Members of the ABFAS Board of Directors have some words of wisdom and support for graduating residents as they begin the next phase of their careers:
Congratulations to graduating residents. You are the future of the profession.
While a willingness to work is obvious advice, be sure to enjoy the journey. Appreciate the connection you develop with your patients. Speak when required and listen when needed. Volunteer as a way to give back to those who helped you to achieve your
goals. Stay humble and understand the best is yet to come.
Jeffery L. Giesking, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS
ABFAS President
Congratulations on your residency graduation! Such a great accomplishment and now onto the next chapter.
Work hard, but don't forget about work/life balance. Stay positive. Introduce yourself to fellow physicians. Educate them about what you do and then prove your knowledge and skills by treating their patients. Communication is key. Don't be afraid
to call other physicians about patient care/plans. They will appreciate it. Also be dependable. If you make it easy for them and you are good, they will refer to you.
Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask for help!
Michelle L. Butterworth, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS
ABFAS Secretary/Treasurer
We welcome you all as colleagues, and are so thankful you have joined us to continue to advance this profession. As the current generation of graduates, you are some
of the brightest we’ve ever seen. Equipped with the latest techniques and the most modern technology available, you have a distinct advantage as you launch your careers.
Many of you are joining large multi-specialty groups, hospital systems, and orthopedic practices. Many of these opportunities were difficult or impossible to imagine in the past.The future is bright, and great success awaits you as more and more patients
choose podiatric surgeons as “The Experts” in foot and ankle care delivery.
Whether you are in a small DPM group in a rural area or a major hospital system in an urban setting, people will turn to you for advice and your expertise. Never before have we been so integrated, so widely accepted, and that will help launch you.
Always treat patients like family, try your best each day, and be a team player—and you will achieve a level of success greater than you ever thought possible!
Congratulations from all of us!
Michael D. Dujela, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS
ABFAS Director
Keep working! Congratulations on this major milestone, but make sure you continue to work to improve and become the best foot and ankle surgeon possible.
Dustin L. Kruse, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS
Congrats on such a remarkable milestone! I wish you all much success as you care for your patients with their foot and ankle maladies. May you be able to prioritize
your own lives outside of work, your families, and get as close as possible to that perfect and elusive work-life balance.
Please, please become familiarized with the
ABFAS certification process and lean on your mentors to guide you when needed. We are all here for you and want you all to be successful. Go be your best you!
Roland S. Ramdass, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS
Congratulations, doctors, on completing your residencies! This is the scariest and most exciting time as you transition to being on your own. This is when you will learn who you are as a physician and surgeon without the approval of your attendings.
Remember to be kind, thoughtful, and listen to your patients. Most of what you will see and treat in the “real world” was not taught in the operating room. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your attendings, colleagues, professors,
mentors.
Lastly, take time for self-care and to be with your families—time goes by quickly. Good luck!
Diana E. Rogers, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS
ABFAS Director
