Program Overview
The Foot and Ankle Physicians of Ohio (FAPO) Reconstructive Surgical Fellowship is founded on a strong commitment to advanced education, clinical excellence, and surgical mastery. Our program utilizes multiple educational modalities to ensure fellows graduate with exceptional operative skill, sound clinical judgment, and comprehensive exposure to the full spectrum of foot and ankle pathology. We take pride in training the next generation of leading surgeons equipped to perform the most innovative and cutting‑edge procedures in the profession.
Fellows receive individualized, hands-on training with each attending physician and gain extensive firsthand experience in both clinical and surgical settings. Graduates complete more than 500 surgical cases and approximately 2,000 total procedures. Additional exposure to physical therapy, coding and billing, and brace/orthotic fabrication ensures the development of a well-rounded, practice-ready physician.
Fellows maintain significant autonomy by managing a dedicated Fellow Foot and Ankle Service, operating independently with attending oversight.
The fellowship curriculum is rigorous and includes weekly radiology rounds, monthly journal clubs, and structured board review. These activities strengthen the fellow’s ability to critically evaluate imaging, laboratory data, and diagnostic studies as part of comprehensive surgical planning. Graduates leave with a strong foundation in both conservative management and postoperative care protocols.
Research is an integral component of the fellowship year. Fellows are encouraged to participate in both biomechanical and clinical research, with a minimum requirement of two manuscripts prepared for submission to peer‑reviewed journals by graduation.
Full medical and malpractice benefits are provided. For information regarding stipend and salary, applicants should submit an application through the FAPO Fellowship Application portal.
Clinical and Surgical Locations
Fellows rotate through multiple hospitals and surgical centers, including:
To express interest in the fellowship, schedule a visitation, or request additional information, please complete the FAPO Fellowship Application and upload the following:
For questions, contact the Fellowship Coordinator at fellowship.fapo@gmail.com.
Quarterly Cadaver Lab Registration(opens in new tab)
Prospective applicants are invited to participate in our quarterly cadaver labs. To register, complete the FAPO Fellowship Application(opens in new tab) and indicate the desired course.
Fellowship interviews are conducted both virtually and during cadaver lab events, allowing applicants to tour facilities and interact with current fellows and faculty.
Cadaver Lab Schedule
Application Deadline: September 1st
Core Principles of the Fellowship
Fellow Responsibilities and Expectations
Clinic
Fellows manage their own clinic, including patient flow, coding and billing, conservative treatment planning, surgical workups, and scheduling. They also participate in postoperative care alongside attending physicians.
Operating Room
Fellows operate in both independent and supervised settings. They run their own OR days with patients from their clinics and also scrub with multiple attendings to gain exposure to diverse surgical philosophies and techniques.
Research
Fellows complete two manuscripts suitable for peer-reviewed publication. All research is conducted with oversight from the scientific director.
On-Call Duties
Fellows take call at Level I trauma centers (Doctors West and Riverside Hospitals) on a rotating basis with attending supervision. Responsibilities include ER and inpatient consultations.
Past Fellows
