David B. Thordarson, MD, Installed as AOFAS® President
September 13 2024 - 3:30PM
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, David B. Thordarson, MD, was
named the president of the
American Orthopaedic Foot
& Ankle Society (AOFAS), the leading organization
for the surgical and nonoperative treatment of the foot, ankle, and
lower extremity. In addition to leading the Society as president,
Dr. Thordarson will serve on the Board of Directors of
the
Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation, the
philanthropic arm of AOFAS.
As president of the 2,500-member society, Dr. Thordarson’s focus
is to continue building upon the organization’s successes.
“I believe the AOFAS is the premier foot and ankle educational,
research, and service organization in the world,” Dr. Thordarson
said. “As President, I will work to further our mission so we can
continue to provide the best educational content while also
supporting research and medical missions through the Orthopaedic
Foot & Ankle Foundation.”
Dr. Thordarson attended the University of California in Los
Angeles for medical school, orthopaedic surgery residency, and foot
and ankle orthopaedic surgery fellowship.
Currently, Dr. Thordarson is the Chief of the Division of Foot
and Ankle Surgery in the Department of Orthopedics, Professor of
Orthopaedic Surgery, and Director of Orthopedic Research at
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Dr. Thordarson credits his success to his many colleagues over
the years, especially his fellowship mentors, Andrea Cracchiolo,
MD, and Edward Leventen, MD, who initially piqued his interest in
foot and ankle surgery. Over the years, Dr. Thordarson has tried to
pay it forward by mentoring residents and fellows throughout his
career.
For the last two decades, Dr. Thordarson has been a strong
supporter of the AOFAS mission. Prior to being elected President,
Dr. Thordarson served as AOFAS President-Elect, Vice President,
Treasurer, and Member-at-Large on the AOFAS Board of Directors;
Treasurer and Member-at-Large on the Foundation Board of Directors;
and Chair of the Education Committee.
He also has served as Editor-in-Chief of Foot & Ankle
International (FAI), the scientific journal of the AOFAS, and
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics (FAO), the Society’s open
access journal. Under his leadership from
2008-20, FAI experienced tremendous growth, increasing
its impact factor from 1.061 in 2008 to 2.292 in 2019.
In addition, Dr. Thordarson served as Program Chair of the
Annual Meeting, Chair of the Advanced Foot and Ankle Course, and a
faculty member for more than 40 orthopaedic courses.
“The AOFAS has been my favorite professional organization since
I became a member in 1992,” Dr. Thordarson said. “Thus, I have
always wanted to be involved in its leadership to do my part to
promote its ongoing success. I am honored to become President of
such an elite organization.”
About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic SurgeonsFoot and ankle
orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize
in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and
injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training
consist of four years of medical school, five years of postgraduate
residency, and a fellowship year of specialized surgical training.
These specialists care for patients of all ages, performing
reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treating
sports injuries, and managing foot and ankle trauma.
About the AOFASThe American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle
Society (AOFAS) mobilizes our dynamic community of foot and ankle
orthopaedic surgeons to improve patient care through education,
research, and advocacy. As the premier global organization for foot
and ankle care, AOFAS delivers exceptional events and resources for
continuous education, funds and promotes innovative research, and
broadens patient understanding of foot and ankle conditions and
treatments. By emphasizing collaboration and excellence, AOFAS
inspires ever-increasing levels of professional performance leading
to improved patient outcomes. For more information visit the
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society online at
aofas.org.
Elizabeth Edwards
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS)
618-795-4824
eedwards@aofas.org
