Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS
2021-2022 ACFAS President
I was both excited and panicked, worried I did not have a sufficient level of knowledge nor skills to lead the preeminent organization representing an elite group of foot and ankle surgeons.
But, then it dawned on me…I was surrounded by a team of member volunteers with incredible knowledge and the generosity to share their expertise. These volunteers served on ACFAS committees, served as leaders at their local hospitals and were content experts and key opinion leaders in a wide range of topics. So, I led by listening.
Listening to their ideas, allowing them to do their job, staying out of the way as I watched their teamwork move the needle forward.
As my presidency year ends, we naturally reflect on the highlights of the year and what this ACFAS team has accomplished—and what a year it has been! COVID threw a monkey wrench in all aspects of our lives, but despite this, ACFAS has weathered the storm and managed to continue to advance and build on several programs so vital to our members during this pandemic.
On the continuing education side, our Annual Scientific Conference Committee successfully pulled off the first-ever hybrid Annual Scientific Conference in Las Vegas. Featuring both in-person learning and virtual opportunities, this groundbreaking effort allowed us to be one of the very few organizations who has never missed an annual conference.
In addition to the successful annual conference, our Education and Scientific committee rolled out the brand new Comprehensive Resident Fixation Workshop aimed to standardize trainee knowledge and skills in advanced fixation techniques. We continued to deliver the frequently sold-out arthroscopy workshops as well as three advanced surgical skills workshops. And for those unable to attend these in-person learning events, a variety of live webcasts, podcasts and on- demand learning modules were developed to keep our members connected.
Continuing along the path of embracing our future leaders, the Post Graduate committee and Fellowship committee held its first-ever virtual Residency Directors Forum and Fellowship Fair. The number of fellowship programs granted ACFAS status continues to expand and swelled to 54 programs strong.
The Council for Journal Management launched FASTRAC, a clinically focused journal covering case reports and reviews, a feature in demand from our readers. Plus, acknowledging the great importance of research to our profession, the Research Committee developed a Student Research Lecture series to educate the future leaders of our profession on research fundamentals. And finally, a generous grant from PICA allowed the distribution of $100,000 in awards dedicated to original research studies.
ACFAS deepened its educational initiatives for members through well-established opportunities, but we also recognize that identifying current and future leaders to lead the College is paramount to continued success. More importantly, we appreciate that leadership should be inclusive and culturally representative of the membership. With that in mind, ACFAS created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force, working on new initiatives to ensure equal opportunities for all. Furthermore, the Board approved the creation of an ACFAS leadership development program focused on building the skills instrumental in leading our organization.
But most importantly, ACFAS membership has soared to 7,900 members strong, an all-time high! And even in the midst of a pandemic, our renewal was a staggering 96 percent.
I am so proud to be surrounded by the incredible talent and dedication of ACFAS members and to be a part of this team, because we are stronger together.