Educational Mission Statement of the Conference

The AMIFAS educational mission is to advance the art and science of podiatric medicine by providing quality clinical learning experiences to members and non-members, and shall include a variety of instructional sessions aimed at significantly enhancing patient care, treatment protocols, and practice efficiency. The program may include interactive educational learning methods and principles utilizing lectures, panel discussions, point-counterpoint, case studies, question and answer, handouts, audio-visual materials (including media or narrations), hands-on workshops and roundtable discussions with moderators to achieve a well-rounded venue of postgraduate instruction.

AMIFAS provides continuing education activities for podiatric physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, and other physicians with an interest in minimally invasive techniques. Our pledge to the podiatric community is to increase knowledge and awareness of minimally invasive procedures to ultimately improve patient care and outcomes. We are committed to bridging the gap between traditional surgical techniques and the growing need for training in alternative solutions. Upon completion of our educational programs, physicians will:

• Distinguish by analysis the appropriate modalities in the treatment, care and protocols of current trends, application and practices of medicine in podiatry
• Generalize, synthesize, or deduce by classification ways to develop treatment protocols based on current literature and evidence-based medicine
• Compare, contrast and evaluate judgement values for those ideas presented between medical and surgical applications.

Objectives

1. Understanding Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS):

• • Define the concept of minimally invasive surgery in the context of foot and ankle procedures.
  • Differentiate between traditional open surgery and MIS techniques, including their respective advantages and limitations.

2. Patient Selection and Evaluation:

• • Identify appropriate patient candidates for minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.
  • Develop skills in evaluating patient history, physical examination findings, and imaging studies to determine suitability for MIS procedures.

3. Techniques and Instrumentation:

• • Gain proficiency in the use of specialized instruments and equipment for minimally invasive surgery in the foot and ankle.
  • Understand various MIS approaches and surgical techniques for common podiatric conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, and Achilles tendon disorders.

4. Anesthesia and Pain Management:

• • Learn about the different anesthesia options for MIS procedures in the foot and ankle.
  • Explore strategies for effective perioperative pain management and patient comfort.

5. Complications and Risk Mitigation:

• • Recognize potential complications associated with MIS foot and ankle surgery.
  • Develop strategies for identifying, preventing, and managing complications to ensure patient safety.

6. Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation:

• • Understand the postoperative care protocols specific to minimally invasive foot and ankle procedures.
  • Identify appropriate rehabilitation and physical therapy strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

7. Outcomes Assessment and Follow-Up:

• • Explore methods for evaluating and documenting surgical outcomes in MIS cases.
  • Establish effective follow-up protocols to monitor patient progress and address any concerns or complications.

8. Emerging Trends and Advancements:

• • Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in minimally invasive techniques and technologies for foot and ankle surgery.
  • Discuss the potential impact of evolving surgical approaches on patient care and practice management.

By addressing these learning objectives, podiatric physicians can enhance their knowledge and skills in minimally invasive surgery for the foot and ankle, ultimately improving patient outcomes and expanding their clinical capabilities.