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APPOINTMENT

Fellowship Opportunity

FAP fellowship

FAPO Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgical Fellowship

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:

  • Berger Hospital – Circleville, Ohio
  • Grove City Methodist Hospital – Grove City, Ohio
  • Doctors West Hospital – Columbus, Ohio
  • Riverside Methodist Hospital – Columbus, Ohio
  • Knightsbridge Surgery Center – Columbus, Ohio

To express interest in the fellowship, schedule a visitation, or request additional information, please complete the FAPO Fellowship Application and upload the following:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Medical school transcripts
  • Board status documentation
  • Diploma

For questions, contact the Fellowship Coordinator at fellowship.fapo@gmail.com.

Quarterly Cadaver Lab Registration

Prospective applicants are invited to participate in our quarterly cadaver labs. To register, complete the FAPO Fellowship Application 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

  1. Kickoff Sports Medicine – August 10, 2025 Tendon transfers (bridle, lateral stabilization, FHL/FDL transfers), GSR, frontal plane lengthening
  2. External Fixation Principles – November 7, 2025 Components, principles, delta and circular frame application
  3. Ankles: Arthroscopy to Replacement – January 15, 2026 TAR validation, IM nailing
  4. Foot and Ankle Flaps, Skin Grafts, and Neurosurgery – April 4, 2026 Dellon triple nerve release, peroneal/gastrosoleus/sural/intrinsic procedures
  5. Trauma and Rearfoot Fixation – June 6, 2026 MIS fibular nailing, 5th metatarsal nailing, rearfoot plating

Application Deadline: September 1st

Core Principles of the Fellowship

  • Radiology Rounds: Weekly sessions with the program director reviewing preoperative planning and postoperative protocols for upcoming surgical cases.
  • Journal Club: Monthly meetings with attending physicians. Fellows present cases aligned with selected journal articles, emphasizing critical analysis, presentation skills, and professional communication.
  • Chapter Review / Board Review: Surgical cases performed during fellowship may be applied toward board qualification and submission.
  • Research: Fellows complete at least two publishable research projects under the guidance of the program’s scientific director, with monthly progress meetings.

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

  • Dr. Nikul Panchal, DPM, FACFAS (2020–2021)
  • Dr. Harsh Amin, DPM, FACFAS (2021–2022)
  • Dr. Ryan DeLeon, DPM, FACFAS (2022–2023)
  • Dr. Melissa Foster, DPM, FACFAS (2023–2024)
  • Dr. Gina Palazzi, DPM (2024–2025)
  • Dr. Roshni Patel, DPM (2025–2026)
  • Dr. Michael McKerson, DPM (2026–2027)
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