Education

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 valuable access to training and mentoring opportunities for medical students and residents interested in foot and ankle arthritis care and orthopaedic surgery.

The AF and AOFAS will select 4-6 medical students and/or residents each year to participate in the program. Selected participants will visit academic medical centers to tour facilities and labs, learn about advancements in ankle arthritis care, and meet physicians in the field.

Congratulations to the 2026-27 Participants!

Lorena Fuentes-Rivera, MD
University of New Mexico, New Mexico

Gabrielle Hartman, MD
University at Buffalo Department of Orthopaedics, New York

Tori Kinamon, MD, CAPT
Brooks Army Medical Center, Texas

Vibav Mouli, MD, MS
Columbia University Medical Center, New York

Jonathan Stern, MD
St. Barnabas Hospital, New York

2026-27 Travel Dates

Part 1: September 15-26, 2026 (1.5 week trip)

Sept 15 (Tu): Travel to Seattle, Washington
Sept 16-19 (W-Sa): Attend AOFAS Annual Meeting & IFFAS Biennial Meeting
Sept 20 (Su): Travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sept 21-25 (M-F): Observe at Twin Cities Orthopedics
Sept 26 (Sa): Travel home

Part 2: April 18-24, 2027 (1 week trip)

April 18 (Su): Travel to Denver, Colorado
April 19-23 (M-F): Observe at University of Colorado Anschutz
April 24 (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 2026 and April 2027
Travel reimbursement will be awarded to cover reasonable/moderate expenses, including hotels, flights/transport, and meals. Any expenses beyond the amount agreed upon at the start of the program will be the responsibility of the award recipient.