Moved to May: ACFAS 2021 in Vegas

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Moved to May: ACFAS 2021 in Vegas
ACFAS

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 5                      NEWS from the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS

Moved to May: ACFAS 2021 in Vegas
Las Vegas is calling and hopefully you can          colleagues and experts in the field. Mark          a safe environment for all attendees and
answer the call in May 2021! In response to         your calendars and plan to reconnect with         staff as well as any programming updates.
COVID-19 and the ongoing effort to offer            your peers next May 18-21, 2021 in Las Vegas!     Information will be dispersed as it becomes
members the option to learn and connect                                                               available but visit acfas.org/LasVegas for
                                                    As the response to COVID-19 continues,
with colleagues at the 79th Annual Scientific                                                          more details.
                                                    ACFAS will communicate plans to ensure
Conference in-person, ACFAS 2021 is moving
from February to May 18-21, 2021 in Las
Vegas.
Members look forward to the Annual
Scientific Conference to connect with their
peers in one place for the best educational
program in foot and ankle surgery. We hope
to keep this as an in-person meeting as it
offers the opportunity to not only fully
immerse yourself in cutting-edge educa-
tional offerings, but allows for the best part—
the essential networking with your friends,

Mary Meyers                                                    Challenges of
                                                                                                                President’s Perspective
                                                                                                                REINVEST
Retires                                                        Telemedicine
                                           page 4                                            page 6                                         page 2
perspective

REINVEST
I started this year off with the mindset that     tioner, you can serve a valuable role in shap-   Also, there can be confusion on board
this was going to be a race, not necessarily      ing the life of a young member and have the      qualification and board certification for
a marathon, but more like a 400-meter dash.       potential to be immortalized in the eyes of      residents in their last year, then add in the
Little did I know right out of the blocks, I      someone by serving as a life educator. The       challenges for hospital privileging and
would have the ‘Usain Bolt’-type competitor       “youth” of the profession just completed         getting on insurance plans—it can all get
named COVID-19 setting the pace. It seems         some of the most challenging portions of         overwhelming. As practicing foot and ankle
to have kicked us off at a quicker pace, how-     their careers and are uncertain of the next      surgeons, it makes sense to emphasize the
ever nothing too uncomfortable.                   step. ACFAS members can offer tremendous         importance of obtaining certification from
                                                  insight on their next steps to help ensure a     the American Board of Foot and Ankle
Having personal experience running several
                                                  successful career in foot and ankle surgery.     Surgery (ABFAS). It can be a watershed
400-meter races, I feel as though I’m hitting
                                                  However, the difficulty lies in how to reach     moment for those looking to use their
the 200-meter point of the race as I reach the
                                                  out. Fortunately, we have options through our    multitude of procedures they learned in res-
halfway point in my presidential year. When
                                                  ACFAS student chapters. To give some per-        idency and without this crucial step, these
hitting this point, it is easy to have a mental
                                                  spective, contact a student club near you by     new graduates will have difficulty pursuing
lapse and “let-up” but instead you need to
                                                  visiting the Student Center page on acfas.org.   hospital privileges. Any guidance you can
“re-up” your mental focus—it’s the time
                                                                                                   give them in this process can help prevent
when you have to reinvest and refocus your        Common questions from young members
                                                                                                   needless duplication of efforts and still
energies to cross the goal in good form.          are, ‘What should I look for in a residency
                                                                                                   ensure a full cache of procedure options.
                                                  program?’ and ‘Should I do a fellowship
Way too often, kids are forced to run the
                                                  program?’. You may be able to give insight       The importance of reinvestment cannot be
400-meter dash at a track meet without any
                                                  into how to select a residency program,          overstated; we all have something to offer the
knowledge of how to run it effectively.
                                                  including surgical caseload, the variety of      future of our profession and taking time to do
Often, they are thrown in and told to run as
                                                  case types and rotations available for gen-      so can leave a lasting impression on so many.
fast as they can for as long as they can,
                                                  eral medicine and surgery training. As a         You may also be at a point in your career
which ultimately sets them up for failure. A
                                                  third and fourth year, there is limited access   where you are looking to mentally reinvest
simple strategic discussion on how to go
                                                  to this knowledge and they need assistance       yourself into your practice. Fortunately, this is
about running the race can make all the dif-
                                                  to make an educated decision on rotations        where WE can help YOU! Keep looking out
ference and a more enjoyable experience.
                                                  and application for residency programs.          for your educational offerings as travel and
We can help our profession in a similar way       Your honest perspective can be another           meeting return to baseline.
by serving as mentors to our students, resi-      educational tool in their decision for their
dents and fellows. As an established practi-      immediate future.

Questions for Dr. Nelson? Write him at president@acfas.org.                                        Scott C. Nelson, DPM, FACFAS
                                                                                                   ACFAS President

02     |   volume 27 issue 5         |   update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons                    |   www.acfas.org
news from the college                                                                               2020-21
                                                                                                    EDUCATION
                                                                                                    PROGRAMS
Dues Renewals 2021:
Strength in Numbers                                                                                 October 24–25, 2020 (Saturday/Sunday)
                                                                                                    Arthroscopy of the Foot and
                                                                                                    Ankle Courses
                                                                                                    Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC)
The College is only able to exist — and thrive       there will be no need to wait for an invoice   Chicago, IL
— due to the strength of our membership.             for your dues to be paid.
                                                                                                    November 14-15, 2020 (Saturday/Sunday)
We’re continually working hard to support        䡲   Reduced Dues for Young Members To
                                                                                                    Advanced Arthroscopy and
you during these unchartered times with              give the newest of our members time to
                                                                                                    Cartilage Restoration
numerous new initiatives, including creation         get settled in their new positions as prac-    Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC)
of new virtual learning opportunities for            ticing physicians, all members up to three     Rosemont, IL
physicians and access to the OnDemand                years out of residency or up to two years
                                                                                                    December 4-5, 2020 (Friday/Saturday)
platform of education for students, residents,       out of post-graduate fellowship will now
                                                                                                    Coding & Billing for the Foot
and post-grad fellows; release of new position       pay 25 percent less dues.                      and Ankle Surgeon
statements regarding the COVID-19 crisis         The College is also implementing special           Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
                                                                                                    Lake Buena Vista, FL
and resumption of elective surgeries; and a      one-time initiatives to help members in 2021
plethora of practice management tools, from      get over the hump of the COVID-19 crisis           May 18-21, 2021 (Tuesday–Friday)
telehealth resources to financial aid             including:                                         Annual Scientific Conference
                                                                                                    Mandalay Bay Resort & Convention Center
legislation updates and small business           䡲 Waiver of Fees All application and late          Las Vegas, Nevada
guidance, and various tools to help you            fees are waived for 2021 to assist new
encourage your patients to be comfortable          members and to give current members
                                                   more time to renew.                              *To be waitlisted for sold-out
re-entering your offices.                                                                            courses, contact Michelle Majewski
                                                 䡲 Waiver of Region Dues In conjunction              at michelle.majewski@acfas.org
To help provide additional support to you
                                                   with ACFAS national, ACFAS Regions are
and your practice, we have implemented
                                                   waiving their $35 dues payments for all
several new membership services to begin
                                                   members during the 2021 membership
with our 2021 ACFAS dues renewal process,
                                                   year. The ACFAS Regions Presidents
which starts in October and includes:              Council is passionate about supporting           In Memory
These include:                                     their local Region members and are happy
                                                   to be able to offer this assistance.             Steven M. Glubo, DPM, FACFAS
䡲 Auto-Renewal Due to popular request,
                                                                                                    Baltimore, MD
  ACFAS is implementing the ability for          If you're having financial struggles due to
  our members to opt into an auto-renewal        the pandemic and need more support to stay         Kenneth E. Lane, DPM, AACFAS
  process, via credit card or check/EFT          a part of the College in 2021, the College         Sand Springs, OK
  payment for future dues after 2021. These      wants to help. Please contact us at                Robert H. Sheinberg, DPM, FACFAS
  future dues will be automatically paid
                                                 membership@acfas.org and let us know.              Weston, FL
  during the renewal process period so
                                                                                                    David A. Spring, DPM, AACFAS
                                                                                                    Baton Rouge, LA

volume 27 issue 5        |   update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons                  |   www.acfas.org         |   03
news from the college

Mary Meyers
Retires After
24 Years
Twenty-four years, 23 Annual Scientific           her face. ACFAS Executive Director Patrick         Annual Scientific Conference, “from a few
Conferences, 18 different On the Road            (PJ) Andrus, MBA, CAE shares “Mary’s               hundred DPMs and a table-top trade show
courses, over 75 arthroscopy courses, dozens     incredible leadership, creativity and passion      into a juggernaut!”
of various surgical skills courses, and going    have been a driving force in the development
                                                                                                    Mary has a keen eye for talent to spot both
from a few Annual Scientific Conference           and growth of the College’s robust CME
                                                                                                    committee leaders and instructors, she started
exhibitors annually to an average of 140         program. On personal level, I am grateful for
                                                                                                    the surgical skills courses from scratch and
exhibitors each year—Mary Meyers ACFAS’          her partnership during my transition to the
                                                                                                    launched the College’s e-learning products,
director of Education, Curriculum and            College, especially her support and resiliency
                                                                                                    which are even more critical now as we face a
Alliances has been here to help steer the ship   throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
                                                                                                    pandemic. The institutional knowledge she
to make it all happen here at the College! And
                                                 Over the years Mary consistently provided          has gained over the years is invaluable, from
after all she has done to help ACFAS with its
                                                 the right blend of staff leadership to transform   public policy to governance to practice
many successes over the years and a vast
                                                 the College’s CME—and ACFAS itself—into            management and industry products. Whether
career in association management beyond
                                                 the most prestigious and respected organiza-       it’s knowing which companies have the prod-
ACFAS, Mary is bidding adieu into a much-
                                                 tion in the profession. So much of what            uct needed for a specific course or the ability
deserved retirement.
                                                 education and sponsorship are today is             to understand her staff’s talents and what they
Come October, we’ll say our goodbyes and         because of the work Mary has done.                 can bring to the department, Mary could do it
wish Mary well on her retirement, but to truly                                                      all while putting the College’s mission first
                                                 Former ACFAS Executive Director, Thomas
know the impact she has had on ACFAS                                                                with a great attitude.
                                                 Schedler reflects on how he knew hiring Mary
throughout her tenure, we spoke to our
                                                 was the right move. The two worked together        Her positivity and wealth of knowledge are
members and colleagues who have worked
                                                 to make changes to the Annual Scientific            two things mentioned repeatedly when
closely with Mary over the years. What rang
                                                 Conference that would eventually enhance           members reflect on why working with Mary
true throughout was that there were two parts
                                                 and increase member and exhibitor atten-           is such a pleasure. She has been a mentor to
to Mary – the consummate professional and
                                                 dance. Although the committee was not              many members throughout the years as
the sincere friend.
                                                 receptive to the ideas at first, Mary’s tenacity    they’ve come out of residency and into pro-
Described as the “Godmother of ACFAS,”           and roll-with-the-punches attitude won over        fessional practice. As many have expressed,
Mary took the reins of the ACFAS Education       to make the conference the success it is today.    “we’ve grown up with Mary showing us how
Department in 1996. Throughout her time,         Former ACFAS Executive Director, Chris Ma-         to be great surgeons and true professionals.”
she has practically built the department and     haffey, MS, CAE, FASAE echoes the senti-
                                                                                                    ACFAS President Scott Nelson, DPM, FACFAS
made it what it is today—all with a smile on     ment crediting Mary with growing the
                                                                                                    expressed his gratitude for Mary, "Mary had all

04    |   volume 27 issue 5         |   update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons                     |   www.acfas.org
the ingredients to make education                    each of our opinions, which was always great     Past ACFAS President, Christopher Reeves,
successful for the College--a feeling of respon-     debate and consistently ended up in a laugh      DPM, MS, FACFAS agrees, “I have nothing
sibility to our members, which bares out in          or two.”                                         but praise and admiration for Mary. Her job
her unbiased approach to education; a sense                                                           is nearly impossible as she gets the little
                                                     A sentiment I think shared by most; Mary
of truthfulness where she could tell it like it is                                                    credit she deserves, but much of the blame
                                                     loves to laugh and have fun. Her laughter is
and yet have a pleasantness and a need for                                                            when some are not happy. Mary is the
                                                     contagious and can often be heard through-
imagination with which to invite free thinking                                                        consummate professional who has always had
                                                     out a convention hall or committee meeting.
and open minds. These qualities, in my mind,                                                          "what is best for ACFAS and its membership"
                                                     Past ACFAS President Rich Derner, DPM,
made Mary successful and a pleasure to work                                                           in mind. She has always been a strategic
                                                     FACFAS, adds “Mary is one of my favorites
with and we wish her well in retirement."                                                             thinker and problem solver.”
                                                     for so many reasons, but probably she is one
Committee member and past chair, Amber               of my best audiences. She loves to laugh and     Dr. Reeves also shares his favorite memories
Shane, DPM, FACFAS shares, “Mary has                 smile at my silliness and I very much enjoyed    with Mary, “My favorite times were usually
always been on top of everything. She is             making her smile.”                               over a glass of wine sharing memories and
always available for advice or to answer                                                              finding humorous moments from committee
                                                     ACFAS President-elect, Thanh Dinh, DPM,
questions. She is passionate about our organ-                                                         meetings or sharing personal stories of
                                                     FACFAS, reflects on working with Mary
ization and full of history.”                                                                         travel.” These moments don’t happen with
                                                     throughout the years. “Mary has been an
                                                                                                      just anyone, but Mary has a way of making
Dr. Alan Ng, DPM, FACFAS worked closely              invaluable part of the college. She is many
                                                                                                      everyone feel at home and making them feel
with Mary on various committees through his          things: a mentor to young members, a sage to
                                                                                                      like a friend. Perhaps this is part of what made
time with the College and credits her with the       more seasoned members and an unfaltering
                                                                                                      working with Mary so wonderful.
many successes. “I have chaired Education,           advocate for the College. She sees the best in
Skills and ASC Committees and Mary                   everyone and has this innate ability to help     As we reflect on the last 24 years, the memo-
provided excellent guidance in making these          those individuals hone those talents.” Dr.       ries and wish Mary the best on her future
programs successful.” He adds, “Over the             Dinh adds, “She guides in a gentle and subtle    endeavors, we all can agree that Mary Meyers
years I like to think Mary and I have become         manner. Advising with humor and institu-         is not only a one-of-a-kind professional, but
friends as well as colleagues. I have become         tional knowledge that helps our college          the friend who everyone wants and needs.
accustomed to talking to her on a regular            volunteers avoid repeating historical            Thank you for a magical 24 years, Mary. You
basis and will miss our conversations. I will        mistakes. Most importantly, Mary has a           will be sorely missed!
also miss talking about the issues and giving        wicked sense of humor.”

volume 27 issue 5          |   update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons                     |   www.acfas.org        |    05
practice management

Challenges of Telemedicine & How
to Make it Work for Your Practice                                                                                                   Brett Sachs
                                                                                                                                    DPM, FACFAS

While virtual interactions have taken the place    Problem: Appointment Purpose                          can relay. The patient may tell you a specific
of many normal gatherings, telemedicine is         The most obvious challenge foot and ankle             spot hurts, but if you’re able to touch the foot
something that has taken the medical field by       surgeons face with telemedicine is the ability        or ankle to pinpoint where the pain stems from,
storm amid the COVID-19 crisis. Initially when     to properly assess the patient. If the                that’s easier to diagnose than what the patient
the pandemic began, most practices took a hit      appointment is a post-op follow up, to check          might be describing.
as patient volume decreased dramatically.          on an incision site or to call in antibiotics, it’s
                                                                                                         Solution: When considering implementing
Colorado-based foot and ankle surgeon Brett        easier to manage than an injury. Dr. Sachs
                                                                                                         telehealth into your practice, set some
Sachs, DPM, FACFAS saw patient volume go           explains, “Telemedicine appointments aren’t
                                                                                                         guidelines to know what appointments work
down by 50 to 60 percent. Fortunately, doctors     as useful for an injury because without access
                                                                                                         best for virtual appointments, and what
were able to supplement telemedicine               to X-rays or the ability to closely examine the
                                                                                                         reasons necessitate an in-person visit.
appointments to bridge the gap and see             injury to pinpoint specific issues, it’s hard to
patients who either couldn’t make it into the      discern what needs to be done.” He adds, “It’s
office or didn’t want to risk unnecessary          a very hands-on profession. We need to palpate        Problem: Technology
exposure. Just because it’s an option and a way    and manipulate the foot and ankle in order to         Another issue that can arise from telemedicine
to meet with patients while ensuring safety of     provide a proper diagnosis, and that’s not            is the technology itself. Technology is a
both parties, doesn’t mean it doesn’t come         possible through a virtual appointment.”              wonderful tool, especially when considering
without its challenges.                                                                                  you can have a consultation with your doctor
                                                   New patients are also difficult to see virtually      without leaving the house. However, it can also
Telemedicine isn’t for everyone and it’s           as it’s harder to establish a relationship without    be a big annoyance when faced with bugs or
important to know how to use it best to            the full patient history available. These             patients’ differing comfort levels with
maximize your time in the office and on the        appointments are a little more challenging and        technology. Dr. Sachs explains, “Some patients
computer. It is also important to know of issues   are dependent on what specifically is being            were more technologically savvy than others
that can arise so you can better prepare.          done and how much information the patient

Telemedicine appointments aren’t as useful for an injury because without
the access to X-rays or the ability to closely examine the injury to pinpoint
specific issues, it’s hard to discern what needs to be done. — Brett Sachs, DPM, FACFAS

06     |   volume 27 issue 5         |   update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons                          |   www.acfas.org
research

When it comes to telemedicine, the quality and                                                           ACFAS Urges
success of the appointment will depend on the                                                            Congress to
                                                                                                         Extend
patient just as much as the physician.                                                                   Telemedicine
— Brett Sachs, DPM, FACFAS                                                                               Provisions

and we did run into some technical                   time needed to see patients and make medical
difficulties.”                                       decisions. Dr. Sachs adds, “Traditionally, we
                                                     were never allowed to bill for phone calls and
When it comes to examinations, the patient is
                                                     never had a code for it, but those codes have
not only describing the issue to you, but will
                                                     changed.”
have to show you what they mean, which
requires them to be specific and and have good        Solution: Think about assigning a staff
lighting so they can show the physician what         member to be the designated coding and
they are referring to. This can be a challenge if    billing point person. This can help to eliminate
a patient is not clear when describing the issue.    errors or miscalculations and can save you          In July, the College sent a letter to
A lack of clarity or bad lighting could affect the   time and money in the long run. ACFAS also          Congress thanking them for their
possibility of a proper diagnosis. Dr. Sachs         offers a Coding and Billing for the Foot and        leadership during the COVID-19 crisis
emphasizes, “ When it comes to telemedicine,         Ankle Surgeon course, which can help with           and for recognizing the power of
the quality and success of the appointment will      coding issues for telehealth. See                   telemedicine in the Coronavirus Aid,
depend on the patient just as much as the            acfas.org/education for a calendar of               Relief, and Economic Security (CARES)
physician."                                          available courses.                                  Act. The letter also asked Congress to
Solution: Before embarking on a telemedicine         Telemedicine can be a wonderful asset and can       extend the telemedicine provisions for an
journey, think about creating a how-to guide         help to minimize time in between                    additional twelve months to provide
for patients who you will be seeing virtually.       appointments. As long as you are prepared for       continued care for patients throughout
Keep it short and easy to follow, but include        issues that can arise, and willing to be flexible    the pandemic and beyond.
tips to enhancing the appointment like               until you find an efficient process to it, there’s   Watch the ACFAS This Week newsletter
lighting, finding a good WiFi or internet             no reason this can’t be an effective tool to        for more updates on the telemedicine
connection and perhaps using headphones or           implement into your practice throughout             provisions.
earbuds to eliminate outside noise.                  COVID-19 and beyond.

Problem: Coding
Another challenge of telemedicine is properly
coding the appointments. This is something
that will take time to adjust to and may cut into

volume 27 issue 5           |   update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons                 |   www.acfas.org       |    07
marketing

Make the Most of the Marketing Toolbox

                                                                                                                             As offices reopen their doors and start          them more information on various conditions
           How Foot & Ankle Surgeons
           Are Keeping the Office Safe
                                                                                                                             welcoming more patients back, it’s a perfect     or share them on your social media
                                                                                                                             time to ramp up your marketing efforts.          accounts.
           As a foot and ankle surgeon, we always take your safety and
           the safety of the office staff very seriously, but especially
           so during this unprecedented time with the COVID-19 crisis.
           Please know this office follows the recommended cleaning
                                                                                                                             ACFAS has you covered with the Marketing
           and disinfecting practices set forth by the Center for
           Disease Control to keep the office clean. We are also
           following recommended patient flow/triage protocol to                                                              Toolbox. Access numerous freely available        PowerPoint Presentations
           keep everyone safe while in the office.
                                                                                      Cleaning & Disinfecting
                                                                                      We’re taking extra care
                                                                                      to clean and disinfect
                                                                                      all high-touch surfaces
                                                                                                                             resources now to help educate patients and       If you have upcoming speaking engage-
                                                                                      and patient care areas
                                                                                      throughout the office.
                                                                                                                             promote your practice.                           ments or need something to play in your
                                                                                                                                                                              office waiting rooms, we have numerous
           Patient Protocol                      TeleHealth Services                                                         Here’s what the Marketing Toolbox
           Our office is asking COVID
           screening questions prior
                                                 Our office is also seeing patients virtually via a TeleHealth
                                                 appointment. To make an appointment, contact our office                                                                      presentations ready for use. PowerPoints
           to every appointment
           and then again when you
                                                 and request a virtual visit.
                                                 Things we can see via TeleHealth include, but not limited to:
                                                                                                                             has to offer:
                                                                                                                                                                              cover a range of foot and ankle conditions,
           arrive at the office.
                                                 䡲   Heel and arch pain,          䡲   Skin rashes and athlete’s
           䡲   If you’re not feeling
               well, or think you’ve                 general foot pain                foot
               been exposed, please              䡲   Achilles tendinitis          䡲   Big toe pain
               call our office for care

                                                                                                                                                                              including heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot
                                                 䡲   Metatarsalgia (pain in       䡲   Arthritis

                                                                                                                             FootNotes
               options.                              the ball of your foot)       䡲   Gout
           䡲   We’re wearing masks               䡲   Plantar warts
               for all our safety and
               ask that you do, too.
           䡲   When coming to the
               office, we are practicing                                                                                                                                      care, common athletic injuries and more.
               social distancing in the
               waiting room and in the
               patient care areas where
               it’s possible.
                                                                                                                             Give patients timely tips on foot and ankle
           䡲   Patient care schedules
               are spaced out to help            For more information on foot and ankle health, visit
                                                                                                                             safety with our quarterly patient education
                                                                                                                                                                              Press Releases
               keep patient to patient           FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website
               contact to a minimum.             of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

                                                                                                                             newsletter, FootNotes. Use the open space
                                                                                                                                                                              Access various press releases about different
                                                                                                                             on the second page to customize it with your
                                                                                                                                                                              foot and ankle issues or use the fill-in-the-
     Timely Tools: Download the latest                                                                                       practice information and post it to your
                                                                                                                                                                              blank press release to announce what’s new
     Infographic to show your patients                                                                                       practice website.
                                                                                                                                                                              at your practice. The easy to use templates
     how you’re keeping the office clean                                                                                                                                      make it easy to share your office news or
                                                                                                                             Infographics
     for their in-person visits.                                                                                                                                              update patients on various conditions.
                                                                                                                             Show patients how you’re keeping the office
                                                                                                                             clean and safe for their in-person visits with   Don’t wait, check out the ACFAS Marketing
                                                                                                                             our newest Infographic and access a variety      Toolbox at acfas.org/marketing to see how
                                                                                                                             of other helpful infographics as well. Print     you can revitalize your practice marketing
                                                                                                                             these out to send home with patients to give     efforts!

08     |                 volume 27 issue 5                                                                        |   update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons                |   www.acfas.org
news from the college

                                                                                                              2021
Save the Date —                                                                                               RESIDENCY
                                                                                                        R
                                                                                                        D     DIRECTORS
Residency Directors                                                                                           FORUM
                                                                                                              Co-Hosted by ACFAS and COTH

Forum Returns in 2021
Attention program directors and faculty—the
Residency Directors Forum is once again on
the College’s conference schedule! With the
new challenges in surgical education under
the current uncertain times, this year’s Forum
will begin with a discussion on the COVID-19
response by various residency programs. It
                                                  Other Forum topics will include:                   topic of interest for the Forum. “The Forum is
will also give directors a chance to share war
                                                  䡲 Fellowships: representatives will share          designed by program directors for program
stories, best practices and how to pivot to
                                                    their current and future plans for our           directors and any feedback to address
short-term virtual education while still main-
                                                    profession.                                      residency issues or concerns are always
taining CPME requirements for resident
                                                  䡲 Medicolegal approaches to resident               welcomed”, says Dr. Mirmiran.
learning.
                                                    issues: non-compliance, remediation and          The Forum, co-hosted by ACFAS and the
According to Roya Mirmiran, DPM, FACFAS,            release.
Chair of the ACFAS Post Graduate Affairs                                                             AACPM Council of Teaching Hospitals
                                                  䡲 Technology: Explore, share and learn
Committee and Forum moderator, the flexi-                                                             (COTH), is set for ACFAS 2021 in Las Vegas on
                                                    about incorporating various old and new
bility of programs and educational organiza-                                                         May 17. The Forum is complimentary to all
                                                    tools into teaching.
tions to adapt to new changes have been                                                              residency and fellowship directors and one
remarkable. “The Forum will provide a plat-       Finally, back by popular request, attendees will   additional faculty (space is limited). The Forum
form for directors to share and learn from best   have an opportunity to hear updates from           will provide a CPME approved certificate for
practices and an update will be provided by       CASPR/CRIP and clerkship processes, ACFAS          Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH).
each oversight organization on changes they       news and PRR revisions. As plans for the 2021      Interested in attending? Watch your email for
had to make in order to ensure excellence         Forum are finalized, program directors are          an announcement when registration forms are
while dealing with the pandemic,” she added.      encouraged to contact the College with any         available and register early to save your seat.

volume 27 issue 5         |   update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons                     |   www.acfas.org        |    09
education                                                                                           Last Chance to
                                                                                                    Prep for 2021
                                                                                                    Coding Changes
Keeping You Safe
at ACFAS Courses

                                                                                                    Don’t miss the last opportunity in 2020 to
                                                                                                    hear about the coding changes set to hit
                                                                                                    January 1, 2021 at the in-person Coding and
                                                                                                    Billing for the Foot and Ankle Surgeon
                                                                                                    course this December in Orlando.

As we move forward with the planning of            Here are some of the safety precautions you      December 4-5, 2020 (Friday/Saturday)
in-person courses, we want all attendees to feel   can expect at our upcoming meetings:             Coding & Billing for the Foot
                                                                                                    and Ankle Surgeon
comfortable taking part in all educational         䡲   Plexiglass dividers at registration and at   Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
programming. ACFAS is taking great lengths             speaker podiums                              Lake Buena Vista, FL
to make sure our educational programming is        䡲   Masks required throughout courses
as safe as possible for attendees. We are                                                           Grab your office coding staff and join us to
                                                   䡲   Any waivers will be signed electronically
following CDC guidance and are committed                                                            cover all upcoming coding and billing
                                                       in advance
to the safety of our attendees at all meetings.                                                     changes for 2021. Get insights and expert
                                                   䡲   Registration packets will be distributed
We continue working diligently to create a                                                          tips on simplifying your coding and
                                                       in clear bags
safer meeting you can attend with ease.                                                             reimbursement practices. The course will
                                                   䡲   Lunch and breakfast selections will be
                                                                                                    also cover timely topics, including
                                                       individually packaged
                                                                                                    telehealth coding and address coding and
                                                   䡲   Seating will be allocated to allow for a
                                                                                                    billing changes such as coding for
     Your safety is our top priority, and we           six-feet distance
                                                                                                    prolonged services and several CCI edits
     appreciate your understanding as we           䡲   Adhering to the hotel's new standard of
                                                                                                    relating to foot and ankle surgery.
     adjust our educational programming                cleaning and disinfection protocols:
     to meet your needs safely. Read through           Marriott Commitment to Cleanliness |         We look forward to seeing you in December!
     the entire list of safety protocols at            Hilton CleanStay                             Find out more about this course, view the
     acfas.org/SafetyPrecautions.                  䡲   Lockers at skills courses are staggered      full agenda and register by visiting
                                                       to allow for changing into scrubs            acfas.org/practicemanagement.
                                                       (unless you wear to the lab)
                                                   䡲   Any cadavers will have been tested for
                                                       COVID through Science Care

10      |   volume 27 issue 5       |   update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeon                    |   www.acfas.org
ACFAS Signs New
Contract for JFAS
ACFAS signed a new five-year contract for The     the new contract and the enhancements it         size. “Dr. Malay has been incredibly successful
Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery. With the        brings. “We are very excited to provide Dr.      at growing the Journal in multiple ways,
contract, Elsevier remains the publisher and     Malay with much needed support with the help     making this new position a necessity moving
among the highlights are a new managing          of a managing editor who will assist with the    forward,” he added.
editor to assist current Journal Editor, Scot    flow of the papers submitted to the Journal
                                                                                                  The future looks bright as we look ahead to
Malay, DPM, MSCE, FACFAS with the                and make the process much more
                                                                                                  another five years with The Journal of Foot &
Journal’s administrative process.                streamlined." In addition to the managing
                                                                                                  Ankle Surgery and Elsevier. Visit jfas.org to
                                                 editor, a deputy editor position has been
Barry Rosenblum, DPM, FACFAS, Chair of the                                                        peruse the latest in foot and ankle surgery or
                                                 created to assist the editorial team, which is
Committee of Journal Management shares                                                            to learn more about how you can submit your
                                                 something very common for journals of this
that the committee members are excited for                                                        own research.

   ACFAS CORPORATE SPONSORS

   Platinum Level            Gold Level         Silver Level         Bronze Level          Pewter Level              Copper Level
   Arthrex                   Stryker            DePuy Synthes        In2Bones              ABFAS                     Arthrosurface
   Wright Medical            Treace Medical     Organogenesis        Medartis, Inc.        Amniox Medical            Medline UNITE
                             Concepts, Inc.                          Novastep, Inc.        Orthofix                   Foot & Ankle
   Zimmer Biomet                                PICA
                                                                                           Paragon 28                MiMedx Group
                                                                                                                     Podiatry Foundation
                                                                                                                     of Pittsburgh

    ACFAS.org | JFAS.org | FootHealthFacts.org | 773-693-9300

volume 27 issue 5        |    update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeons                  |    www.acfas.org        |   11
In Memory
                                                                                                         Steven M. Glubo, DPM, FACFAS

        A human
                                                                                                         Baltimore, MD
                                                                                                         Kenneth E. Lane, DPM, AACFAS
                                                                                                         Sand Springs, OK
                                                                                                         Robert H. Sheinberg, DPM, FACFAS

        connective
                                                                                                         Weston, FL
                                                                                                         David A. Spring, DPM, AACFAS
                                                                                                         Baton Rouge, LA

        tissue matrix
        that fills in
        seamlessly
        SEE HOW IT WORKS:
        interfyl.net/ACFAS

     CL210082_InterfylAd_4.994x7.333_Print.indd 1                                     7/31/20 10:47 AM
12       |   volume 27 issue 5               |      update: news from the american college of foot and ankle surgeon    |   www.acfas.org
VOLUME 27 ISSUE 5 | NEWS from the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS

©2020 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
8725 West Higgins Road, Suite 555
Chicago IL 60631-2724
All rights reserved

                  Get details about these member services at acfas.org/benefitspartners.

in this issue

                                                                                           ACFAS Urges Congress
Make the Most of the                                                    Keeping You Safe
                                                                                           to Extend Telemedicine
Marketing Toolbox                                                       at ACFAS Courses   Provisions
page 8                                                                  page 10            page 7
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