American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) is a nonprofit professional medical society in the United States. It was formed in 1942 and is composed of over 7,700 podiatric foot and ankle surgeons.

History and Mission

ACFAS was established with the goal of advancing and improving the standards of education and surgical skill in foot and ankle care. The organization aims to keep its members informed about the latest techniques and advances in surgical care for the foot, ankle, and related lower extremity conditions. It represents podiatric foot and ankle surgeons in the United States and is dedicated to providing the best possible care for patients[1][2].

Membership and Education

Members of ACFAS are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) who have graduated from one of the nine accredited podiatric medical schools in the United States. Following graduation, members complete a podiatric surgical residency program, which can last up to four years. Those who achieve board certification become Fellows of the college and are recognized by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS)[1].

Publications and Community Involvement

ACFAS publishes the Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery, which serves as a primary source of information on advances in foot and ankle surgery. Additionally, the organization supports patient education by providing resources on how to manage foot and ankle conditions and when to seek professional care from a podiatric surgeon[1].

In 2017, ACFAS celebrated its 75th anniversary and marked this milestone by publishing The Evolution of a Profession, a history book documenting the growth and changes in podiatric surgery and the ACFAS[3]. This project highlighted the organization's efforts to advance professional standards and improve patient care throughout its history.

Legal Status

ACFAS is registered as a 501(c)(3) organization, reflecting its status as a tax-exempt nonprofit entity.

EIN

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for ACFAS is 463725447.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_College_of_Foot_and_Ankle_Surgeons [2] https://arizonafoot.com/75-years-acfas-leaders-learners-life-changers/ [3] https://kennethdurr.com/portfolio-item/evolution-of-a-profession-association-history-books/ [4] https://aofas.org/about-us [5] https://aofas.org/about-us/history