Footnotes - Spring 2023 - 28

their backgrounds, how they enjoyed the conference, and
their reflections on the learning opportunity presented
through the Surgeons of Tomorrow Contest.
Meet the Winners
Faith Carelli is a graduate of Quinnipiac University, with a
degree in biomedical science and a minor in global public
health. She recounts that her own chronic foot problems in
her youth led her to develop a close bond with a podiatrist
in her area. A credit to the mentorship she received in her
hometown, this physician was the reason Faith chose to pursue
podiatry after her undergraduate education. She is now two
years into her podiatric medical education at Des Moines
University College of Podiatric Medicine, and every class she
completes is just further motivation in her continuing growth
and interest in podiatric surgery.
Remi Drake studied at the University of California Santa
Barbara (go Banana Slugs!) and graduated with a bachelor's
degree in human biology. Upon graduating, he chose
to pursue a career in podiatry after being evaluated and
treated for a tarsal coalition of his own. He also observed
how proper podiatric medical care provided his relatives
with great relief of their own concerns, which only served
to further his interest in the field. As he progresses through
his education at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine,
he is excited to move beyond general science and into the
more detailed podiatric didactic courses.
Both Faith and Remi discovered the ABFAS Surgeons of
Tomorrow Contest through their respective deans at their
podiatry schools. Upon hearing about this opportunity,
they both submitted entries for the chance to meet
and learn from the surgeons at the cutting edge of our
profession. Their submissions stood out for their dedication,
knowledge, and enthusiasm for the field of podiatry.
Reflections on the ASC
28
" ABFAS Contest Winners " : The 2023 ABFAS 'Surgeons of
Tomorrow' Winners and the ABFAS Student Liaison
(left to right) Remi Drake, Jeneen Elagha, Faith Carelli
I had the opportunity to meet both winners at the ACFAS
ASC, and I witnessed firsthand their excitement and
passion for podiatry. Each of them felt that the experience
afforded to them through the ABFAS Surgeons of
Tomorrow Contest was invaluable to both their experiences
as students and their determination to join the ranks of
highly regarded lecturers, panelists, and experts in foot and
ankle surgery.
When asked about her favorite part of the ASC, Faith
told me that her favorite part of the ACFAS Annual
Scientific Conference was getting to meet the leaders of
the profession and see their presentations on the innovative
techniques they are employing. " It was inspiring to see
SPRING 2023
Footnotes - Spring 2023

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