Sheldon S. Lin, MD, Installed as AOFAS® President

Newark Orthopaedic Surgeon to Serve Leading Foot and Ankle Society

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, Sheldon S. Lin, MD, was named president of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), the leading organization for the surgical and nonoperative treatment of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. In addition to leading the Society as president, Dr. Lin will serve on the Board of Directors of the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AOFAS.

As president of the 2,500-member society, Dr. Lin will focus on building interest in the profession of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery with residents and medical students.

"We must continue to develop programs that engage orthopaedic residents and medical students early in their careers," he said. "By providing research support, mentorship, and grant-writing guidance during these formative years, we can build the momentum needed to encourage more trainees to pursue foot and ankle fellowships and become active, committed members of the AOFAS."

The specialized education and training for a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon consist of four years of medical school, five years of postgraduate residency, and a fellowship year of specialized surgical training.

In addition to his focus on the next generation of surgeons, Dr. Lin plans to enhance partnerships between AOFAS and peer organizations such as the European Foot & Ankle Society (EFAS) to strengthen the global exchange of knowledge. Another goal is to create pathways for AOFAS members to engage in high-level research through grant opportunities and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Dr. Lin is currently a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon at Rutgers North Jersey Orthopaedic Institute and an associate professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, as well as an attending physician at University Hospital in Newark and Overlook Medical Center.

Dr. Lin earned his medical degree and completed his residency at the Jefferson Medical College, now the Sidney Kimmel Medical College, of Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his foot and ankle fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Dr. Lin credits his success to his many colleagues and mentors over the years, including Jeffrey E. Johnson, MD; Charles L. Saltzman, MD; Keith L. Wapner, MD; Michael J. Coughlin, MD; Judith F. Baumhauer, MD, MS, MPH; and Thomas H. Lee, MD. 

For almost two decades, Dr. Lin has been a strong supporter of the AOFAS mission.

Prior to being elected President, Dr. Lin served as President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, and Member-at-Large on the AOFAS Board of Directors; and President of the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation Board of Directors. He also served as program chair of the Annual Meeting in 2018, mentor for the Resident Scholar Program, and reviewer for AOFAS abstracts and content/disclosures. Dr. Lin also dedicates his time to several other orthopaedic organizations and journals.

"The future of AOFAS lies in its members—especially in the future of the next generation of surgeons and researchers," he said. "Together, we will discover new pathways, concepts, and techniques that will elevate our specialty and improve patient care worldwide," Dr. Lin said.

About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training consist of four years of medical school, five years of postgraduate residency, and a fellowship year of specialized surgical training. These specialists care for patients of all ages, performing reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treating sports injuries, and managing foot and ankle trauma.

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.

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

SOURCE American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society