David Thordarson Takes Charge of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) has a new leader.

The organization recently installed foot and ankle surgeon David B. Thordarson, M.D., as president. In addition to leading the Society, Dr. Thordarson will serve on the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation Board of Directors (the Foundation serves as the AOFAS’s philanthropic arm).
 
As president of the 2,500-member society, Dr. Thordarson will continue building upon the organization’s successes.
 
“I believe the AOFAS is the premier foot and ankle educational, research, and service organization in the world,” Dr. Thordarson said. “As president, I will work to further our mission so we can continue to provide the best educational content while also supporting research and medical missions through the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation.”
 
Dr. Thordarson attended the University of California in Los Angeles for medical school, orthopedic surgery residency, and foot and ankle orthopedic surgery fellowship. He currently is the Division Chief of foot and ankle surgery in the Department of Orthopedics, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, and director of Orthopedic Research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
 
Dr. Thordarson credits his success to numerous colleagues over the years, especially his fellowship mentors, Andrea Cracchiolo, M.D., and Edward Leventen, M.D., who initially piqued his interest in foot and ankle surgery. Over the years, Dr. Thordarson has tried to pay it forward by mentoring residents and fellows throughout his career.
 
For the last two decades, Dr. Thordarson has been a strong supporter of the AOFAS mission. Before he was elected president, Dr. Thordarson served as AOFAS president-elect, vice president, treasurer, and member-at-large on the AOFAS Board of Directors; treasurer and member-at-large on the Foundation Board of Directors; and chair of the Education Committee.
 
He also has served as editor-in-chief of Foot & Ankle International (FAI), the AOFAS’s scientific journal, and Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics, the Society’s open access journal. Under his leadership from 2008-20, FAI increased its impact factor from 1.061 in 2008 to 2.292 in 2019.
 
In addition, Dr. Thordarson served as program chair of the Annual Meeting, chair of the advanced foot and ankle course, and a faculty member for more than 40 orthopedic courses.
 
“The AOFAS has been my favorite professional organization since I became a member in 1992,” Dr. Thordarson stated. “Thus, I have always wanted to be involved in its leadership to do my part to promote its ongoing success. I am honored to become President of such an organization.”
 
Foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders and foot/ankle injuries. Their education and training consist of four years of medical school, five years of postgraduate residency, and a fellowship year of specialized surgical training. These specialists perform reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treat sports injuries, and manage foot and ankle trauma.
 
The AOFAS mobilizes foot and ankle surgeons to improve patient care through education, research, and advocacy. As the premier global organization for foot and ankle care, AOFAS delivers events and resources for continuous education, funds and promotes research, and broadens patients’ understanding of foot and ankle conditions and treatments. By emphasizing collaboration and excellence, AOFAS inspires increasing levels of professional performance leading to improved patient outcomes.