#United States #Schaumburg #Arthritis Foundation #AOFAS #Ankle Arthritis

AOFAS and Arthritis Foundation Announce New Training Initiative

In a significant step towards enhancing ankle arthritis care, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) has partnered with the Arthritis Foundation to launch the Foot and Ankle Arthritis Development Program. This new initiative coincides with Arthritis Awareness Month and aims to provide aspiring medical professionals with comprehensive training in this specialized field.

First Cohort of Participants

The program’s inaugural cohort includes seven talented individuals who have been selected based on their dedication and potential in the medical field:

• - Rodrigo Encinas, MD - 3rd Year Resident at Orlando Health-Jewett Orthopaedic Institute, Florida
• - Gabriel Gonzalez Diaz, MS - 4th Year Medical Student at Ponce Health Sciences University, Puerto Rico
• - Alexandra Krez, MD - 2nd Year Resident at Hofstra University/Northwell Health, New York
• - Ramiro Lopez, BS - 4th Year Medical Student at Mayo Clinic, Florida
• - Sarah Lu, BA - 4th Year Medical Student at California University of Science and Medicine, California
• - Alana O'Mara, MD - 2nd Year Resident at George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
• - Elizabeth Rich, MD, CPT - 3rd Year Resident at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Maryland

The chair of the AOFAS Committee on Outside Collaborations, Dr. Jonathon D. Backus, expressed his excitement about the program, stating, "We're thrilled to welcome the first cohort of medical students and residents to this exciting new program in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation." He highlighted that the initiative is designed to deepen participants' understanding of foot and ankle arthritis and connect them with experts in the field.

Program Components

Participants will gain practical experience through facility tours and lab visits at prestigious medical centers such as Resurgens Orthopaedics and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and Mercy Medical Center and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, they will attend the 2025 AOFAS Annual Meeting in Savannah, Georgia, which presents further networking opportunities and insights into the evolving field of orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery.

Commitment to Future Surgeons

Michelle M. McLeod, PhD, the Arthritis Foundation's director of Osteoarthritis Clinical Research Programs, affirmed the significance of the initiative: “By investing in their education and mentorship, we are not only empowering the next generation of surgeons but also helping to build a more diverse and inclusive future for orthopaedic care across the country.” This sentiment echoes the partnership's goal of improving access to high-quality orthopaedic training, especially concerning foot and ankle specialization.

Previous Collaboration

This initiative is the second partnership between AOFAS and the Arthritis Foundation. Previously, they collaborated to announce the AF/AOFAS Ankle Arthritis Think Tank Research Grants in 2023, awarding nearly $600,000 to support innovative clinical research aimed at advancing treatment methodologies for ankle osteoarthritis.

About AOFAS and the Arthritis Foundation

Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons are specialists dedicated to diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the foot and ankle. Their extensive training includes completing medical school, a five-year residency, and a fellowship in surgical training, preparing them to perform reconstructive surgeries, treat sports injuries, and manage trauma cases for patients across all age groups.

The AOFAS is committed to advancing patient care through education, research, and advocacy within the realm of foot and ankle surgery. On the other hand, the Arthritis Foundation relentlessly advocates for individuals affected by arthritis, striving to create opportunities for medical advancements and comprehensive care through collaboration and community engagement.

For additional information regarding the Foot and Ankle Arthritis Development Program and its establishing organizations, visit aofas.org/arthritis.