2027 Residents Day

2027 Residents Day
ACFAS 2027 Pre-Conference Program
March 11, 2027 |  8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Orange County Convention Center


The upcoming Residents Day highlights the importance of developing a strong financial foundation during training to support long-term professional and personal success. As podiatric trainees approach the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) certification process, understanding examination timelines, eligibility requirements, effective study strategies, and the structure of the CBPS and Case Review examinations becomes essential for achieving this important career milestone. Additionally, the transition from residency or fellowship into attending practice presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring thoughtful consideration of practice settings, compensation models, networking, referral development, self-marketing, and clinical decision-making as a young attending. The morning session concludes with a “Fireside Chat,” providing an open forum for residents to ask questions, receive mentorship, and discuss real-world issues relevant to the podiatric profession. 

Following the early sessions, attendees will participate in combined programming with residency leadership, featuring presentations from the ACFAS Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program on current industry trends. The afternoon will conclude with a practical overview of coding fundamentals, medical billing, modifiers, reimbursement strategies, and essential coding principles, followed by an opportunity for professional networking and continued engagement.


 

7:30- 8:00 am
Check-in/Breakfast

8:00 - 8:10 am 
Introduction
Adam Bernatsky, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator

8:10 – 9:00 am
RD1: Scrubs to Stability: Building Your Financial Foundation in Training 
Adam Bernatsky, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Nolan Pendleton, CFP, MBA, Hudson Pendleton Financial Group

Navigating financial planning can be complex as individual needs vary greatly. Leveraging compound interest early is vital for long-term success, as is managing the intricacies of disability, life, and malpractice coverage. This session addresses student loan repayment strategies and personal budget management to help residents establish a secure path toward financial independence.

Learning Objectives - attendees will:

  1. Understand repayment and refinancing methods for educational debt.
  2. Identify effective approaches for investments and retirement savings.
  3. Evaluate the significance of professional liability and disability insurance.
  4. Develop skills for efficient personal expenditure control.

9:00 – 9:30 am
RD2: ABFAS Board Prep Strategies
Adam Bernatsky, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Laura Sansosti, DPM, FACFAS; Roland Ramdass, DPM, FACFAS

Achieving certification through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) represents a critical professional landmark for podiatrists, demonstrating an advanced level of clinical competency and surgical skill. This presentation details the fundamental aspects of the ABFAS certification path, emphasizing requisite timelines, the composition of examinations, and qualifying requirements. We will examine high-yield study materials and strategic scheduling methods designed to streamline preparation and bolster examinee readiness. Furthermore, the session provides a comprehensive look at the Computer-Based Patient Simulation (CBPS) and the Case Review phase, clarifying their structures and the specific clinical proficiencies they measure. By mastering these core pillars, residents can more effectively traverse the path to certification, ensuring a focused and proficient approach to their board preparation.

Learning Objectives- attendees will:

  1. Distinguish the primary elements of ABFAS certification, including schedules, test formats, and candidate qualifications.
  2. Implement high-impact study tools and organizational tactics to refine preparation efforts and increase self-assurance.
  3. Analyze the procedural frameworks for the Computer-Based Patient Simulation (CBPS) and the subsequent Case Review cycle.

9:30 – 9:45 am
Break

9:45 – 11:00 am
RD3: What I Wish I Knew as a Young Attending
Stephanie Golding Avner, DPM, FACFAS, Moderator; Adam Bernatsky, DPM, FACFAS; Raymond Lee, DPM, FACFAS; Colin Mizuo, DPM, FACFAS; Shital Sharma, DPM, FACFAS; Nishit Vora, DPM, MPH, FACFAS

Moving from a podiatric residency or fellowship into the professional sphere is a transformative milestone. This presentation examines the vital factors for podiatrists during their initial post-training years, emphasizing effective job searching, networking strategies, and the complexities of clinical decision-making. We will analyze various practice environments—including private, hospital-based, and academic settings—to highlight the unique opportunities and hurdles within each. A crucial part of finding the right fit involves understanding diverse compensation models, such as salary bonuses, net production, and RVUs, which will be discussed in detail. Our panel will share professional insights on self-marketing, geographical outreach, and expanding referral networks. Furthermore, the session addresses the challenges of new attending life, such as determining surgical indications and managing complications. By providing these perspectives, we aim to prepare new podiatrists for a successful career launch and a durable professional foundation.

Learning Objectives- attendees will:

  1. Evaluate different podiatric practice settings to identify the specific prospects and difficulties associated with each.
  2. Master the nuances of the job search, specifically regarding common industry compensation frameworks.
  3. Implement effective tactics for networking, personal branding, and building a referral base in a new location.
  4. Determine strategies for managing complex decisions as a young attending, ranging from patient selection to clinical complications.

11:00 – 11:20 am
Lunch

11:20 am – 12:05 pm
RD4: Fireside Chat: Real Talk for Residents
Isabella Jamer, DPM, Moderator; Nolan Pendleton; Stephanie Golding Avner, DPM, FACFAS; Adam Bernatsky, DPM, FACFAS; Isabella Jamer, DPM; Raymond Lee, DPM, FACFAS; Shital Sharma, DPM, FACFAS; Nishit Vora, DPM, MPH, FACFAS 

Join us for an engaging fireside chat designed specifically for podiatry residents to have open discussion on topics that matter the most to them. Panelists will share personal insights, lessons learned, and perspectives from their unique career journeys. Whether discussing challenges or opportunities in podiatric medicine and surgery, this session aims to give real-world perspectives and practical advice in a relaxed and open setting.

12:05 – 12:15 pm
Break 

Joint Session – Residency Directors Forum and Residents Day

12:15 – 12:25 pm
AACPM Residency Director of the Year Award
Andy Meyr, DPM, FACFAS; Keith Cook, DPM, FACFAS; Susan Claffey, MBA, Director of Graduate Services, AACPM; Mori North, AACPM

12:30 – 2:30 pm
GS-5: LDP Capstone Presentations  (20 min presentation; 10 min Q&A)

Residents Day Afternoon Sessions

2:40 – 3:15 pm
RD5: Coding Fundamentals
Nishit Vora, DPM, MPH, FACFAS, Moderator; Lauren Wurster, DPM, FACFAS

The Resident’s Guide to the Magical Coding Kingdom

Don't let your hard work in the clinic and the OR turn into a pumpkin because of a missed modifier. This fundamentals course is designed to guide podiatry residents through the enchanted—and sometimes treacherous—forest of medical billing. From routine foot care rules to complex reconstructive surgical strings, you’ll learn the exact formulas needed to unlock maximum reimbursement. Consider this your treasure map to transitioning seamlessly into practice with total coding confidence.

3:15 – 3:30 pm
TBD

3:30 – 4:30 pm
Networking Event

After a day full of learning, join your fellow residents and faculty to reflect on what you’ve learned and connect with peers. 


Stephanie Golding Avner, DPM, FACFAS
Adam Bernatsky, DPM, FACFAS
Isabella Jamer, DPM
Raymond Lee, DPM, FACFAS
Colin Mizuo, DPM, FACFAS
Nolan Pendelton, CFP, MBA
Roland Ramdass, DPM, FACFAS
Laura Sansosti, DPM, FACFAS
Shital Sharma, DPM, FACFAS
Nishit Vora, DPM, MPH, FACFAS
Lauren Wurster, DPM, FACFAS

$80     ACFAS Resident Members
$105     Non-Member Residents