May 6, 2021

Since 2018, the Joint Task Force of Orthopaedic and Podiatric Surgeons has worked on mutually beneficial policy goals. The four participating organizations are the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Now after years of thoughtful discussion and deliberation, the task force has unanimously endorsed a white paper, which addresses the goal of equivalency in education pathways and certification. The next step in this process is a resolution that was recently submitted for consideration at the June 2021 Special Meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (see update below).

Both the white paper and resolution demonstrate the goal shared by orthopaedists and podiatrists in standardizing education and accreditation for care of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. We are proud of our combined efforts to date and look forward to continued valuable collaboration between our professions to benefit our members and our patients in the future.

Joint Task Force of Orthopaedic and Podiatric Surgeons - White Paper

Joint Task Force of Orthopaedic and Podiatric Surgeons - AMA Resolution UPDATE: The resolution was not accepted as business at the June 2021 Special Meeting. Please check this page for future updates.