ABFAS Announces 2026 Stone Award Recipients

Home / News
On February 24, 2026, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) President Michael D. Dujela, DPM, FACFAS, presented the 2026 Michael L. Stone, DPM, Outstanding Professional Conduct Awards to ten exceptional individuals. The awards ceremony took place in Las Vegas, as part of the ABFAS 52nd Annual Business Meeting. The award goes to a graduating senior from each podiatric medical school or college, who exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, deportment, and ethics in their interactions with peers, patients, professors, and staff. Each school or college selects their winner. The recipients receive a diploma commemorating the achievement and a $2,000 cash award

 

Please join ABFAS in congratulating the 2026 Michael L. Stone, DPM, Outstanding Professional Conduct Award winners:


  • Allison DeCleene | Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University
  • Malachi Brown | Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine
  • Payton David | Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
  • Kyler Hattendorf | Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
  • Lasya Priya Anand | Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine
  • Nikki Hammond | New York College of Podiatric Medicine
  • Diana Kvach | Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine
  • Annie Will | Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine
  • Nicholas Obias, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Podiatric Medicine
  • Isaiah Claudio | Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine
The award is named for Michael L. Stone, DPM. Dr. Stone generously gave his time serving ABFAS on committees, as an officer, as president, and as the longest serving member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Stone was deeply committed to elevating the standards and quality of residency training and was the embodiment of outstanding professional conduct, respect, and ethics. 

The Outstanding Professional Conduct Award dates back to 2003, and upon Dr. Stone's passing in 2004, the organization named the award for him as a testimony to his dedication for the continuing elevation of the educational standards of the podiatric profession.