ABFAS Surgeons of Tomorrow

Surgeons of Tomorrow Student Conference Scholarship Contest

Launched in 2022, the ABFAS Surgeons of Tomorrow contest invites podiatric medical students to submit a video or written essay on why they plan to pursue ABFAS Board Certification and how it will help their patients.

 
Two winners (one in each category) will receive scholarships to cover registration and travel costs to attend the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) 82nd Annual Scientific Conference, taking place February 1–4, 2024, in Tampa. 

The contest is closed for entries.

 

How to Enter 

In a short video (2–3 minutes) or written essay (500–600 words), please answer the following questions:

Why is ABFAS Board Certification important to you as an aspiring podiatric surgeon, and how will you use it to benefit your patients? 

 

Eligibility and Submissions

The submission period runs September 15, 2023 – October 29, 2023. Entries must be received by October 29, 2023.

The contest is open to any student currently enrolled at any of the eleven podiatric colleges in the United States recognized by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME). Winners must be available to attend the ACFAS 2024 Annual Scientific Conference, and ABFAS may request invoices and/or receipts for travel expenses.

 
 

Prizes and Judging

ABFAS will select one winning essay and one winning video. Each of the winners will receive:

  • ACFAS Annual Scientific Conference registration and travel expense reimbursement 
  • Recognition at the ABFAS Annual Meeting held during the ACFAS Annual Scientific Conference
  • A meet-and-greet with the ABFAS Board of Directors and Communications Committee during the ACFAS Annual Scientific Conference

Contest judges will include current ABFAS Diplomates who sit on the ABFAS Communications Committee. They will judge entries based on their professionalism, articulation, message delivery, and how well entrants answer the two questions above. For essay entries, judges will also consider grammar.

 

About ABFAS 

The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) strives to protect and improve the health and welfare of the public by advancing the art and science of foot and ankle surgery. Our goal is to ensure podiatric surgeons are as knowledgeable as possible.  

  • ABFAS is the only Foot and Ankle Surgery Certification Board recognized by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME).
  • Our rigorous, two-step process of Board Qualification and Certification involves Case Review to ensure thorough clinical experience and surgical skill.
  • ABFAS Board Certification is a prerequisite for surgical privileges at many hospitals and insurance companies, as candidates must demonstrate strong competency and proficiency in foot and ankle surgery.
  • Many larger medical groups require ABFAS Board Certification to become a shareholder or partner.
  • More than 10,000 highly skilled podiatrists have earned ABFAS Board Certification, with between 65 and 95 percent of candidates from each residency year passing ABFAS examinations, comparable to other medical specialty boards.
 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void outside the 50 US & DC and where prohibited by law. Term: 9/15/23 at 12:00 AM ET through 10/29/23 at 11:59 PM ET. Entrants must be (i) legal residents of the 50 US/DC, (ii) 18 years of age or age of majority (whichever greater); (iii) currently enrolled at one of the following podiatric colleges: Midwestern Univ., Barry. Univ., Cal. School Pod. Med., Des Moines Univ., N.Y. College Pod. Med., Kent State Univ., Rosalind Franklin Univ., Temple Univ., Western Univ., Univ. Texas Rio Grande Valley Sch. Pod. Med., LECOM Sch. Pod. Med. and (iv) available to attend the ACFAS 2024 Scientific Conference (Feb. 1–4, 2024 in Tampa, Florida). Employees, officers, directors of Sponsor/affiliated entities as well as family/household members of each are ineligible. To enter, prepare an essay (max. 600 words) or video (max. 3 minutes) responding to the prompt provided by Sponsor. Two (2) winners total will be selected—one (1) for best essay and one (1) for best video. Winners will receive (i) trip to ACFAS 2023 Scientific Conference, including travel, lodging, and stipend; (ii) recognition at the ABFAS annual meeting (held during conference); and “meet and greet” with the ABFAS Board of Directors and Communications Committee (also during conference). Prize ARV: $2,500; total ARV: $5,000. For entry and prize details, judging criteria, and all other terms/conditions, see Official Rules at abfas.org/essaycontest. Sponsor: American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 445 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94117.