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Education > Residents, Fellows & Medical Students > AF/AOFAS Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program


AF/AOFAS Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program

 

The Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program is a collaborative partnership between the AOFAS and the Arthritis Foundation (AF). The program provides medical students and residents with valuable training and mentoring opportunities across the country.

The AF and AOFAS will select medical students and/or residents each year to participate in the program. Selected participants will visit multiple academic medical centers to tour facilities and labs, learn about advancements in ankle arthritis care, and meet physicians in the field.


Congratulations to the 2025 Participants!

Rodrigo Encinas

Rodrigo Encinas, MD
Orlando Health-Jewett Orthopaedic Institute, Florida

Gabriel Gonzalez-Diaz

Gabriel Gonzalez Diaz, MS
Ponce Health Sciences University, Puerto Rico

Alexandra Krez

Alexandra Krez, MD
Hofstra University/Northwell Health, New York

Ramiro Lopez

Ramiro Lopez, BS
Mayo Clinic, Florida

Sarah Lu

Sarah Lu, BA
California University of Science and Medicine, California

Alana O'Mara

Alana O'Mara, MD
George Washington University, Washington DC

Elizabeth Rich

Elizabeth Rich, MD, CPT
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Maryland


Program Details

  • The program is open to 4th year medical students through PGY3 orthopaedic residents in the United States.

  • Over two trips, fellows will visit multiple academic centers and attend an AOFAS and/or Arthritis Foundation meeting.

  • The program provides funding for travel, host costs, and meeting expenses including registration, housing, travel, and meals.


2025 Travel Dates

Part 1: September 9-20, 2025 (1.5 week trip)

  • Sept 9 (Tu): Travel to Savannah, Georgia

  • Sept 10-13 (W-Sa): Attend AOFAS Annual Meeting

  • Sept 13-14 (Sa-Su): Travel to Atlanta, Georgia

  • Sept 15-19 (M-F): Observe at Resurgens Orthopaedics and Emory University

  • Sept 20 (Sa): Travel home

Part 2: April 12-18, 2026 (1 week trip)

  • April 12 (Su): Travel to Baltimore, Maryland

  • April 13-17 (M-F): Observe at Mercy Medical Center and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

  • April 18 (Sa): Travel home


Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • 4th-year medical student through PGY3 orthopaedic resident in the United States

  • Ability to attend the entire program, including both travel blocks in September 2025 and April 2026

  • A travel stipend will be awarded to cover hotels, flights/transport, and meals. Any expenses beyond the amount issued will be the responsibility of the award recipient.