ACFAS On Demand

Join us as we hear from several of our graduating cohort from the 2025-26 Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program. Get a peek behind the curtain at what goes into this rigorous and rewarding course. Interested in participating? Sign up for level one HERE. Moderator: Lindsey Hjelm, DPM, FACFAS Panelists: Jenna Brkich, DPM, FACFAS Deepali Darji, DPM, FACFAS Sofia Pinney, DPM, MS, FACFAS

Moderator: Lisa Levick, DPM, FACFAS Panelists: Lawrence Rubin, DPM, FACFAS Richard Derner, DPM, FACFAS Maryellen Brucato, DPM, FACFAS Glenn Weinraub, DPM, FACFAS Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS Michael Dujela, DPM, FACFAS

Description: As our knowledge and understanding of foot and ankle surgery expands and as new technologies and techniques continue to both develop and evolve there is a need for continued evolution in surgical training. The "ACFAS Fellowship Initiative" was a strategic undertaking championed by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons beginning in 2010, with the primary goal of fostering environments of advanced training in foot and ankle surgery by establishing strict criteria for specialized post-residency training. Since 2010, there have been numerous additional fellowship programs that have added to an already flourishing post-graduate training environment. To date, there are more than 65 foot and ankle fellowships with ACFAS status, and many other programs applying for status each year. We look to the future of advanced training in foot and ankle surgery with cautious optimism, as the evolution of fellowship training presents its own unique set of benefits and challenges. Our panel will discuss the evolution of foot and ankle fellowship training, specifically since the initiation of the College's 'Fellowship Recognition Initiative'. The panel will provide a review of the evolution of fellowship training as well as insight and carefully crafted opinions regarding the pros and cons of fellowship training and the fellowship initiative. Moderator: Jayson Atves, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator Panelists: Derek Ley, DPM, FACFAS; Mark Solomon, DPM, FACFAS

Decsription: Externships are two-fold, something often forgotten by rotating students. Not only do you want to perform your best and pique a program's interest, but the program also wants to garner interest in students. This podcast will highlight the two sides of externships – from both the student and the residency perspective. On the one hand, we will dive into how to be an excellent extern, what most programs look for, and provide small tips and tricks that are applicable across programs. On the other, we will highlight what the student should be looking for in a program that they could possibly be committing to for 3 years. If you are student about to start externships, are currently a rotating student, or are involved in student engagement in your residency program – this podcast is for you! Moderator: Madeline Hobbs, DPM, Moderator Panelists: Jarrett Cain, DPM, MSc, FACFAS Cristian Neagu, DPM, FACFAS Samantha Williams, DPM, FACFAS

For most physicians, leaving the comfort of an employed position (W-2) to pursue an independent contract position (1099) is daunting. With 1099/K-1 income, you can implement many strategies that will allow you to set yourself up for financial independence. During this podcast, you will learn how earning 1099/K-1 income offers you the ability to optimize your retirement contributions, maximize business expenses, and customize insurance policies and investments. As an independent contractor (IC) you can also minimize your taxable income. After all, it's not about how much money you earn but how much money you keep. The IC model isn't for everyone, but if done the right way, it can positively impact your annual financial portfolio. Moderator: Colin Mizuo, DPM, FACFAS Panelists: Nolan Pendleton, CFP®, MBA Run time - 39m

Transitioning from training and into practice can be a stressful period for young physicians. Regardless of your level of training, young physicians in their first few years of practice have a lot on their plate between building their practice, caring for their patients, and understanding the intricacies of what is likely a new hospital system for them to navigate. Simply put, a lot of young physicians don't know that they don't know about how to prepare as they begin their career. Our panelists will share their experiences of their first few years in practice and how they handled their own evolution from resident/fellow into a practicing physician, while also providing insight on how to best prepare and handle this difficult, transitional stage of your career. Moderator: Cody J. Togher, DPM, AACFAS Panelists: Colin M. Mizuo, DPM, FACFAS Mira Pandya, DPM, AACFAS Run time: 58m

Moderator: Kwasi Kwaadu, DPM, FACFAS Panelists: Corine L. Creech, DPM, FACFAS Anthony (Bobby) Ndu, MD, MBA Run time: 27m

Moderator: Maryellen Brucato, DPM, FACFAS Panelists: Deepali Darji, DPM, FACFAS Ellianne Nasser, DPM, FACFAS Run time: 28m