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ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCEMONDAY thru THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11–14, 2013

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2013 ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

HOT TOPICSSPOTLIGHT

ACFAS Las Vegas2013 SCIENTIFICCONFERENCE

VOLUME 19 ISSUE 7

ACFAS

NEWS from the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS

MORE 2012ACFAS SURVEYFINDINGS

HOT TOPICS in the SPOTLIGHT

page 8

page 10 page 7

PatientEducation CD Series

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPSSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2013

While I love living in South Carolina, I donot enjoy its limited scope of practice for podiatric physicians. South Carolina lawdoes not allow a podiatrist to perform anklesurgery and is one of only five states withsuch a restriction. I moved here in 1999 uponcompletion of my residency where I wastrained in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery, but I chose to move here with thehope that the law would be changed, and I could utilize the full extent of my surgicaltraining.

After 13 years of being intimately involvedwith the scope of practice battle for South Carolina, I can honestly say I have never beenmore wrong. We have lost every legislativebattle, significant money, and are no better offthan when I moved here.

We have educated the public and legislatorson our education, training, and certification.We have done our grassroots campaigning.We made our PAC contributions. We met withthe orthopaedists and tried to reach a compro-mise, even going so far as to require rearfootcertification, similar to what recently passedin New York. Bottom line: We have done alland given all that we could.

I say it’s time for a change of strategy. Let’s callit what it is: We are in an economic turf war–and always have been. And you see it indozens of specialties: anesthesia, psychology,optometry, APRNs vs. MDs, and many others.It has nothing to do with our education, train-ing, or patient safety. It’s a restriction of tradeand I think it’s time to get the Federal TradeCommission (FTC) involved.

The FTC is a law enforcement agencycharged by Congress with protecting thepublic against anticompetitive behavior anddeceptive and unfair trade practices. Whenhealthcare markets are competitive, con-sumers benefit from lower costs, better care,and more innovation. Restricted scope of practice acts preclude many podiatric surgeons from performing the full range ofservices that they were educated, licensed, and board certified to deliver, as well as restrict patient access to their services. Such anticompetitive measureslimit competition, impair free markets forhealthcare services, risk additional cost increases to our already costly healthcaresystem, and fail to improve patient safety.

By responding to state-based requests to evaluate state regulatory and legislativeproposals that jeopardize or threaten patientaccess to quality healthcare, the FTC is fulfilling its duty to promote market competition and its benefits.

In just the past few months, the FTC has supported bills to make it simpler for APRNsto serve Kentucky and Louisiana health con-sumers by eliminating restricted practices.They have also recommended that the MaineDental Board not impose certain restrictions todental hygienists. And when the FTC fulfilledits duty, the American Medical Associationcriticized them, charging that the FTCshouldn’t interfere with states’ rights.

AMA President Jeremy Lazarus, MD, said theFTC does not have the clinical expertise tomake judgments regarding the competency

of healthcare professionals to perform med-ical procedures, stating that the “FTC staffare not experts in patient care or safety andshould not offer advice on such matters.” Ifso, then I must ask, “What qualifies our statelegislators as healthcare experts?”

I applaud the work of the FTC. Ensuring com-petition in healthcare is more important thanever as the U.S. seeks to identify and promotecost-effective, team-based models of healthcaredelivery. As our population ages and health-care needs expand, healthcare professionals,such as ACFAS surgeons, must be allowed topractice to the fullest extent of their education,training, licensure, and certification.

In the late 1970s the FTC overcame strong objections from the pharmaceutical industryand mandated generic prescribing. The sky didnot fall on Pharma then, nor would the sky fallon any medical practitioner today if the FTCmandated free and unfettered patient access tohealthcare practitioners who are, in fact, evenbetter trained in their subspecialties than MDs.

It’s predicted there will be a huge shortage ofhealthcare practitioners when all Americansgain access to health insurance. If the AMArefuses to acknowledge that their 19th century vision of MDs being the only medicalproviders on the planet is outdated, then perhaps it’s time for the FTC to help them seethe new realities of healthcare.

Michelle L. Butterworth, DPM, FACFASACFAS President

perspective

02 | volume 19 issue 7 | update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons | www.acfas.org

SCOPE OF PRACTICE:A RESTRICTED PERSPECTIVE

Questions for Dr. Butterworth? Write her at [email protected].

October 12–13, 2012

Practice Management/Coding WorkshopArlington, VA

October 19-20, 2012

Advances in Forefoot Surgery Workshopand Seminar Charlotte, NC

October 26-28, 2012

Diabetic Foot & Ankle Surgical Symposium(and Optional Skills Wet Lab)Coconut Grove, FL (20 minutes from Miami)

November 2, 2012

Surgical Solutions for Complications of the Forefoot Jersey City, NJ

November 3, 2012

Surgical Solutions for Complications of the Rearfoot and AnkleJersey City, NJ

November 10–11, 2012

Trauma of the Foot & AnkleRosemont, IL

December 15–16, 2012

Foot and Ankle ArthroscopyRosemont, IL

New PodcastsThe College is now releasing two newpodcasts per month that will expandyour exposure to discussions of newtrends or differing viewpoints. Amongthe newest podcasts:� Ankle Arthritis� Dealing With Your Own Complications� Perfecting Your Practice� The Business of Medicine

Latest Scientific SessionsOffering CE credit to College members,these video presentations make it easyfor you to fulfill your Maintenance ofCertification (MOC) requirements forself-assessment education. New videosfrom previous Annual Scientific Confer-ence sessions are released every sixweeks. Among the latest offerings:� Successes Through Small Incisions� Trauma Debates� The Troublesome Achilles Tendon

volume 19 issue 7 | update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons | www.acfas.org | 03

education

*To be waitlisted, please contactMaggie Hjelm, [email protected].

2012 EDUCATIONPROGRAMS

acfas.org/education

ACFAS e-Learning: “Anywhere, Anytime” Education

Outstanding online education is just a click away at ACFAS e-Learning—and now yourchoices of topics are better than ever. You can visit this 24-7 to access many differentdistance learning opportunities: podcasts, scientific session videos, and surgical tech-niques videos.

Each of these learning media lets you tap into the minds of the best and the brightestin podiatric surgery. You’ll get high-caliber insights and instruction—and in manycases, free continuing education (CE) credit, too.

ACFAS e-learning options appeal to various schedules and preferred learning modes.For example, podcasts are audio-only, enabling you to listen in on lively conversationsthat typically last about 15 to 45 minutes. In contrast, the scientific session videosengage the learner through both audio and visual, and generally take about 60 to90 minutes to complete.

Dozens of other ACFAS e-learning offerings are also available, so be sure to checkout www.acfasdistancelearning.com. Visit it often and make the most of online education that will broaden your knowledge and sharpen your skills.

SOLD OUT*

DVD-R ONLINE PODCASTS


practice management

Solo Practice Means You’reAlways in the Driver’s Seat

Solo practice has thrived for ages, makingits debut long ago when the first practitionerhung out his shingle. But in today’s changinghealthcare landscape, this type of practicemay be declining. In fact, according to theACFAS 2012 Practice Survey, group practicerecently surpassed solo practice as the mostcommon setting for College members.

Yet, despite the fact that fewer foot andankle surgeons are in solo practice todaythan three years ago, the idea of going solooffers tremendous appeal to many. That’sbecause of its defining attribute: When you“go it alone,” you’re totally in charge and totally in control.

Solo’s Big Advantage: Doing What You Want To DoAttesting to the virtues of going solo is CliffMah, DPM, who describes his practice located in Portland, Oregon. Ever since he completed his residency in 2007 and purchased his father’s 20-year podiatricpractice, Mah has been able to pursue theaspects of care that interest him most.

“I changed the profile of the practice toplace more emphasis on surgical care,” saysMah. “This better reflected my training andallowed me to do what I most enjoy—surgery.” Today, Mah’s practice consists ofabout 30 percent trauma cases, 30 percentfoot and ankle reconstruction, 30 percentgeneral podiatry, and 10 percent diabetic

foot care. He has privileges at two hospitalsin the area.

Mah also enjoys having total freedom to determine his hours and schedule. This is a tremendous advantage that sets solo prac-tice apart from other types of practice.

Many solo practitioners also appreciateanother type of freedom: the ability to makeall decisions by themselves rather than having to compromise or struggle with issues of disagreement. In solo practice, youget to make all the decisions regarding howto run the business.

The Biggest Challenge with Solo PracticeOf course, being in total charge of a businesscan create its own set of problems. “Learningabout the business side of practice was mybiggest challenge when I started out,” saysMah. “Managing a practice isn’t somethingthat’s taught in residency—you have to learnabout this on your own.” He says that somepeople enjoy the business part of having apractice, while others don’t.

Some of the issues relating to practice management include coding and billing,building a practice, and interviewing andhiring. To learn about these aspects of having a business, Mah attended practicemanagement courses offered by ACFAS.

“I encourage anyone who’s starting out to takeone or two courses to give them direction in managing their practice,” says Mah. Hehas also learned by talking with colleaguesto get their insights. “It took me about twoyears to get a good handle on the businessside of my practice.”

Today, Mah’s practice consists of a staff of five—an office manager, two medical assistants, a medical billing specialist, anda receptionist. He outsources functions regarding payroll and employee benefits toa human resources company.

How are new models of care and healthcarereform affecting solo practice? Mah saysthat the electronic medical record is a bigchallenge for those in solo or small grouppractice because of its large expense.

Pp

“Managing a practice isn’t somethingthat’s taught in residency—you have tolearn about this on your own.” — Cliff Mah, DPM


Advice for Aspiring Solo SurgeonsIn addition to stressing the value of takingpractice management courses, Mah urgesthat surgeons take a realistic approach togrowing their business. “Be patient,” he says.“It takes time—on average three to fiveyears—to build a practice and referral base.”

In Mah’s case, it helped tremendously totake over an established practice. “I had aleg up because I learned some tips from myfather when I bought his practice, and I hada base of patients.”

Nevertheless, marketing efforts wereneeded to help him change the focus and expand the surgical side of the practice. Tobuild up his referral base, Mah introducedhimself to primary care physicians, emer-gency rooms, urgent care facilities, andphysical therapists. That effort has paid off,with 80 percent of this practice now comingfrom referrals and the other 20 percent coming from the Internet and phone direc-tory advertising.

Still another piece of advice from Mahhones in on the quality of services: “Providegood care,” he says. “Try to get the best out-come and get your patients on their feet andback to work as soon as possible. A quick recovery is the best way to keep patientspleased.”

To register for the webinars, visit officite.com/company/webinars.Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your seat today!

ACFAS/Officite Webinar Series:Managing Your Practice

September 26, 2012Social Media: Leveraging AgainstFacebook, You Tube, Twitter, GooglePlus, Etc.; also a Primer on Blogging

November 1, 2012Securing More Referrals — and NewPatients

November 28, 2012Defending Against Bad Online Reviews

January 9, 2013Maximizing Office Efficiencies

Defining a successful Web presence strategy for your practice can be challenging.Which strategies will yield the best results? Where do you start and how can you trackyour online success? In this series of webinars, ACFAS Benefit Partner, Officite, willcover all the options on the Web presence spectrum—from reputation management andsocial media to search engine marketing and website design—to help you enhance youronline presence, increase office productivity and attract new patients.

The ACFAS/Officite Managing Your Practice webinar series will consist of four complimentary webinars (all webinars take place at 8pm CT):

These are non-CME programs.

“A quick recovery isthe best way to keeppatients pleased.”

COMPLETED:

WATCH IT ONL

INE!

Miss a webinar? Visit acfas.org/pmwebinars to watch past programs.

The 1990s were a decade of impressive organizational growth for the American College of Foot Surgeons (ACFS), includingan organizational name change. The advance-ments of the 1990s were led by PresidentsDrs. James Lawton, Howard Sokoloff, GaryKaplan, Alan Shaw, Lowell Scott Weil, Sr.,David Novicki, Harold Schoenhaus, HowardZlotoff, A. Louis Jimenez, John Schuberth,and Gary Lepow.

After nearly 50 years of growth, the College’s leadership decided it was time forits offices to be relocated to an area withmany other national medical associations so it could retain staff trained in medical association management. Until this time,ACFS was co-headquartered with ABPS inSan Francisco.

In September 1990, the College opened newoffices in Park Ridge, Illinois, near Chicago’sO'Hare Airport. Cheryl Beversdorf, CAE washired as the College’s first full-time execu-tive director. Ms. Beversdorf's training andexperience, both in the Washington politicalarena and in the association realm, took theCollege to the next level of organizationalmaturity.

The year 1992 marked the 50th anniversaryof the College and the organization’s namechange to the American College of Foot andAnkle Surgeons (ACFAS). Dr. Gary Kaplanwas the president at the time, and as one ofthe sons of Dr. Earl Kaplan, held the distinc-tion of being the second father and son teamto lead the ACFAS.

In two short years, rapid membership andprogram growth caused the College to out-grow the newly relocated administrative offices. In 1994, the College purchased an office building in Park Ridge, formerlyoccupied by the American Society of Anes-thesiologists. This larger space would allowfor a growing staff and the possibility of anin-house surgical skills training center. Thatsame year, sadly, marked the passing of Dr. Earl Kaplan whose contributions to theprofession are always remembered.

In 1996, Beversdorf moved to a new organi-zation, and the College turned to ThomasSchedler, CAE, as its new executive director.Schedler brought a new level of managementsophistication to the College, includingstrategic governance, board decision-mak-ing based on member needs and data, andhiring specialized staff for education, prac-tice management, consumer education, andhealth policy initiatives.

During and after the College’s office reloca-tion and growth of professional staff, a flurryof new initiatives evolved in the 1990s:

� The first websites, acfas.org and jfas.org,were launched.

� Moving and expanding cadaveric surgi-cal skills workshops to the OrthopaedicLearning Center near Chicago’s O’HareAirport and other locations.

� International meetings � Visiting Surgeons Program (by non-North American surgeons)

� Exchange Program Directory, listingphysicians interested in educational exchange and medical missions.

� Publication of the third edition of theCollege’s Prevention and Management of Postoperative Complications in Footand Ankle Surgery textbook.

� Preferred Practice Guidelines (PPGs) werepublished to enhance hospital privileging,public education, and reimbursement.PPGs were eventually converted to ClinicalPractice Guidelines (CPGs) and today areClinical Consensus Statements (CCSs).

� Practice Management and Coding Seminars

� ACFAS Universal Scoring Scale was developed at the end of the decade andrevaluated in 2003 and 2011.

� The Practice Enhancement Programhelped members promote their uniquetraining and practices to patients, othermedical specialists, insurance carriers,and government.

� Significant new work in the health policyarena, including CMS, the Joint Commis-sion, private insurance, hospital privileging,and state scope of practice issues.Another health policy effort of the Collegewas to engage mutual interest organiza-tions. In 1993, representatives from APMA,AAOS, AOFAS, and ACFAS met to discussthe new RBRVS system and potential CPTrevisions. Subsequent years saw the ACFASand the AOFAS come together at severalmeetings. The Board regularly attended


Jerome S. Noll, DPM, FACFAS

Part VII in the Exploration of the College’s First 70 Years During 2012: The 90s: Continued Growth and Advancements

Make the Most out of ACFAS’ Patient Education CD Series

Patients sometimes are overcome with a crippling sense of fear whenthey hear the word “surgery.” Ease that fear by providing informationthat encompasses details on the before, during and after of surgery.ACFAS offers a set of Perioperative handouts for patients, includingimages and detailed descriptions of each procedure, all on one CDwhich is fully customizable to your practice and backed with theACFAS logo, so your patients can rest assured that they are beingtreated by a quality foot and ankle surgeon.

Also consider purchasing the Patient Education CD. This CD set includes printable handouts in both English and Spanish that youcan provide to your non-surgical patients in order to more easily explain their injury to them.

So ask yourself: Does your practice utilize the latest in patient-centered, all-inclusive information? If not, then consider purchasingone or both of these CD series’ compiled for ACFAS members’ usein the office, which can be found at acfas.org/marketing.


APMA House of Delegates meetings andpushed for a resolution, passed in 1996, toincrease the number of qualified trainingprograms while charging the schools withthe responsibility of not graduating morestudents than residencies could absorb.

In 1997, Dr. Richard Reinherz retired after17 years as Editor-in-Chief of the Journalof Foot and Ankle Surgery (JFAS). Dr.Lowell Weil, Sr. was appointed the newEditor-in-Chief and Dr. Lawrence Laverywas named Managing Editor. After serv-ing as ACFAS President, Dr. Schuberthbecame the Interim Editor of JFAS.

Yes, the Nineties were a decade oftremendous change and growth for theCollege—and the membership rollsproved it. ACFAS active membershipgrew from 3,000 in 1990 to 5,000 by 1999,not including new membership cate-gories for students and residents. Buteven more growth was on the horizon ina new century.


Start with These Preconference GemsYou can get a head start on ACFAS’ top-flight educational opportunities by com-ing to Las Vegas a little early. Choose fromone practice management session and threehands-on surgical workshops, each provid-ing in-depth preconference education onSunday, February 10:

Perfecting Your Practice: Coding, Physicians’ Employment Models, andContracts. Always a favorite, this all-dayworkshop will reveal effective coding tipsand strategies, explain crucial informationregarding contracts, and shed importantlight on accountable care organizations

(ACOs) and other models of care as theyrelate to podiatric practice.

Advanced Tendon Fixation and TendonTransfer/Repairs. At this full-day course,you’ll acquire skills in various proceduresfor tendon problems in common foot andankle injuries and deformities. These pro-cedures include, among others: posteriortibial tendon transfer, flexor hallucislongus (FHL) tendon transfer for chronicAchilles rupture, and ankle stabilizationusing posterior lumbar allograft.

Diabetic Deformity: Master Techniquesin Reconstruction. Learn how to effectivelyevaluate and manage complex deformities indiabetes. This intensive half-day workshop

will examine techniques for Medial ColumnStabilization, Forefoot and Midfoot Osteo-tomies and Rearfoot Reconstruction andSalvage. You'll examine many other approachesas faculty guides you in performing procedures for diabetes deformities.

Juvenile/Adolescent Flatfoot Reconstruction. For those who treat a youngpopulation, this is the ideal opportunity to gain experience in executing flatfootprocedures. In addition to learning tech-nique pearls regarding arthroeresis, you’llexamine many other approaches, includinggastrocnemius recession and extra-articularcalcaneal osteotomy. The risks associatedwith juvenile/adolescent flatfoot recon-struction will also be examined.

What’s your best vehicle for keeping in touch, in the know, and highly competent? The answer: the ACFAS 2013 AnnualScientific Conference, in Las Vegas, February 11-14. Plan on attending the College’s flagship event—and return homewith powerful new insights, sharpened surgical skills, and strong connections to your colleagues.

HOT TOPICS in the SPOTLIGHT

ACFAS Las Vegas2013 SCIENTIFICCONFERENCE

ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCEMONDAY thru THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11–14, 2013


A Stimulating Program withNumerous Options From lively debates on today’s hot topics toan array of leading-edge scientific sessions and hands-on workshops, ACFAS2013 offers attendees a stimulating platformfor learning. Here’s a small sampling of theexciting options you’ll find:

Shades of Grey—a provocative, case-baseddiscussion of surgical decision-making thatwill grab your attention and open your eyes.

Non-Union to Union—How to GetThere—an inside look at various cases of non-unions and solutions to resolvecomplications.

Video Pearls for the Subtle Cavovarus—enlightening videos (always popularamong attendees!) that will improve your approaches to this condition.

It’s All About the Pressure: Altered Biomechanics and How to Fix It—an in-depth discussion on what you need to know about the biomechanics behinddifficult wounds.

The Jury’s Out—Anatomy of a PodiatricMalpractice Trial—a riveting, actual podi-atric malpractice trial will be illustrated toreveal lessons learned; this session will beoffered twice to accommodate high demand.(PICA session)

Manuscripts/Abstracts—a must-attendhighlight that will keep you attuned to research and new discoveries.

Total Ankle Joint Replacement—perfectfor those who want to stay current on this increasingly popular procedure, regardless of whether you perform it orrefer it out.

Perks of Percutaneous Procedures—designed to amplify your knowledge onminimally invasive procedures.

Closing Just About Anything: Flaps,Grafts, and Technology—led by a panel of experts who will probe up-to-the minute information and techniques on wound closure.

Fad or Fact—if you’re wondering about the staying power of “the latest” therapies,don’t miss this objective look at today’stalked-about wonders.

All the learning and networking opportuni-ties planned for ACFAS 2013 are detailed in the program booklet, which ACFASmembers will receive shortly. Don’t miss outon the premier gathering of your profession!To register online and obtain more information, go to acfas.org/lasvegas.

REGISTER

NOW!

Special hotel rates areavailable for the ACFAS2013 Annual ScientificConference in Las Vegas,but don’t delay!

Reservations must be made by January 9, 2013. Because reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, be sure to register earlyto get your first choice. Here are your options:

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino3950 Las Vegas Boulevard SouthSingle/Double: $139

THE Hotel at Mandalay Bay3950 Las Vegas Boulevard SouthSingle/Double: $169

Luxor Las Vegas3900 Las Vegas BoulevardSingle/Double: $59

Walk or tram to meeting room.

To register, fill out the form in the programbooklet, or go to acfas.org/lasvegas.

Book your room by November 15, 2012 andyour name will be placed in a drawing for anupgraded hotel room.

Benchmarking is valuable for any clinician, and for foot and ankle surgeons a reliable peer comparison resource resides in the College’s member surveys conducted every threeyears. The latest of these—the ACFAS2012 Practice Survey—provides insightsthat can help members and the Collegegauge what’s happening among foot andankle surgical practices and understandwhat may lie ahead.

CHANGING PATTERNS IN PRACTICE SETTINGSAccording to the 2012 Practice Survey conducted in the spring, a notable changesurfaced in the type of practice reported byCollege members. The results revealed thatsignificantly fewer respondents are in solopractice today than three years ago—nearly30 percent in 2012 versus 42 percent in 2009.That decline now makes podiatric grouppractice, reported by 43 percent of respon-dents (up from 39 percent in 2009), the mostcommon practice type among members.Modest rises also occurred in multispecialtypractice (14 percent) and orthopaedic grouppractice (7 percent).

Similar to 2009, more than three quarters (77percent) of survey participants were in privatepractice in 2012. About 11 percent of respon-dents selected “clinic or multispecialty practice,” 5 percent selected “hospital-basedpractice” (up from 3 percent in 2009), and 2 percent selected “hospital employees.”

In light of emerging models of care, thetrend toward group practice is not surprising.However, when asked “Do you feel pressure toevolve your practice into a larger group or thehospital employee models?” more than half ofsurvey respondents (56 percent) said “no.”

PATIENT MIX AND ETIOLOGIESThe 2012 survey also yielded information onpatients, which generally resembled the results from the previous survey:� The most common patient age groupwas over 65 years (31 percent), and 60percent of patients were female

� A typical weekly case load consisted of 78 percent existing patients and 22percent new patients.

� The top three etiologies with most patients were nonsurgical care (33 percent), forefoot reconstruction (18 percent), and wound care (11 percent).

10 | volume 19 issue 7 | update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeon | www.acfas.org

membership

MEMBERS SEE EXPANDED PRACTICES ON THE HORIZON

The most commonpatient age groupwas over 65 years

60% of patients were femalePodiatric group practice is now the most

common practice type among members.

ACFAS Membership/Practice Surveys 2012:


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GROWTH, CHANGES IN PRACTICE, AND OUTLOOKAdditional findings showed changes inpractice size, services, and other variablescompared with 2009 data:

� About 40 percent of practices expandedor increased in size.

� Substantial increases took place in num-ber of patients (58 percent), number oftotal surgeries (48 percent), and varietyof surgical procedures (41 percent).

� The average number of hours worked per week increased for about one third(37 percent) of respondents.

� About 31 percent of respondents reported an increase in their practice’slevel of sub-specialization since 2009.

� More than 80 percent of respondents use an electronic medical record (EMR),and 61 percent qualified for “meaningful”use in 2011.

As for looking ahead, it appears that mostACFAS members see growth on the horizon.More than half of respondents said they expect to increase their number of patientsand number of total surgeries within thenext three years. Stay tuned for more surveyhighlights in future issues of Update.

40% of practices expanded or increased in size

37% reported an increase in averagenumber of hoursworked

58% increase in number of patients

48% increase in number of surgeries

41% increase in variety of surgicalprocedures

More than 80% use an electronicmedical record

Honoring 40 Years of CommitmentTo recognize and thank long-term membersfor their loyalty and dedication to the College,the ACFAS Board of Directors grants footand ankle surgeons who have been mem-bers for 40 years or more Life Membershipin the College. This year’s recipients are:Edward L. Chairman, DPM, FACFASNicholas G. Camarinos, DPM, FACFASGuido A. LaPorta, DPM, FACFASL. Bruce Ford, DPM, AACFAS

Student ClubHappeningsJordan Grossman,DPM, ACFAS Presi-dent-Elect and BoardLiaison to theACFAS Student Club@ Kent State Univer-sity, visited the club

in September to present Nathaniel Preston,2012-2013 Club President, with their annualstipend check and other gifts from the College. Dr. Grossman and ChristopherHyer, DPM, the second Board Liaison to theclub, also presented a lecture and sutureworkshop for the club members.

In MemoriamGordon W. Patton, DPM, FACFAS, Fayetteville, GA

It takes diligent volunteers to make sure theCollege remains an effective voice for footand ankle surgeons. Members always stepup to fulfill that mission and are rewardedwhen they shape ACFAS’ initiatives to advo-cate for members and patients. They joinand grow with colleagues nationwide whoare proactive in their profession.

Applications to volunteer in 2013 on ACFAS’11 committees are now being accepted. Servingis a year-round commitment and open to Fellow or Associate members. If you currently serve on a committee, note thatyour role does not automatically carry overinto next year, and you need to resubmit anapplication.

Committee members are responsible for attending meetings as well as attending andpromoting events within their purview. Inbetween, they must keep up with committeeactivities.

Giving your time is a testament to your dedication to ACFAS’ mission. The Collegeappreciates your consideration to continueserving, and welcomes new committeemembers.

Learn more about the role of committee members and how to apply at acfas.org/volunteer. Application deadline is October 31.


news from the college

Influence Your Profession:Volunteer for a 2013ACFAS Committee


Did you know as an ACFAS member, youhave preferred access to GPO purchasingpower with Henry Schein Medical: Foot & Ankle, the industry leader in medical supplydistribution with a specialized foot and ankledivision? Take advantage of this partnershipto maximize your savings on medical suppliesand pharmaceuticals, as well as exclusive

products, such as: the Alma Laser, SensilasePAD IQ and other equipment needs for youroffice.

For more information, please visitwww.henryschein.com/podiatry or contact a consultant at 800-323-5110 or [email protected].

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Membership Group Purchasing Benefits

November 2, 2012 (Friday)Surgical Solutions for Complications of the ForefootDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & SuitesJersey City, NJ

November 3, 2012 (Saturday)Surgical Solutions for Complications of the Rearfoot and AnkleDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & SuitesJersey City, NJ

November 10-11, 2012 (Saturday/Sunday)Trauma of the Foot & Ankle Surgical Skills CourseOrthopaedic Learning Center (OLC)Rosemont, IL

2012

SurgicalSkillsCourses

To register online or for more information, visit the ACFAS web site at www.acfas.org.

Phone: 800.421.2237

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Gold LevelPICA

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Pewter LevelDePuy Orthopaedics, Inc.Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation — MTFOsteoMed, L.P.

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Biomet Sports MedicineBioPro, Inc.MedtronicMerz PharmaceuticalsNextremity SolutionsOrthoHelix Surgical Designs, Inc.

Podiatry Foundation of PittsburghSolana Surgical, LLCStrykerSynthes, Inc.

Bronze Level

ACFAS/Officite Webinar Series:Managing Your Practice

VOLUME 19 ISSUE 7 | NEWS from the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS

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ACFAS e-Learning: “Anywhere, Anytime” Education

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