Where Are They Now: An Interview with Dr. Chandler Ligas by Dr. Davis Hendricks
Presented by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS), the Michael L. Stone, DPM, Outstanding Professional Conduct Awards recognize graduating seniors from each podiatric medical college or school who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, deportment, and ethics in their interactions with peers, patients, professors, and staff. These exceptional students often go on to become acclaimed foot and ankle surgeons and leaders in the field.
Recently, 2024 Stone Award recipient Davis Hendricks, DPM, sat down with 2019 Stone Award recipient John Martucci, DPM, FACFAS, on how the award shaped his career, advice for students and residents, and the go-to band for his OR playlist. Here’s what he had to say…
Davis Hendricks (DH): What do you love most about foot and ankle surgery?
Chandler Ligas (CL): I love the complexity of it, the multifaceted nature of it, and the ability to do multiple different things. From skin biopsies to major reconstructive surgery, the diversity is the best thing about foot and ankle surgery.
DH: If you could go back to your first year of medical school, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?
CL: This process is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the process and stay consistent. As long as you stay consistent, everything will work out as it should.
DH: If you could go back to your first year of residency, what is one piece of advice that you would give yourself?
CL: Never turn down an opportunity. This is the start of your career, and every moment you have during this time will benefit your attending life and future career.
DH: What has been the proudest moment in your career thus far?
CL: Obtaining board certification within my first year of practice.
DH: Now that you have just become ABFAS Board Certified in both Foot Surgery and RRA Surgery, are there any other big career goals you would like to accomplish next?
CL: The goal now is to become more involved in a teaching institution. I would love to give back to the profession and get involved at the state level. From there, hopefully on the national level, lecturing and educating within the profession.
DH: How did being a Stone Award winner shape your career?
CL: I think being a Stone Award winner helped shape my career in two ways. One is the multitude of networking opportunities that ABFAS has created through the Stone Award recipients. Secondly, it has exposed me to the process of ABFAS and to the leaders in the professor who have had success with ABFAS certification.
DH: What is one thing students and residents should know about ABFAS Board Certification?
CL: I think students and residents should be aware of ABFAS Board Certification and what it means to the profession. It is, in my opinion, the highest honor and credentialing board for our profession. I think that they have done a really good job at determining how an individual becomes certified, and I think that is important to help progress our profession forward. Students and residents should ultimately know that it is the goal within the profession to be credentialed by this certifying group of individuals.
DH: What are a few of your favorite hobbies outside of foot and ankle surgery?
CL: I love to go running. I am a big runner and am actually training for an Iron Man right now, so that takes up a big portion of my time. I also love spending time with my family. I have an 11-month-old daughter and she is the joy of my life.
DH: What is your favorite go-to meal?
CL: My go-to meal has to be tacos, specifically grilled chicken tacos.
DH: When making an OR playlist, what artist has to be on it?
CL: I have to have some Chainsmokers on my OR playlist, but also anything that has a good beat and is upscale.
