2026 Residency Directors Forum

11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Check-in/Working Lunch Begins

12:00 – 12:10 pm
Introduction
Kimberly Bobbitt, DPM, FACFAS; Laura Sansosti, DPM, FACFAS

12:10 – 12:20 pm
AACPM Residency Director of the Year Award
Andy Meyr, DPM, FACFAS; Keith Cook, DPM, FACFAS; Susan Claffey, MBA, Director of Graduate Services, AACPM 

12:20 – 12:30 pm
GS-1: Podiatry Residency Resource (PRR) Update
Kimberly Bobbitt, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Michael Vaardahl, DPM, FACFAS

Podiatry Residency Resource (PRR), the residency management system specifically designed for the podiatric residency community provides for input from residents, program directors and residency staff. This session provides an update on logging and recent system updates.

Learning Objectives - attendees will:

1. Understand the detail of information required when logging.
2. Learn the implications of improper logging to both the resident and residency program.
3. Learn implemented changes to the logging process and logging system/PRR after recent system updates.
4. Review logging processes and platforms available after recent system updates.

12:30 – 2:30 pm
GS-2: LDP Capstone Presentations (20 min presentation; 10 min Q&A)
Harry Schneider, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator

The ACFAS Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program facilitates connections between emerging leaders and key stakeholders within the profession. Leadership Development teams will deliver their capstone project presentations to the ACFAS Board of Directors, Residency Directors, and Residents. The selected topics are designed to support the continued advancement of the profession, enhance patient outcomes, and shape the future direction of the field.

12:30 – 1:00 pm – Feet First: A Career on the Brink—and the Students Who Can Save It.
Brett Chatman, DPM, FACFAS; Lindsey Hjelm, DPM, FACFAS; Hesam Naenifard, DPM, FACFAS

1:00 – 1:30 pm – No Call Without Compensation: Evaluating Pay Rates for Foot and Ankle Physicians for Taking Hospital Call: Barriers, Trends and Strategies for Improvement.
Jenna Brkich, DPM, FACFAS; Danielle Butto, DPM, FACFAS; Chandana Halaharvi, DPM, FACFAS; Kristen Patterson, DPM, FACFAS

1:30 – 2:00 pm - Public Awareness and Growth of the Profession in Relation to Medical Colleagues.
Rishad Ahmed, DPM, FACFAS; Paul Carroll, DPM, FACFAS; Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS; Sofie Pinney, DPM, MS, FACFAS

2:00 – 2:30 pm – Fellowship-Trained DPM's vs. Residency Only Trained DPM's.
Deepali Darji, DPM, FACFAS; Megan Ishibashi, DPM, FACFAS; Nilin Rao, DPM, PhD, FACFAS

Learning Objectives - attendees will:

1. Gain insight into the multifaceted challenges currently confronting the profession. 
2. Critically examine and discuss key concepts related to foot and ankle surgery.
3. Explore the complexities inherent in foot and ankle education.

2:30 – 2:45 pm
Break

2:45 – 3:30 pm
GS-3: Board Scores or Grit Scores: Redefining Resident Attraction and Selection
Kimberly Bobbitt, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Ellianne Nasser, DPM, FACFAS; John Steinberg, DPM, FACFAS; Michael Vaardahl, DPM, FACFAS

This session explores the critical balance between academic metrics and personality traits when evaluating and selecting candidates for podiatric surgery residency programs. We will discuss core non-cognitive qualities — including teachability, professionalism, work ethic, emotional regulation, and communication skills — that align with high-performing residents. The panel will share successful methods programs are using to attract top-tier applicants and what students are looking for in a potential residency. 

Learning Objectives - attendees will:

1. Learn about current trends, challenges, and strategies in recruiting top podiatric surgery residency candidates.
2. Discover the role of program branding and outreach in attracting high-quality applicants.
3. Explore methods to foster a diverse and inclusive residency program.
4. Discuss interview tactics to evaluate academic performance, clinical skills, professionalism, and interpersonal attributes of interviewees.

3:30 – 4:15 pm
GS-4: Legal Considerations of Residency Oversight
Eric Walter, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Rhonda Cornell, DPM, FACFAS; Charles Lombardi, DPM, FACFAS; JT Marcoux, DPM, FACFAS;  Wilbert Vancol, Esq.

In an era of the increasing presence of private equity investors, the future of hospitals and healthcare programs are under threat. This session will explore the potential risks of program closures and provide strategies to prepare for such uncertainties. Additionally, we will delve into the growing movement of residency unionization, examining its implications for the future of healthcare.

Learning Objectives - attendees will:

1. Learn about private equity (PE) and how it is linked to healthcare.
2. Discover the nuances of resident unions and how they can impact programs.
3. Acquire strategies to prepare for the changes that PE and unions may bring to medical training.

4:15 – 4:25 pm
GS-5: CPME Update
Harry Schneider, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Steven Vyce, DPM, FACFAS

Do you have any burning questions for CPME? CPME/RRC leaders will be present to discuss the history of residency education as well as implementation of recent changes. Now is the time to answer your questions about the CPME 320, residency education, Residency Review Committee, and residency site visits. 

Learning Objectives - attendees will:

1. Understand the role of CPME in resident education.
2. Review the CPME 320 document and recent updates.
3. Improve understanding of CPME residency site visit process.

4:25 – 4:40 pm
Break

4:40 – 5:25 pm
GS-6: Crucial Conversations
Shital Sharma, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACAS; Diana Rogers, DPM, FACFAS; John Steinberg, DPM, FACFAS

Behind every successful residency program are conversations that shape growth, accountability, and leadership. This panel will explore how to approach the most critical conversations in residency education—whether it's guiding faculty, addressing underperformance, planning for succession, or initiating change. Panelists will share strategies, experiences, and lessons learned from navigating these pivotal moments.

Learning Objectives - attendees will:

1. Learn effective strategies for addressing difficult conversations with residents and faculty.
2. Explore approaches to mentoring future program leaders and managing faculty development.
3. Understand how to communicate and lead through programmatic or institutional change.

5:25 – 6:05 pm
GS-7: Residency Teaching Excellence: Strategies for High-Impact Education
Laura Sansosti, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Raymond Lee, DPM, FACFAS; Adam Bernatsky, DPM, FACFAS; Shital Sharma, DPM, FACFAS

Resident education, whether at weekly academics, for board preparation, or in developing surgical skills, is at the core of the training experience. While each program has their own unique approach, the landscape of education and learner needs to continue to evolve. This session will explore the growing variety of resources and methods that exist to deliver educational content in efficient and effective ways. 

Learning Objectives - attendees will:

1. Discover new and innovative ways to deliver educational content within residency programs.
2. Explore the benefits of various academic curriculum models.
3. Explore principles of effective instruction that empower faculty for teaching excellence.

6:05 - 6:15 pm
Closing Remarks
Laura Sansosti, DPM, FACFAS; Kimberly Bobbitt, DPM, FACFAS

Adam Bernatsky, DPM, FACFAS 

Kimberly Bobbitt, DPM, FACFAS

Susan Claffey, MBA, Director of Graduate Services, AACPM

Keith Cook, DPM, FACFAS

Rhonda Cornell, DPM, FACFAS

Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACAS

Raymond Lee, DPM, FACFAS

Charles Lombardi, DPM, FACFAS

JT Marcoux, DPM, FACFAS

Andy Meyr, DPM, FACFAS

Ellianne Nasser, DPM, FACFAS

Diana Rogers, DPM, FACFAS

Laura Sansosti, DPM, FACFAS

Shital Sharma, DPM, FACFAS

Harry Schneider, DPM, FACFAS

John Steinberg, DPM, FACFAS

Michael Vaardahl, DPM, FACFAS

Wilbert Vancol, Esq.

Steven Vyce, DPM, FACFAS

Eric Walter, DPM, FACFAS

$160     All Attendees

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons has approved this activity for a maximum of 5.25 continuing education contact hours.