space is limited!

Open and Close ACFAS 2022 in Style Kick off the start of this year’s annual meeting in Austin at the Premier Connection Opening Event at the Hilton Austin on Thursday, February 24. Take time to reconnect with your colleagues before heading out to dinner. Meet and greet classmates, colleagues and new friends while enjoying great food.

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We’ll close another great week of educational offerings at this year’s Wrap Party on Saturday, February 26 at Lustre Pearl on Rainey Street. Join colleagues and friends for one last evening in the Lone Star State at one of Austin’s most popular music venues.

Premier Connection Opening Event is included with registration. To attend the Wrap Party, tickets may be purchased in person at the Registration Booth.

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

www.acfas.org

health policy and advocacy

news from the college

2021 Year-end Advocacy and Health Policy Momentum as 2022 Begins At the beginning of 2022, ACFAS is positioned to strongly advocate for health policy issues that impact members, patients, and the profession. At the close of 2021, ACFAS endorsed two sign-on letters that impact Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) payments and coverage procedures implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the local coverage determination (LCD) process. For the MPFS letter, ACFAS and fellow Medicare Payment Coalition members joined the Representative Ami Bera, MD (D-CA) and Representative Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN) letter advocating for Congress to extend the MPFS 3.75 percent payment adjustment (conversion factor) through at least calendar year (CY) 2022. This endorses the Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2021. ACFAS partnered with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) on a letter to CMS which raises concerns about revised procedures implemented by CMS as well as Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and the Coverage and Analysis Group (CAG). These concerns are related primarily to a lack of opportunity for public notice and comment as well as a lack of transparency regarding coverage policies. Speciﬁcally, there is a lack of transparency for payments and procedures covered by the

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LCD process. ACFAS and APMA’s interests are aligned on this issue and this advocacy supports the payment and reimbursement goals of ACFAS. In addition, ACFAS met with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) and AIM Specialty Health (AIM) at the end of 2021. The meeting included fellow Joint Task Force of Orthopaedic and Podiatric Surgeons members APMA, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS). Coverage updates, effective January 1, were discussed and concerns were raised. As covered in This Week @ ACFAS, the changes are to the AIM Musculoskeletal Program for Anthem commercial members in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. This Anthem meeting is part of the increased advocacy steps being taken to ensure that health care payors consider the input of health care providers, as ACFAS works with organizational partners to impact coverage policies.

Virtual Career Fair ACFAS held its ﬁrst-ever Virtual Career Fair on November 3, giving employers the opportunity to connect with the best and the brightest foot and ankle surgeons from the comfort of their home or office. The virtual fair gave 89 job seekers the opportunity to meet and talk with ﬁve different employers throughout the fair. The fair was held in partnership with ACFAS and PodiatryCareers.org, the College’s online job board. Considering changing jobs or seeking a new employee in 2022? Watch the ACFAS Calendar for an invitation to participate in the second annual Virtual Career Fair in the Fall.

In Memory Mario N. Coraci, DPM, FACFAS Macomb, MI

John M. Enger, DPM, FACFAS Albert Lea, MN James S. Zaremba, DPM, FACFAS Aiken, SC

Advocacy efforts continue in early 2022 on these legislative, regulatory, and health care payor issues, which are vital for ACFAS members. ACFAS is actively monitoring movement on these issues in Congress and among public and private health care payors.

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

www.acfas.org

research

Research Grant Awardees ACFAS is pleased to announce the recipients of the ACFAS Clinical & Scientiﬁc Research Grant Program. Thanks to support from PICA and the ACFAS Regions, in 2021 the College debuted an expanded grant program providing up to $100,000 in funding: up to $75,000 for an established researcher and up to $25,000 for a new researcher. Under the updated grant program, all grant proposals were required to follow a modiﬁed NIH R21 format. The College received twelve submissions—eight from established

researchers and four from new researchers. After a rigorous selection process by an independent panel of content and research experts, final award recipients were selected based on criteria including significance, innovation, importance/impact, investigator qualifications, and methods of data analysis. Principal investigator Naohiro Shibuya, DPM, MS, FACFAS and co-investigators Javier La Fontaine, DPM, FACFAS and Daniel Jupiter, PhD were the recipients of the Established Researcher Award for Trajectories of Diabetes Related Sequelae for Identifying Transition Probabilities, and Optimal Timepoints for

Prevention of Ulceration, Infection, and Amputation. Peter A. Crisologo, DPM, FACFAS was awarded the New Researcher Award for Diabetic Foot Infection: Immune Status to Inform Outcome. ACFAS would like to thank those who took the time to submit grant proposals, the ACFAS Research Committee for spearheading the return of the grant program, and the Research Grant Panel for their efforts in reviewing and evaluating the submissions.

ACFAS CORPORATE SPONSORS Diamond Level

Silver Level

Bronze Level

Pewter Level

Copper Level

PICA

Platinum Level

In2Bones

DJO

Kerecis

Stryker

Arthrex

Organogenesis

Novastep

American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery

DePuy Synthes

Paragon 28

Medartis

Exactech

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.

Vilex

Zimmer Biomet

Extremity Medical Heron Therapeutics Paratek Pharma Trice Medical

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

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VOLUME 29 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

Join Team ACFAS at the Austin Marathon

COVID-19 Safety Protocols at ACFAS 2022

page 7

page 4

Region Membership Meetings in Austin page 7