Michael D. Dujela, DPM, FACFAS | Washington (incumbent)

Michael D. Dujela, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS

Biography

Dr. Michael Dujela is a current ABFAS board member, practicing at Washington Orthopaedic Center in Olympia, Washington. He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 2000 and completed his surgical residency at Southwest General/University Hospitals Health System in 2002. He completed multiple fellowships, including an AO Fellowship in Liestal, Switzerland; visiting fellowship at Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Columbus, Ohio; and a multicenter orthopedic foot and ankle fellowship throughout Germany and Switzerland.

In addition to serving on the Board of Directors since 2021, Dr. Dujela has volunteered on multiple ABFAS committees and task forces, and currently serves on the Computer-based Patient Simulation Examination Committee and as a Case Reviewer.

Dr. Dujela serves as AO North America trauma faculty and is a member of the AO Foundation Steering Committee, representing the DPM profession in the orthopedic trauma realm. He was integral in the co-venture between the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and AO to provide AO courses for the DPM profession.

In 2018, Dr. Dujela was inducted into the ACFAS Leadership Hall of Fame. For the past six years, Dr. Dujela has been on the ACFAS Annual Scientific Meeting Committee and is scientific chairman of the annual surgical meetings for 2025 and 2026.

Dr. Dujela has published numerous peer reviewed articles and book chapters. He is currently section editor for the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery and director for the ACFAS-recognized Advanced Surgical Reconstruction Fellowship at Washington Orthopaedic Center.

 

Personal Statement

I have learned a great deal over the past eleven years serving with ABFAS. Substantial changes in examination development and implementation have been necessary to remain in step with the evolving needs of our profession.

ABFAS is a dynamic organization, able to both recognize the need for change and act decisively and efficiently to implement those necessary changes. As an example, elimination of the Part II CBPS exam and the opportunity to take the board qualification exam series during the final year of residency as an In-training Exam results in reduced cost and streamlines the certification process.

I remain a strong proponent of a “one unified surgical board” standard for our profession. ABFAS certification is the “gold standard.” ABFAS-certified surgeons have passed stringent exams and the rigorous Case Review process, which supports our mission statement: “To protect and improve the health and welfare of the public by advancing the art and science of foot and ankle surgery.”

The process of becoming board certified is challenging. We work hard to make the exam as true to real life practice as possible. At the end of the day, our training and preparation represent being the very best we can for our patients. My commitment to this profession and ABFAS is unwavering. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for the past three years and the trust that you have bestowed upon us. I humbly request your support in continuing this service for an additional term.