ACFAS Update (Vol. 29 No. 6)

Step it Up: Experience All ACFAS 2023 Has to Offer!

There’s still time to join the leaders in foot and ankle surgery February 9-12 at

for a star-studded annual conference featuring:

EDUCATION

Earn up to 34 CECH! More than 100 renowned domestic and international foot and ankle surgeons will present cuttingedge topics and hands-on workshops with pre-conference programs beginning on February 8.

CONNECTIONS

Don’t miss out on formal and informal networking opportunities with the leaders in foot and ankle surgery!

INSPIRATION

Keynote speaker Victoria Arlen, who overcame two rare diseases and four years in a coma to become a Paralympic gold medalist, an ESPN anchor and a Dancing With the Stars semifinalist, will share her story of perseverance.

RESOURCES

The Exhibit Hall will feature over 150 companies from across the globe showcasing their products and services and exciting new sessions in the HUB and the Industry Innovations Theater.

ENTERTAINMENT

ACFAS 2023 will be conveniently held in the L.A. LIVE district—a one-of-a-kind entertainment campus in the heart of L.A. with destinations including The GRAMMY Museum, Xbox Plaza and Crypto.com Arena. Enhance your ACFAS 2023 experience with all that L.A. LIVE has to offer, including sports, music, restaurants, games and more!

Register and learn more at acfas.org/losangeles.

President’s Perspective

ACFAS 2023 in Los Angeles! We can’t wait to see you

RECALIBRATING OUR COMPASS

In my experience in ACFAS leadership there is one thing in particular that has stuck out to me when I consider the governance structure of other organizations with which I've been involved: the ACFAS "Strategic Compass” (link to be updated). This document consists of the strategic framework that defines and guides the work of the College.

The title in itself has intrigued me -- more than just a "plan" to direct an organization and its board, staff, committees and general membership, the "compass" will keep each of these elements on track and pointed toward its intended destination. Indeed, each committee is specifically charged to follow the goals, strategies and tactics that are relevant to its area of focus. This effectively ensures that a committee's projects and ideas are aligned with the College's overall direction.

The Board of Directors reviews the Business Plan at least annually, and every few years engages in specific strategic planning exercises in order to ensure that the Compass is up to date. This year, the Board took a much deeper dive, undertaking a much more extensive overhaul of our entire strategic planning structure. The reasons to do so were several, including: to ensure the plan aligns with the needs of the members, the College can optimally encompass new endeavors in leadership training, research, diversity and

advocacy, to better direct committees as their duties evolve, and to better define and clearly state the College's core values that should drive putting all elements of the strategic plan into action.

Looking through the past activities of ACFAS, it may not be that difficult to figure out what core values have driven the College. However, it may not be so easy to keep them in strong focus when paving the path for the future. At this past summer's strategic planning session, the Board took the effort to identify and define them. They include: Educational Excellence, Ethical Integrity, Innovation, Diversity & Inclusion, and Strategic Governance.

A focal point of the Compass are the strategic goals. Within each goal are several specific objectives and well-defined strategies to achieve them. Collectively, these compose the business plan that the Board of Directors utilizes for effective oversight of the College and set alignment of staff and volunteer activities.

1. Deliver trusted, innovative scientific education to members at each stage in their career.

2. Increase the public and health care communities understanding of and appreciation for ACFAS members as foot and ankle surgeons.

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

3. Support and advance research that improves foot and ankle care to optimize patient outcomes.

4. Represent the specialty through professional advocacy to improve the quality of patient care.

5 Recruit, develop and support a robust community of exceptional foot and ankle surgeons.

In the coming year, ACFAS staff, with the Boards direction, will be completing the process of incorporating the new strategic plan into the existing business plan structure. This is no small undertaking, and my deepest thanks to the ACFAS staff, Board of Directors, and all others involved cannot be overstated.

Our Strategic Compass is a “living” document. As the practice of foot and ankle surgery evolves and advances, our College strives to not only keep pace, but to prepare for future challenges and opportunities, both seen and unseen. Our continuous re-evaluation of our strategic plan, including significant updates like the one currently being undertaken, helps to ensure that we will be successful in doing so.

Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS ACFAS President

UPCOMING EDUCATION

Renewing Your Membership is Easier than Ever

There’s still time to renew your membership! Renew your ACFAS dues to ensure you maintain access to resources and benefits designed to advance and support your career.

Your dues give you access to the College's robust education and professional development offerings, practice growth and management tools and the top-rated Annual Scientific Conference.

NEW FOR 2023: Maintaining your membership status and benefits is even easier! Enroll in our new auto renewal option when you pay your dues online and we will automatically renew your membership each year to ensure continuous access to your ACFAS member benefits.

We thank you for your continued membership and look forward to helping you meet your professional goals in 2023. Visit acfas.org/paymydues or contact membership@acfas.org for help.

February 8, 2023 (Wednesday)

ACFAS 2023 Pre-Conference Surgical Management of Challenging Cases (Cadaveric)

Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles, CA

February 8, 2023 (Wednesday)

ACFAS 2023 Pre-Conference Soft Tissue (Cadaveric)

Los Angeles Convention Center

Los Angeles, CA

February 8, 2023 (Wednesday)

ACFAS 2023 Pre-Conference Residents Day

Los Angeles Convention Center

Los Angeles, CA

February 8, 2023 (Wednesday)

ACFAS 2023 Pre-Conference Residency Directors Forum

Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles, CA

February 8, 2023 (Wednesday)

ACFAS 2023 Pre-Conference

Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles, CA

February 8, 2023 (Wednesday)

ACFAS 2023 Pre-Conference

Coding Fundamentals

Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles, CA

February 9-12, 2023 (Thursday-Sunday)

81st Annual Scientific Conference

Los Angeles Convention Center

Los Angeles, CA

Visit acfas.org for the full education calendar.

How Much Can You Pack into Five Days?

MIS: From Reconstruction to Trauma (Hands-on Cadaveric Workshop) Gain osteotomy techniques and fixation for osseous MIS procedures.

Surgical Management of Challenging Cases

(Hands-on Cadaveric Workshop) Immerse yourself in two distinct challenging cases and how to handle them.

Soft Tissue (Hands-on Cadaveric Workshop) Review soft tissue reconstruction of the foot and ankle, including Achilles repair, FHL transfer, Deltoid repair, and more.

Residents Day

Pick up tips from the experts as you complete your post graduate education.

Residency Directors Forum

Resident educators: optimize your resident review and oversight and get an update on the CPME 320/330 re-write status. Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon Hear the new E&M decision making, hospital level billing changes plus the new CPT codes for 2023!

Coding Fundamentals

Ideal for all skill levels to learn about CPT and E&M codes, common modifiers and their use, and how to code minor in-office procedures

Get more information on pre-conference programming and register at acfas.org/losangeles.

ACFAS 2023: Rolling Out the Red Carpet for You

Kick off the start of this year’s annual meeting in Los Angeles in style! Don’t miss the Premier Connection Opening Event at the LA Convention Center on Thursday, February 9. Take time to reconnect with your colleagues before heading out to dinner. Meet and greet classmates, colleagues and new friends while enjoying great food.

We’ll close out a week full of world-class education at this year’s Wrap Party on

Saturday, February 11 at the GRAMMY Museum. Join colleagues and friends for one last evening of fun and get an insider’s view of the history of music’s most-coveted award and the musicians who have earned it through the years

The Premier Connection Opening Event is included with registration. Wrap Party tickets may be purchased for $75.

Make plans for your career as a foot and ankle surgeon when you attend both Coding Fundamentals and Residents Day at ACFAS 2023 in Los Angeles. Take one or save with bundle pricing when you take both!

2023 Residents Day

Wednesday, February 8, 8:30am – 2:15 pm

Experienced foot and ankle surgeons will discuss relevant topics in completing your post graduate education, including:

We Are Family: AC-FAS, AB-FAS, and C-P-M-E!

The Simple Rules for Achieving Board Certification

The Art of Negotiation: From CVs to Interviews and Contracts

Why Can't We All Just Get Along? Conflict Resolution

Don’t Be a Dropout: How to Be Cool and Avoid Burnout

This year’s Residents Day is generously sponsored by Organogenesis.

When you’re done with Residents Day, stick around for Coding Fundamentals, immediately following.

Coding Fundamentals

Wednesday, February 8, 2:30 – 6:15 pm

Learn the foundation of coding and billing from experts in the profession as you embark on your future practice. Coding Fundamentals prepares you with the essentials of coding and billing before you take the full ACFAS Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon course.

Finish your residency strong! Visit acfas.org/asc for more information and to register.

Catch Programming Just for You

RESIDENCY DIRECTORS FORUM

The 2023 Residency Directors Forum is going Hollywood! Earn 6.0 CME credits when you attend on Wednesday, February 8, from 12:00 – 6:30 pm – with a special add-on dinner with CPME that concludes at 7:30 pm.

This year’s agenda is geared toward how to optimize your resident review and oversight, with sessions including:

Pay No Attention to that Man Behind the Curtain: Social Media Dos and Don’ts

Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Orthopaedic Milestones

Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of Podiatric Residency Programs

How You Doin’? CPME Mock Site Visit

We Have a Really Big Show Tonight: Curriculum Building for Residencies

Smarter than the Average Bear: Faculty Development A to Z

The day will conclude with a special CPME dinner session for residency evaluators. You must RSVP for the dinner: CPME will contact you directly to see your availability to join them for this special event.

The Residency Directors Forum is complimentary for all residency directors, faculty and program coordinators (up to two representatives from each program), fellowship directors and school Deans.

This year’s event is co-hosted by the Council of Teaching Hospitals (COTH) and generously sponsored by Organogenesis. There will be no onsite registration for the Forum, so be sure to register online at acfas.org/asc.

Wednesday, February 8

12:00 – 6:30 pm

special add-on dinner for residency evaluators with CPME which concludes at 7:30 pm.

Pre-event RSVP is required to attend the dinner.

Co-Hosted by ACFAS and COTH

practice management

Learn the New Coding Rules for 2023 in LA

Two Pre-Conference Workshops Designed for You!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Have you heard the new coding rules affecting all members starting January 2023? Don’t leave money on the table next year—hear from the coding and billing experts on how to utilize the changes for maximum reimbursement at ACFAS 2023.

Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon

8:00 am – 5:30 pm | 8 CECH

Sean Grambart, DPM, FACFAS; Jacqueline Reiss-Kravitz, CPC, AAPC Fellow

Hear what’s new in coding for 2023, including:

Changes in E&M decision making

Changes in hospital level billing

Changes in consultation billing

New CPT codes and utilization

Further clarification on the 3&M decision making

Attendees will also participate in surgical coding scenarios including forefoot reconstruction, arthrodesis, office procedures, rearfoot and ankle reconstruction, tendon surgery, arthroscopy, trauma and diabetic foot surgery.

This course is designed for both physicians and their coders to work as a team to help maximize reimbursement.

Coding Fundamentals

2:30 – 6:15 pm | 3.5 CECH

Scott Nelson, DPM, FACFAS; Danielle Butto, DPM, FACFAS

Start or refresh your coding and billing foundation. Join the experts to gain an understanding of CPT and E&M codes, common modifiers and their use, and how to code minor in-office procedures. This is an excellent opportunity for residents, fellows, new practitioners, office staff of foot and ankle surgeons to learn more of the basic coding and billing terminology and process.

Register now at annualconference.acfas.org

29 issue 6 | update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons | www.acfas.org

news

from the college

2023 ACFAS/PICA Future Leader Scholar

Trevor Page, Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine ‘23

The new ACFAS/PICA Future Leader Scholarship provides a $40,000 academic scholarship to one very fortunate student, supported by an unrestricted grant from PICA—and we are thrilled to announce the recipient of this incredible opportunity, Trevor Page, Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine ’23, along with the other nine finalists. The future of the foot and ankle surgical profession will be in good hands with these 10 stand-out students and burgeoning leaders.

ACFAS Student Club Faculty Advisors on all 10 campuses nominated the top student leader from each podiatric medical school to apply for this award. ACFAS President Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS shared, “The ability of ACFAS to provide the absolute best programs and services to its members depends on the excellence of those very members— these 10 exceptional finalists leave me excited for their futures, as well as that of ACFAS.”

— ACFAS President Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS

news from the college

2023 ACFAS/PICA Future Leader Scholar Finalists

Sheena Cherukara, Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine ‘24

Chanelle Mariano, Western University College of Podiatric Medicine, ‘24

Gabriel Roberts, Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery ‘24

“PICA, the nation’s market leading malpractice insurance carrier for foot and ankle surgeons, is privileged to partner with ACFAS to fund the ACFAS/PICA Future Leader Scholarship! Since our founding, PICA has had a singular mission: We Protect Podiatrists,” said PICA President Ross E. Taubman, DPM, FACFAS. “By partnering with ACFAS to create this scholarship, we continue our commitment to developing the future leaders of our specialty.”

Thank you to PICA for your generous support of our future leaders, and congratulations to Trevor and all the finalists!

Jeneen Elagha, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine ‘24

Shadi Mattar, Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine ‘23

Gregory Rose, New York College of Podiatric Medicine ‘23

Jake Loitz, California School of Podiatric Medicine ‘23

Madeleine Mehaffey, UT Rio Grande Valley School of Podiatric Medicine, ‘26

Jonathan Westerveld, Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine ‘23

Ross E. Taubman, DPM, FACFAS, PICA President

“By partnering with ACFAS to create this scholarship, we continue our commitment to developing the future leaders of our specialty.”

—

news from the college

You’re Invited to the ACFAS Virtual Career Fair

Thinking about a new job? The ACFAS Virtual Career Fair connects you with top employers, all without leaving your home and at no cost to you! Mark your calendar and plan to attend on Thursday, February 23 from 5-8 pm EST.

Browse employer profiles, view open positions and privately interact with employers via live text or video chat.

Get your foot in the door with organizations that are actively recruiting foot and ankle surgeons with this free, fun and lowpressure online environment. All you need is your mobile device or desktop!

Register today or learn more about employer exhibit package options at acfas.org.

Meet Your 2023-2024 ACFAS Board of Directors

Congratulations to the newly elected 2023-24 ACFAS Board members from the election that ended on December 14:

Incumbent: Matthew E. Williams, DPM, FACFAS

Stay Connected

Are you following ACFAS on social media? Stay up-to-date on the latest news, member highlights and updates from the College! instagram.com/acfas.foot.and.ankle.surgeons facebook.com/AmericanCollegeofFootandAnkleSurgeons twitter.com/acfas linkedin.com/company/american-college-of-foot-and-ankle-surgeons

Jason A. Piraino, DPM, MS, FACFAS Dr. Williams and Piraino will serve three-year terms (2023-2026). Also serving on the 2023-2024 Board of Directors are Eric A. Barp, DPM, FACFAS, President; George T. Liu, DPM, FACFAS, President-Elect; Alan Ng, DPM, FACFAS, Secretary-Treasurer; Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS, Immediate Past President; Shane M. Hollawell, DPM, FACFAS; Alan A. MacGill, DPM, FACFAS; Andrew Meyr, DPM, FACFAS; Amber M. Shane, DPM, FACFAS; and Gregory P. Still, DPM, FACFAS.

update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeon | www.acfas.org

Help lead the way in the advancement of foot and ankle surgery; submit your case reports to ACFAS' open access journal, FASTRAC.

We are looking for the latest advances in cutting-edge surgical techniques for correction of foot and ankle disorders for Foot & Ankle Surgery: Techniques, Reports & Cases (FASTRAC), the College’s open access journal.

FASTRAC’s streamlined submission process allows foot and ankle surgeons around the world to stay up to date on the best clinical practices. Plus, as an ACFAS member, you’ll receive a discount on the author fee charged upon acceptance.

You can also help shape the profession by becoming a FASTRAC peer reviewer.

For more information on FASTRAC or to submit an article, visit FASTRACjournal.org. If you’re interested in being a peer reviewer, reach out to Thomas Roukis, DPM, PhD, FACFAS, Editor of FASTRAC, at editor@FASTRACjournal.org