Pillars of the AOFAS

The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation's Pillars of the AOFAS initiative honors iconic surgeons who have advanced the Society and the profession through their leadership and dedication to educating foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons.

Now accepting nominations for 2023 Pillars! Submit your nomination by December 31, 2022.

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2022 Pillar

The Founders

This year, we are proud to recognize the seven founding members of the AOFAS: Melvin Jahss, MD; Nathaniel Gould, MD; Nicholas Giannestras, MD; Robert Joplin, MD; Hampar Kelikian, MD; Paul Lapidus, MD; and Joseph Milgram, MD.

In 1969, these seven surgeons — all prominent in their field and representing a wealth of foot and ankle experience — gathered in Dr. Jahss's New York City apartment to discuss the formation of a society dedicated to the foot and ankle. Their vision, leadership, and dedication led to the creation of the AOFAS and programs that have furthered education in the specialty for generations.

A contribution to the Founders Fund will honor these visionaries' commitment to educating the next generation of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons.

Previous Inductees

2021: James W. Brodsky, MD

James W. Brodsky, MD, is the consummate orthopaedic surgeon. An enduring leader in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery, he has worked tirelessly to advance our understanding of complex pathology from Charcot arthropathy to total ankle arthroplasty. Ever ready with a clever witticism, he always stimulates his fellows and colleagues to ask the tough questions and seek the tougher answers. Above all, Dr. Brodsky is a teacher, leading by example and inspiring those around him to be better.

Dr. Brodsky founded the Baylor Foot and Ankle Fellowship nearly three decades ago and remains its driving force. He has mentored more than 90 clinical fellows along with a host of international researchers and guests. Dr. Brodsky served as president of the AOFAS in 2005-06 and continues to be a leader in the Society.

Thank you to the individual donors who have contributed to the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation in honor of James W. Brodsky, MD. To add your name to the growing list of supporters, please click the link above.

2019: Sigvard T. Hansen Jr., MD

Sigvard "Ted" Hansen Jr., MD, is a world-renowned pioneer in both orthopaedic traumatology and reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. After joining the University of Washington Department of Orthopedics in the 1970s, he quickly became a revered mainstay and leader in the foot and ankle field. Exercising a legendary disdain for bureaucracy, Dr. Hansen brought his foot and ankle service to international prominence while also serving as Department Chair from 1981-85.

Over his four-decade career, Dr. Hansen mentored more than 70 domestic fellows and scores of international fellows — many of whom have gone on to be division chiefs, department heads, and leaders in the AOFAS and the worldwide foot and ankle realm. He is also an AO Fellow and winner of the AO Innovation Prize.

Thank you to the individual donors who have contributed to the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation in honor of Sigvard T. Hansen Jr., MD. To add your name to the growing list of supporters, please click the link above.

2018: John S. Gould, MD

John S. Gould, MD, was a master surgeon, clinician, educator, and leader. As chair of the Department if Orthopaedic Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin for 10 years, he established a prestigious fellowship for foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery. His commitment to advancing orthopaedics was evident as he served as AOFAS president from 1985-86 as well as president of several other orthopaedic organizations.

Dr. Gould passed away in September 2015, but his legacy lives on through his research, writing, and former fellows who have followed in his footsteps to make great contributions to orthopaedics.

Thank you to the individual donors who have contributed to the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation in honor of John S. Gould, MD. To add your name to the growing list of supporters, please click the link above.