The letters FACFAS mean that a podiatric surgeon is a Fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) is a professional organization associated with an interest, training, board certification, and education in the specialty of foot and ankle surgery.
Founded in 1942, ACFAS seeks to promote the art and science of foot, ankle and related lower extremity surgery; address the concerns of foot and ankle surgeons; ensure superb patient care; and advance and improve standards of education and surgical skill.
ACFAS member physicians are doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) who are graduates of accredited four-year U.S. podiatric medical schools. ACFAS members have completed surgical residency programs of up to four years, and all Fellow members of the College are certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS), the surgical board of foot and ankle surgeons.
ABPS is recognized by the Joint Committee on the Recognition of Specialty Boards. Many have additional fellowship training in various aspects of foot, ankle and lower extremity surgery. No other medical specialty has this level of specialized training or board certification in foot and ankle surgery.