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.

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2021 Pillar

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 70 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.

Dr. Brodsky will be honored as Pillar of the Society at AOFAS Annual Meeting 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina, September 22-25.

Make a Gift in Dr. Brodsky's Honor

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.

Previous Inductees

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.

Make a Gift in Dr. Hansen's Honor

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.

Make a Gift in Dr. Gould's Honor

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.

2018: William G. Hamilton, MD

William G. Hamilton, MD, is a respected member of the orthopaedic community, well-known for his exceptional teaching, clinical expertise, and witty "Hamiltonisms." In 1972, Dr. Hamilton was hired by George Balanchine, co-founder of the New York City Ballet, to provide care for the company's 100+ dancers. He later took on roles as the orthopaedic surgeon for the American Ballet Theatre, the School of American Ballet, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet, as well as consultant for the New York Knicks and New York Yankees.

Dr. Hamilton served as AOFAS President from 1992-93 and has mentored more than 50 foot and ankle orthopaedic fellows.

Make a Gift in Dr. Hamilton's Honor

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