About Us
Our Mission
The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) strives to protect and improve the health and welfare of the public by advancing the art and science of foot and ankle surgery. To accomplish this goal, ABFAS grants certification status to candidates who successfully meet the guidelines for demonstrating competency and proficiency in the art and science of foot and ankle surgery.
ABFAS focuses on two main objectives:
Prepare and Support Candidates
Encourage attainment, through formal training programs, of skills required for the successful practice of the art and science of foot and ankle surgery.
Verify that candidates are qualified to enter the ABFAS certification process.
Serve Our Members
Process applications for certification of legally licensed, actively practicing foot and ankle surgeons to ascertain candidates’ competency in the art and science of foot and ankle surgery.
Grant certification status to candidates who have successfully met the guidelines for demonstrating competency and proficiency in the art and science of foot and ankle surgery.
Serving the Public for 45 Years!
Recognizing the need for a surgical specialty board within the field of podiatry, the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) approved the creation of the National Board of Podiatric Surgery. Today that board is called the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery® (ABFAS).
The primary function of ABFAS is to certify qualified foot and ankle surgeons. Initially, we offered a single certification in foot and ankle surgery. Today, ABFAS offers certification in foot surgery or foot and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery.
Prior to receiving certification, candidates must become board qualified in either foot surgery or foot and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. ABFAS continues to review and change the certification exams, including a rigorous Case Review process combined
with a Computer-based Patient Simulation examination.
Those certified surgeons, called ABFAS Diplomates, engage in a process of continuous learning to remain certified. Additionally, residents can test their knowledge throughout their residency program through the yearly ABFAS In-training Examination.
Find a Surgeon
ABFAS provides a public directory with a list of all the Board Certified foot and ankle surgeons in the country. Find your local Board Certified foot and ankle surgeon here.