2025 AOFAS Annual Meeting-Research Scholars Forum

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript covers a comprehensive Research Scholars Program focused on advancing foot and ankle research, particularly targeting PhDs and postdocs to address the underrepresentation in this field. The program aims to expose early career researchers to clinical challenges and encourage collaborative basic, translational, and clinical research to improve patient care.<br /><br />Key presentations include Dr. Scott Ellis discussing research priorities in talar osteochondral defects (OCD) and ankle osteoarthritis (OA), emphasizing the need for better understanding of cartilage and subchondral bone biology, improved biologic treatments, surgical technique optimization, and advanced imaging and biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Dr. Conti addressed complexities in treating hallux valgus (bunions), suggesting that traditional approaches may overlook important midfoot joint instabilities and that a deeper biomechanical understanding is critical to optimize surgical outcomes.<br /><br />Dr. Omgad focused on managing critical size bone defects in hindfoot and ankle fusion, reviewing current techniques such as autografts, femoral head allografts, 3D-printed implants, and innovative magnetic lengthening nails, while highlighting challenges in long-term success and infection risks. Dr. Eddie Haupt shared his journey establishing research collaborations, securing funding, and navigating institutional challenges to study bone graft biology.<br /><br />Dr. Bopa Kriya emphasized the importance of building multidisciplinary teams, aligning clinical and scientific expertise, and focusing on blue ocean research areas with unmet needs. Dr. Mike Iannardi introduced interdisciplinary approaches combining physics and robotics to understand osteoclast behavior and bone remodeling in fusion healing.<br /><br />Dr. Irvin contributed insights on omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) for personalized medicine in foot and ankle pathology, highlighting challenges in data interpretation and the need for funding.<br /><br />Panel discussions stressed the critical role of clinician-scientist collaborations, mentorship, securing diverse funding sources including society grants and industry partnerships, and transparency in conflicts of interest. Emphasis was placed on patience in research timelines, strategic team building, and the vast opportunities in foot and ankle research due to many unanswered questions, making it a fertile ground for impactful discoveries. The overall message encouraged early career researchers to engage deeply with clinical problems, seek collaborative partnerships, and persist through challenges to advance this niche yet important field.

Asset Caption

Session 1: Clinical Problems Needing Scientific Innovation

Talar Osteochondral Lesions and Ankle Arthritis:
Biology and Biomechanics
Scott J. Ellis, MD

Foot Deformities and Soft Tissue Reconstruction
Matthew S. Conti, MD

Critical-Sized Bone Defects in Ankle and Hindfoot Fusion
Amgad M. Haleem Amin, MD, PhD

Discussion and Q&A

Why Foot and Ankle Research Is Underrepresented
Michael C. Aynardi, MD

Research Pathways and Translational Impact
Bopha Chrea, MD; Edward T. Haupt, MD

Session 2: Foot & Ankle Meets the Outside World: Interdisciplinary Opportunities

Biophysics and Modeling in Osteoclast and
Tendon Healing
Jason T. Bariteau, MD

Omics and Regenerative Science in Foot and
Ankle Disease
Irvin Oh, MD
3:00 – 3:30 pm

Panel Discussion: “So You Want to Work in Foot and Ankle Research?”
Panelists: Michael C. Aynardi, MD; Kelly K. Hynes, MD

Interactive Group Activity: Your First Foot and Ankle Project

Keywords

Research Scholars Program

foot and ankle research

PhD and postdoc opportunities

clinical challenges

collaborative research

talar osteochondral defects

ankle osteoarthritis

cartilage biology

subchondral bone

hallux valgus

midfoot joint instability

bone defect management

3D-printed implants

multidisciplinary teams

omics technologies