The field of Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery has flourished in the United States. Over the past 40 years, the academic community in foot and ankle has increased dramatically. During this time, surgical techniques, implants, hardware, and decision-making have all been refined. However, the growth of orthopaedic foot and ankle care has been much slower in other parts of the world.

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In many countries globally, the surgical techniques for foot and ankle surgery remain outdated, with much of the work being done by general orthopaedic surgeons. While these surgeons are skilled in arthroscopic and adult reconstructive surgeries, the scope of foot and ankle care has been limited to trauma and external fixation. Reconstructive surgeries and tendon pathologies have been largely overlooked.

The Foundation for Medical Education and Research (FMER) is a U.S.-based non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness and education of foot and ankle pathologies, decision analysis, and surgical techniques globally. Typically, this is achieved through live foot and ankle camps, surgeries, and conferences. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to reconsider how we were accomplishing these goals. While the pandemic significantly limited in-person training and charitable surgeries, it also presented an opportunity to provide innovative educational opportunities through technology.

Over the past four years, we have successfully conducted 24-hour Virtual Foot and Ankle Global Town Halls, which have garnered over 7,000 attendees, over 18,000 views on YouTube, and significant engagement with more than 400 faculty members. This year, we aim to improve on those statistics and expand our global reach.

This year’s virtual meeting will focus on "Complications in Foot & Ankle Surgery." The meeting will begin at 8:00 p.m. EST on April 17, 2026 and moving through the 24 time zones of the world. Each session will take place at 8:00 p.m. in each respective time zone, bringing together experts from both the U.S. and international foot and ankle faculty, as well as sharing experiences from global surgeons.

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The course will be case-based, with over 100 faculty members participating, and aims to foster education, collaboration, and camaraderie among practicing orthopaedic surgeons globally. We expect around 3,500 attendees throughout this 24-hour event.