2026 Residents Day

8:00 - 8:10 am
Introduction
Colin Mizuo, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator

8:10 – 9:00 am
RD1: Don’t Gamble with Your Financial Future: Save and Invest!
Colin Mizuo, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Nolan Pendleton, CFP, MBA, Hudson Pendleton Financial Group

Financial planning can be an arduous process and no one scenario works for everyone. Saving early with compound interest is crucial because it takes advantage of the time value of money and helps you achieve your long-term financial goals more easily. Negotiating various insurance policies such as disability, life, and malpractice can seem overwhelming but are crucial in setting up financial security. Paying off student loans and the various options on how to navigate that can weigh heavily on your journey to financial freedom. This session will help you design your own financial compass and get you started on your journey to financial success.

Learning Objectives:

1. To learn strategies for student loan repayment and refinancing
2. To learn tactics on investments and retirement planning
3. To learn the importance of disability insurance and malpractice insurance
4. To learn how to manage personal spending

9:00 – 9:45 am
RD2: High Stakes, Higher Scores - ABFAS Board Prep Strategies
Adam Bernatsky, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Roland Ramdass, DPM, FACFAS; Laura Sansosti, DPM, FACFAS 

The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) board certification is a pivotal milestone for podiatric surgeons, signifying a high standard of proficiency and expertise in the field. This session outlines the essential components of the ABFAS board certification process, focusing on timelines, exam structure, and eligibility criteria. It further explores effective preparation resources and time management techniques that candidates can employ to optimize their study plans and enhance their confidence. Additionally, the abstract provides a detailed description of the Computer-Based Patient Simulation (CBPS) and Case Review Process, offering insights into their formats and the skills assessed. By understanding these key elements, candidates can better navigate the certification process, ensuring a comprehensive and successful preparation journey.

Learning Objectives:

1. To identify key components of the ABFAS board certification process, including timelines, exam structure, and eligibility criteria.
2. To learn how to utilize effective preparation resources and time management techniques to optimize study plans and improve confidence.
3. To describe the format of the CBPS (Computer-Based Patient Simulation) and Case Review Process. 

9:45 – 10:00 am
Break

10:00 – 11:15 am
RD3: Navigating First Year Post-Graduation
Raymond Lee, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Saba Sadra, DPM, AACFAS; Colin Mizuo, DPM, FACFAS; Eric Walter, DPM, FACFAS; Maryellen Brucato, DPM, FACFAS

Transitioning from podiatric residency or fellowship to professional practice marks a pivotal phase in a podiatrist's career. This session explores essential considerations for podiatrists in their first-year post-training, focusing on diverse practice settings, contract negotiations, and unique challenges faced by international graduates. It highlights the importance of understanding different practice environments, including private practice, hospital-based settings, and academic roles, each offering distinct opportunities and challenges. Effective contract negotiation is emphasized as a crucial skill, requiring awareness of compensation structures, benefits, and work-life balance. Additionally, this session will address hurdles such as licensure and visa requirements that international graduates may encounter. By providing insights into these areas, this session aims to equip new podiatrists with the knowledge to navigate their initial professional year successfully, ensuring a smooth transition and laying a solid foundation for their careers.

Learning Objectives:

1. To understand the various practice environments available to podiatrists and identify the distinct opportunities and challenges each setting presents.
2. To develop effective contract negotiation skills, with a focus on understanding compensation structures, benefits, and achieving work-life balance, to ensure favorable employment terms in the first year of professional practice.
3. To recognize and address the unique challenges faced by international podiatric graduates, such as licensure and visa requirements, to facilitate a smooth transition into professional practice.

11:15 – 11:45 am
RD4: Fireside Chat: Real Talk for Residents
Sharon Dei-Tumi, DPM, MPH, Moderator; John Martucci, DPM, FACFAS; Colin Mizuo, DPM, FACFAS; Laura Sansosti, DPM, FACFAS

Let’s talk about the things we didn’t get to. This open-format fireside chat is your chance to bring up the real questions, concerns, and frustrations that didn’t make it into earlier sessions.  From navigating burnout and addressing grievances to discussing financial literacy, board prep, and life after residency, nothing is off the table. Come ready to share, listen, and connect with fellow residents and mentors who understand the road you're walking. No slides. No filter. Just honest conversation. 

Residency Directors Forum and Residents Day Combined Sessions
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:

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:

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.

Residents Day Afternoon Sessions
2:40 – 3:15 pm
RD5: Coding Fundamentals
John Martucci, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Maryellen Brucato, DPM, FACFAS

This may be Vegas - the land of “risk meets reward.” But when it comes to medical coding, don’t take a risk. It’s best to hear from an expert so you can hit the ground running when out in practice and get paid for your expertise and care. Despite what practice environment you start in, understanding coding for patient visits, procedures, hospital consults and more is key.

3:15 – 3:30 pm
RD6: Movement to Value-Based Healthcare
John Martucci, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Michael King, DPM, FACFAS, Chief Medical Officer, Upperline Health

The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, with a growing focus on quality of care and patient outcomes over the quantity of services performed. Navigating these changes can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can confidently adapt to the future of healthcare.

3:30 – 4:30 pm
Networking Event provided by Upperline Health Inc.

After a day full of learning, join your fellow residents and faculty to reflect on what you’ve learned and connect with peers. 

Adam Bernatsky, DPM, FACFAS

Kimberly Bobbitt, DPM, FACFAS

Maryellen Brucato, DPM, FACFAS

Keith Cook, DPM, FACFAS 

Susan Claffey, MBA, Director of Graduate Services, AACPM

Sharon Dei-Tumi, DPM, MPH

Michael King, DPM, FACFAS, Chief Medical Officer, Upperline Health

Raymond Lee, DPM, FACFAS

John Martucci, DPM, FACFAS

Andy Meyr, DPM, FACFAS

Colin Mizuo, DPM, FACFAS

Nolan Pendleton, CFP, MBA, Hudson Pendleton Financial Group

Roland Ramdass, DPM, FACFAS

Saba Sadra, DPM, AACFAS

Laura Sansosti, DPM, FACFAS 

Harry Schneider, DPM, FACFAS

Michael Vaardahl, DPM, FACFAS

Eric Walter, DPM, FACFAS

$75     ACFAS Resident Members
$95     Non-Member Residents