AOFAS and Arthritis Foundation Welcome New Students to 2026-2027 Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program

Schaumburg, Ill. (July 30, 2026) — The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and the Arthritis Foundation are proud to announce the second group of participants for the 2026-2027 Foot and Ankle Arthritis Development Program. This initiative offers medical students and residents a unique opportunity to gain advanced training, mentoring and exposure to foot and ankle arthritis care. 

Congratulations to the five selected participants: 

• Lorena Fuentes-Rivera, MD, University of New Mexico, New Mexico 

• Gabrielle Hartman, MD, University at Buffalo Department of Orthopaedics, New York  

• Tori Kinamon, MD, CAPT, Brooks Army Medical Center, Texas 

• Vibav Mouli, MD, MS, Columbia University Medical Center, New York 

• Jonathan Stern, MD, St. Barnabas Hospital, New York  

“We're pleased to welcome the second cohort of medical students and residents to this innovative program in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation,” says Jonathon D. Backus, MD, Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation board member. “This opportunity equips medical students and residents with a deeper understanding of arthritis of the foot and ankle, connects them with experts in field and hopefully inspires them to pursue a career in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery.” 

As part of the program, the participants will tour facilities and labs at leading academic medical centers, including Twin Cities Orthopedics in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the University of Colorado Anschutz in Denver, Colorado. They will also attend the 2026 AOFAS Annual Meeting and the International Federation of Foot & Ankle Societies (IFFAS) Ninth Biennial Meeting in Seattle. 

“Ankle arthritis can have a profound impact on quality of life, yet it remains an area with significant unmet needs,” says Paul Larkin, vice president of science for the Arthritis Foundation. “Through our continued partnership with AOFAS, we are proud to support the next cohort in the Foot and Ankle Arthritis Development Program who will play an important role in the future of improving treatments and outcomes for all patients.” 

In addition to this partnership, the Arthritis Foundation and AOFAS recently announced the second cycle of the Ankle Arthritis Think Tank Research Grants. These grants will award up to $750,000 over a two-year period to fund innovative clinical research that advances knowledge toward treatments to stop or slow ankle osteoarthritis. Nearly $600,000 in grant funding was awarded in the program’s first cycle in 2023.  

For more information about the Foot and Ankle Arthritis Development Program, visit aofas.org/arthritis. 

About the AOFAS 
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) mobilizes our dynamic community of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons to improve patient care through education, research and advocacy. As the premier global organization for foot and ankle care, AOFAS delivers exceptional events and resources for continuous education, funds and promotes innovative research, and broadens patient understanding of foot and ankle conditions and treatments. By emphasizing collaboration and excellence, AOFAS inspires ever-increasing levels of professional performance leading to improved patient outcomes. For more information visit the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society online at aofas.org. 

About the Arthritis Foundation 
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against arthritis — the nation's #1 cause of disability. Through groundbreaking scientific research, patient-centered programs, advocacy at all levels of government and robust community engagement, the Foundation is relentlessly pursuing a cure while empowering people to live their best life. With a presence in communities nationwide, we amplify the voices of those affected and work to drive lasting change. Learn more at arthritis.org. 

Contact: 
Elizabeth Edwards 
[email protected] 
847-430-5091