Over the past few months, the College has been buzzing with energy as several ACFAS committees convened to tackle critical initiatives that support the College's mission, provide value to our members, and advocate for the specialty of foot and ankle surgery. We are proud to recognize the outstanding work and dedication of our 170+ volunteer leaders who generously give their time and expertise to strengthen the profession. These working groups—composed of ACFAS members from across the country—work year-round to make meaningful progress on a wide range of goals, from developing new educational offerings to shaping the future pipeline of foot and ankle surgeons.
Highlights from recent ACFAS committee meetings include:
- Surgical Skills continued its work on the College’s surgical curriculum innovation, such as arthroscopy and the TAR Summit, while also exploring a possible future joint surgical skills offering with a leading surgical organization. These efforts ensure ACFAS continues to provide world-class surgical training at every stage of a surgeon’s career.
- Practice Management explored new resources to help members navigate challenges such as billing, reimbursement, and evolving practice models. For the second year in a row, ACFAS and AOFAS will offer Coding and Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon later this year in Chicago.
- Health Policy & Advocacy focused on physician classification, reimbursement disparities, and legislative strategies that protect and promote the surgical scope of DPMs.
- Consumer Education worked to elevate public awareness of foot and ankle surgeons’ role in keeping people active and mobile, including strategic input into national campaigns.
- Post Graduate Affairs evaluated current trends and feedback with a lot of exciting new ideas for the 2026 Residents Day and Residency Directors Forum.
- Council for Registry Management continues to make progress on the next phase of NFAR development. To date, there are 35 sites active or in the registration process with 250 cases already entered into NFAR!
- Education & Scientific Affairs (ESA) is providing oversight of the College’s virtual educational programming and scientific initiatives, including the October 4 Virtual Symposium: Innovative Approaches to Neuropathic Trauma Reconstruction.
- Membership met to debrief their Student and Resident Roundtables at ACFAS 2026, using feedback to shape their priorities for the coming year. One idea already launched was the highly successful Residency Zoom Rooms —held over five nights in May—where more than 50 residency programs presented; the committee is now seeking sponsorship to support a list of scholarship opportunities for students, residents, and post graduate fellows.
- Research convened to evaluate the College’s research grant program, ensuring continued support for high-quality, member-led studies that contribute to evidence-based surgical care.
The Annual Scientific Conference (ASC) Committee has had several meetings since March and will convene for an in-person meeting in August, along with the Fellowship Committee. These meetings are an important component of the College’s governance and strategic planning. They provide valuable opportunities for volunteer leaders to collaborate directly with staff, share insights from the field, and bring forward innovative ideas that reflect the needs of the membership.
We are energized by the momentum generated across all these groups. Their dedication and expertise ensures that ACFAS remains a trusted voice for excellence in foot and ankle surgery, education, and advocacy. To the many volunteers who participated: thank you. Your leadership, collaboration, and commitment are the foundation of the College’s success—and the future of the profession.