05/21/2025
Education and Connection:109th Annual Ohio Foot and Ankle Scientific Seminar Recap
Connection, engagement, learning: there is a reason attendees return year after year!
The halls at the Hilton at Easton were buzzing once again as podiatrists from Ohio and beyond gathered to learn and connect at the 109th Annual Ohio Foot and Ankle Scientific Seminar.
Thursday kicked off with Diabetic and Charcot Patient Management. Thursday sessions included cutting-edge topics, including Innovative Techniques and Reconstruction Options, and Anything but Diabetes and Infections. Next, young leaders shared discoveries at the Scientific Paper and Poster Competition. Attendees learned with hands-on New Evidence-Based Wound Care Treatment Options to Add to Your Arsenal and Master Class - Nail Unit and Skin Biopsy Techniques. Even lunch was a learning opportunity with Silent Threats: Vascular Secrets Every Podiatrist Should Know, Spinal Cord Stimulation: FDA-Approved Therapy for Neuropathic Pain, and LCD Documentation & DermaBind Overview.
Notably, Dr. McCabe and Dr. Stevenson were celebrated with the OHFAMA Service Award for their service at the state and academy levels. Learn more here.
Recent Kent State graduate Jeff Nerestant, who will be starting his residency in Ohio this summer, won the Dr. William F. Munsey Leadership Award. "Today, while we honor the setting of one great star, we also look to the rise of another. Dr. Nerestant is a new light in our sky—one with great promise and purpose. I’m excited to witness the brilliance he brings and the future he will help shape for podiatry," shared Dr. Sarah Abshier.
Award winners
New this year, OHFAMA welcomed six prospective podiatry students to a day-long, complimentary session during the annual seminar where they could converse with leaders in the field, explore the exhibit hall and lectures, and learn from a hands-on demonstration. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's that podiatrists love podiatry," shared Luci Ridolfo, OHFAMA Executive Director. "It was a pleasure to invite these prospective students to learn what makes pursuing a career as a DPM so special. With KSUCPM in our backyard, it felt like the perfect fit." The program was a success and will be repeated next year.
After a Thursday full of learning, members toed the line between science and celebration. Attendees enjoyed drinks and appetizers at the Welcome Reception before heading out for a night on the town at Easton Town Center.
Friday morning kicked off with What's New and Different? Highlights also included 2025 Coding and Documentation, Foot and Ankle Management, the Limited English Proficiency Rule, Evolution of Practice: Nothing Stays the Same, and What's New in HIPPA.
Throughout the seminar, DPMs and podiatric assistants shopped the Exhibit Hall. On Friday, special guests Spaceballs Dark Helmet, Barf, Princess Vespa, and Lone Starr even made a special appearance to hand out prizes.
While the DPMs were enhancing their knowledge, over 40 podiatric assistants gathered for two days of intensive learning, covering everything from smooth office management to three hands-on demonstrations.
By Friday afternoon, attendees headed home, recharged to tackle the week ahead. "This was one of the best seminars I have attended in my 25-plus years," shared one attendee. Connection, engagement, learning: there is a reason attendees return year after year to the Annual Scientific Seminar. Mark your calendar for May 14-15, 2026 to join us for the 110th Annual Ohio Foot and Ankle Scientific Seminar!