Richard Zell, MD (Moderator)
Dr. Zell completed his Orthopedic Residency at the University of Connecticut. He then proceeded with a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia followed by a Foot & Ankle fellowship at the Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City. He is a past Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthpoedic Surgery at the Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Zell recently moved to Bel Air, Maryland to join the Orthopaedic department at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. Dr. Zell has served as the membership director for the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society. He is currently a proud member of the AOFAS Education Committee.
Mark Yakavonis, MD
Mark Yakavonis, MD, MMS, FAAOS, is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle conditions. He is an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Boston University Medical Center. His expertise includes sports injuries, fractures, syndesmotic injuries, cartilage injuries, Achilles tendon injuries and tendonitis, post traumatic arthritis, foot and ankle arthritis, minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgery, osteochondral lesions of the Talus, foot deformity, bunions, hammer toes, ankle joint replacement surgery and neuromuscular disease. Dr. Yakavonis earned his doctorate at New York Medical College. He completed his residency at BMC, where he served as Chief resident and received the Resident Research Award for his research on a novel operative technique for reducing the ankle syndesmosis. He completed fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital where he was awarded a national research grant for his research on the ankle syndesmosis. Dr. Yakavonis has published several peer reviewed scientific papers and co-authored a book chapter on foot and ankle conditions.
Amanda Keefer, APRN
Amanda Keefer APRN, CNP, RNFA, BSN I live in Reno, Nevada. I have been an NP for 5 years and have worked at Reno Orthopedic Clinic for my entire career. Prior to that I worked as a nurse in the apperating room at a local hospital. I obtained my bachelorette from the University of Nevada, Reno and my masters from University of Cincinnatti. I currently work with Dr. Scott Whitlow and work closely with him during clinic and assist in surgery.
Christopher G.. Neville, PT PhD
Dr Christopher Neville is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy Education at Upstate Medical University. He is director of the Motion Analysis Laboratory where he completes research with the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Neuroscience, and the Upstate Concussion Center. Dr. Neville teaches in the area of biomechanics, kinesiology, and research methods for the physical therapy program as well as supervising graduate and medical students from across the campus. Dr. Neville is past-president of the Foot and Ankle Special Interest Group (FASIG) in the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
Robert S.. Lin, MEd,CPO,FAAOP
Robert S Lin MEd,CPO,FAAOP Lives in: Rocky Hill, Connecticut Education: University of CT, 1978/ New York University, 1980/ Western Governors University 2010 For nearly 2 decades, Robert Lin served as the Chief Orthotist at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center while simultaneously holding the positions of national residency director and director of academic programs for Hanger Clinic. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut, Bob went on to complete his orthotic/prosthetic training at New York University’s (NYU) Post Graduate Medical School and received his Masters Degree in Clinical Education from WGU. He completed both his orthotic and prosthetic residencies at the then Newington Children’s Hospital and became board certified in orthotics and prosthetics by the American Board for Certification for Orthotics/Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) in 1984. In 2001, he completed the fellowship program with the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics. In 1993, Lin founded the Newington Certificate Program in Orthotics and Prosthetics (the precursor to the University of Hartford’s MSPO Program), growing the program from an initial cohort of six students to its current level of 24 graduates per year. Known nationally and internationally for his work in pediatric orthotics, spinal orthotics, and O&P academia, Lin has authored numerous journal articles and textbook chapters and lectured extensively in his areas of clinical expertise. In addition, he has served on the board of the National Commission on Orthotic Prosthetic Education, culminating in his year as chairman of the board in 1995. He also served as president of ABC in 2009 and holds joint adjunct faculty appointments at the University of Connecticut and University of Hartford. He is a member of the O&P New Editorial Board and the O&P News 175, as well as the New England and American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.