2025 Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program

2025 Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program
Overview

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

The AF and AOFAS will select 4-6 medical students and/or residents to participate. 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.

Program Purpose
- To cultivate a culture of diversity, thereby improving equity and outcomes for patients
- To provide opportunities for individuals from historically underrepresented ethnicities, races, and genders to gain valuable training in foot and ankle orthopedic surgery
- To expose underserved geographic regions to foot and ankle fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons.
Travel Dates

September 9-20, 2025 (1.5 week trip)
- Sept 9 (Tu): Travel to Savannah, GA
- Sept 10-13 (W-Sa): Attend AOFAS Annual Meeting
- Sept 13-14 (Sa-Su): Travel to Atlanta, GA
- Sept 15-19 (M-F): Observe at Resurgens Orthopaedics and Emory University
- Sept 20 (Sa): Travel home
April 12-18, 2026 (1 week trip)
- April 12 (Su): Travel to Baltimore, MD
- 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:
- Open to all 4th year medical students through PGY3 orthopaedic residents 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.
Instructions

Complete the application below and submit it, along with supporting documents by December 31. Incomplete applications or applications received after this date will not be considered. Sponsor letters may be uploaded to this form or sent to Katlyn Froslan, kfroslan@aofas.org.

Upload your documents to this form
- CV and photo
- Personal Statement (not to exceed 1 page), please choose 1 question
  - What barriers have you faced in pursuing a career in medicine and/or orthopedics?
  - What does representation of orthopaedic care and arthritis treatment mean to you?
  - What does equitable foot and ankle arthritis care mean to you?
- 2 Sponsor letters (not to exceed 1 page)
  - 1 sponsor should be a Dean or Program Director
  - How do you know the applicant and why should they be considered for this fellowship?
  - How has the applicant demonstrated interest in foot and ankle orthopaedics?
Applicants will be notified of decisions in February 2025.

The Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program is funded by the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation, supported by a generous grant from the Arthritis Foundation.

2. Education
College/University   School
Graduation     Year
Degree Earned   Degree

Medical School   School
Class of   Year
Degree   Degree

Residency   Institution
Class of   Year

3. Military Service (if applicable)
Branch of Service   Branch
Start Year Year
End Year  Year
Rank   Rank

4. Sponsor Information
Please list contacts for 2 sponsors. One sponsor should be a Dean or Program Director. Letters may be uploaded to this form or sent to Katlyn Froslan, kfroslan@aofas.org.

Letters (not to exceed 1 page) should include:
- How do you know the applicant and why should they be considered for this fellowship?
- How has the applicant demonstrated interest in foot and ankle orthopaedics?
Sponsor 1*

First NameLast NameCredentials
Sponsor 1 relationship*

DeanProgram Director
Sponsor 1 email*
example@example.com
Sponsor 2*

First NameLast NameCredentials
Sponsor 2 Relationship*
Sponsor 2 email*
example@example.com

9. Supporting Documents
Please upload supporting documents as separate attachments. Letters of recommendation may also be emailed to kfroslan@aofas.org.
Curriculum Vitae*

Please name your CV as: Last name_CV
Cancelof
Photo*

Please name your photo as: Last name_Photo
Cancelof
Personal Statement*

Please name your personal statement as: Last name_Statement
Cancelof
Letter of Recommendation 1

Please name your LOR as: Applicant last name_ LOR _Last name of sponsor
Cancelof
Letter of Recommendation 2

Please name your LOR as: Applicant last name_LOR _Last name of sponsor
Cancelof
How did you hear about this program*

EmailDean/Program DirectorColleagueAOFAS websiteArthritis Foundation websiteSocial media
Consent*

By signing the form, I attest that the submitted information is true. I understand that completion and submission of this application form provides written permission for the AOFAS to make inquiries and investigate as it deems necessary to verify my credentials and professional standing.
Signature*

Clear
Should be Empty: