Meet the 2025 Pillars of the AOFAS – Dr. Ronald W. Smith & Dr. E. Greer Richardson

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Meet the 2025 Pillars of the AOFAS – Dr. Ronald W. Smith & Dr. E. Greer Richardson"

Podcast: The AOFAS Orthopod-Cast
Host: AOFAS Podcast Committee
Date: October 1, 2025

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Episode Overview

This special episode celebrates the 2025 AOFAS Pillar honorees, Dr. Ronald W. Smith and Dr. E. Greer Richardson. These interviews capture their reflections on decades of leadership and service in foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery, exploring the evolution of the AOFAS Society, current challenges and opportunities in the field, and the personal relationships and values that have shaped their careers.

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1. Honoring Dr. Ronald W. Smith

The Evolution of AOFAS

[00:51 – 01:58]

• Dr. Smith traces the Society’s transformation, recalling its change from AOFAS (“foot”) to “foot and ankle” in 1983 to more accurately reflect its members’ scope.
• He credits Dr. Pierce Scranton for expanding the Society’s collaborations with industry, leading to greater technological advancements, improved implants, heightened revenue, and more robust educational programming.
• Quote:
  “When he started relationships with industry and really introduced foot and ankle to industry and industry to foot and ankle, it just changed things in terms of our advancements in techniques, implants and revenue.” — Dr. Ronald W. Smith, [01:22]

Priorities for the Future

[01:58 – 03:36]

• Two main priorities:
  1. Recruitment of Orthopedic Surgeons: Emphasis on attracting more young talent into the foot and ankle field, highlighting the importance of resident programs and scholarships.
  2. Clinical Research: Advocates for prospective research with long-term patient follow-up, acknowledging the challenges in time and cost but emphasizing its value for advancing diagnostic and treatment standards.
• Quote:
  “It’s clinical research that really helps us improve our diagnostic accuracy and our treatment outcomes… I’d like to see the day where we really have more patients coming back for examinations at one year and where appropriate, five years.” — Dr. Ronald W. Smith, [02:23]

Personal Stories and Mentorship

[03:36 – 04:44]

• Former fellow Tom Harris shares a humorous and humanizing anecdote about his first day, learning under Dr. Smith and the unexpected challenge of balancing work with his love for surfing.
• Praises Dr. Smith’s dedication not just as an educator, but as a friend and life influence, and recognizes his sporting talents and character.
• Quote:
  “He is a great tennis player. He’s been a great friend all these years. He’s really changed my life for the better. …I’m so excited for him and so happy for him. It couldn’t be a more deserving pillar than getting this.” — Tom Harris, [04:16]

Legacy and Gratitude

[04:44 – 06:19]

• Discussion centers on intergenerational mentorship, with Dr. Smith expressing joy in seeing former students like Tom Harris take on leadership roles and surpass their mentors.
• Appreciation is expressed for Dr. Smith’s contributions both financially and pedagogically, helping shape the Society’s foundation and legacy.
• Quote:
  “It is through Tom Harris that what we have at Harbor is going to continue. …You like to see your kids grow up and then go surpass what you’ve done.” — Dr. Ronald W. Smith, [04:53]

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2. Honoring Dr. E. Greer Richardson

Reflections on a Lifetime in Orthopaedics

[06:27 – 08:03]

• Dr. Richardson reflects on the changes in the field—the camaraderie, the challenges, and the sense of community.
• Recalls an era before foot and ankle was a true subspecialty, noting how he developed his expertise by visiting renowned centers and learning from colleagues.
• Quote:
  “All of us, well, you know, doctors and particularly orthopedists, were pretty opinionated, but we got along just fine, and we would just look forward to the next time we could get together.” — Dr. E. Greer Richardson, [07:25]

The Early Days and Expanding Knowledge

[08:03 – 09:54]

• Describes the original lack of formal training in foot and ankle, and how the learning curve involved self-education, peer mentorship, and immersive experience.
• Memorable story: Dr. Richardson writing over 300 pages for Campbell’s Operative Orthopedics, to the chagrin of his son whose bedroom doubled as his father’s midnight workspace.
• Quote:
  “After 348 pages, I said wait a minute, this is a lot. One time my son here, he stuck his head in the attic. He said, Dad, when are you going to stop working on this story?” — Dr. E. Greer Richardson, [09:32]

Lessons in Patient Care and Relationships

[10:14 – 11:34]

• Dr. Richardson’s son, David, speaks to the lasting lessons from his father: the primacy of patient care, the importance of developing relationships before operating, and the foundational place of community and collegiality.
• Quote:
  “It’s always put the patient first… Always try to get a relationship first before you sign them up for surgery. …This is what’s going to make this profession fulfilling.” — Dr. David Richardson, [10:33]

The Necklace and the Fellowship Community

[11:35 – 12:09]

• A segment of lighthearted discussion about Dr. Richardson’s unique necklace — a gift from a former fellow from Hawaii.
• Highlights the deep, lasting relationships formed through training and mentorship.
• Quote:
  “These fellows that come and go and they stick in your heart and your mind, you know…most of them want to listen and learn. And so that’s about the most I’ve got to say.” — Dr. E. Greer Richardson, [12:09]

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3. Closing Thoughts

• Both awardees express their deep gratitude for the honor and the friendships built through the Society.
• The hosts sum up the ceremony as a celebration of mentoring, generational progress in the profession, and the foundational values of service and community.
• Quote:
  “What I’ve heard… is just how much it means to serve other people. Right. That’s what it really all comes down to.” — Host, [05:49]

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Notable Quotes by Segment

• Dr. Ronald W. Smith, on evolution and research:
  “It’s clinical research that really helps us improve our diagnostic accuracy and our treatment outcomes.” [02:23]

• Tom Harris, on mentorship:
  “He’s really changed my life for the better.” [04:16]

• Dr. E. Greer Richardson, on career fulfillment:
  “I got more out of it than I gave.” [07:56]

• Dr. David Richardson, on lasting lessons:
  “It’s always put the patient first.” [10:33]

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Key Timestamps

• [00:51] – Dr. Smith discusses society changes and growth
• [01:58] – Dr. Smith’s vision for recruitment and research
• [03:47] – Tom Harris’ anecdote about mentorship
• [04:44] – Passing the torch to the next generation
• [06:27] – Dr. Richardson honored
• [08:03] – Recollections on entering the fledgling field
• [09:32] – 300+ pages for Campbell’s and family impact
• [10:33] – David Richardson’s reflections on patient care and mentorship
• [11:39] – Story behind the necklace and the fellowship family

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Tone

The episode is warm, reflective, and uplifting—celebrating not only surgical innovation and professional accomplishment but above all, mentorship, community, and the enduring relationships that define a career in medicine.

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Transcript

[A]

Welcome to AOFAS Ortho Podcast, where leaders in foot and ankle orthopedic surgery discuss the issues that affect you and your practice. Please note that the views expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of the AOFAS or its members.

[B]

2025 AOFAS pillar Ron Smith.

[C]

We're just finishing up here. We just finished our AOFAS Pillars Awards and Ron Smith was the awardee for today and Tom Harris was the one who presented to him. And we were just trying to get some feelings of what this society has meant for you. And you know how it has changed over the years, perhaps.

[D]

Well, then it certainly has changed in terms of the AOFAs. And in fact, when I was involved early on, it was AOFs, not AOFAs now. And because in 1983 we incorporated the title of ankle, we didn't want to just be foot because we did a lot of ankle. And so the evolution of the Society really changed dramatically with Pierce Scranton. And you heard some of the things commented about Pierce, but we really were a small shop, relatively, because we didn't have the revenue. And when he started relationships with industry and really introduced foot and ankle to industry and industry to foot and ankle, it just changed things in terms of our advancements in techniques, implants and revenue. And so we have so many more programs than we were able to provide to our membership before that change.

[B]

Where's an area that you think the Society can grow the most based on how you've seen it grow? Where would you like to see it grow in the future?

[D]

Not with major changes, but to me, the two priorities from my standpoint, our recruitment of orthopedists to the field of foot and ankle. We need more, more young people like Tom Harris, who was a fellow years ago. And so I think recruitment and the Foot Society is doing a terrific job with their programs, their resident programs and scholarships. We still need to do more in terms of that recruitment. And the second priority from my standpoint, is clinical research. It's clinical research that really helps us improve our diagnostic accuracy and our treatment outcomes. And unfortunately, clinical research, when you really, you know, I'd like to see the day where we really have more patients coming back for examinations at one year and where appropriate, five years. You know, we have a lot of good research with chart reviews, but we all know you don't think of all the things you want answered one year, two years down the line without really seeing those patients. So that's a time cost, that's a dollar cost to really do clinical research. Where you see patients back, so that's a priority. I think that would be beneficial.

[C]

And, Tom, if you could just share something about Dr. Smith that maybe the rest of the society wouldn't know, maybe something that only a fellow might know. What's a fun fact about Dr. Smith?

[E]

So many things I'll never forget my.

[F]

First day in clinic.

[E]

You probably don't know this, Rowan, but we first day in fellowship, I'd spent all my time on the east coast, and I was really excited to come back to the west coast to go surfing, be back near home. And we had a normal clinic day. I thought we'd be done by about four or five, and there was really good south swell going. So I was like, okay, we'll probably be done here around six. And Ron, at the very beginning of the fellowship was part of the fellowship was him doing a physical exam on me. And I was like, oh, gosh, you know, I could just see the sun setting a little bit as I was doing the physical exam on myself. And I'm like, you know what? This is going to be a great year, but I don't think I'm going to be doing that much surfing. So he is a great tennis player. He's been a great friend all these years. He's really changed my life for the better. And him and Wendy have just been so important to me, and it's just really, I'm so excited for him and so happy for him. It couldn't be a more deserving pillar than getting this. So thank you, Tom.

[D]

Thank you for those comments, but you've added so much not only to the enjoyment and professional stimulation, but it is through Tom Harris that what we have at harbor is going to continue. He's the director of our program now. And, you know, you're just really. You like to see your kids grow up and then go surpass what you've done.

[E]

No, I don't think I'll be able to do that, but that's very nice.

[D]

Tom certainly has done that.

[C]

And just from the foundation perspective, too, thank you for everything you've donated to our society. And, you know, it really is an honor to get to. To share this event with you. So thank you very much for your time.

[D]

Well, thank you, Joe and Dr. Park, for all you've done to make this really a very meaningful ceremony for not just me, but the way it was handled for all of our pillars, our legacy pillar, that was just a terrific category and enhancing our recognition of our legends. And of course, we can't forget our founders of course.

[B]

Yeah. I think what I've heard, not only from folks talking about you, but about our other pillars, is just how much it means to serve other people. Right. That's what it really all comes down to. We obviously serve our patients. You've had opportunities serve the society, you've served fellows, you serve residents as an educator, and then how much joy you get out of watching those people go serve others. So that's my real takeaway from this. So I appreciate your service to your patients, to the education of this society, to the foundation financially, and to help make this what it is. So we really appreciate your service, all those different areas. So thank you very much.

[D]

Yeah. A pleasure and a privilege.

[C]

Thank you.

[D]

Great.

[C]

Thanks, Ron.

[B]

2025. AOFAS pillar, Greer Richardson.

[C]

Today we have a true legend of orthopedic foot and ankle surgery. Greer Richardson. And today you were just honored as a pillar. I think I told your son David this, but you gave a talk at NYU when I was a resident, and you spoke about every complication that you'd seen from Bunion Correction. And I found that to be one of the most interesting talks I've ever listened to. And now, in retrospect, 15 years into my practice, I share many of those frustrations with you as well. But, you know, I just really want to thank you for everything you've done for our society and for our field in general. And I think, obviously, it's a huge honor to have your son here at our society as such an important member and to accept this award with you. So I really thank you for taking the time to kind of.

[G]

You're welcome.

[D]

Pete?

[F]

Yeah. I know this. This society has meant so much to you.

[G]

Oh, so much. I had friends after friends, and then they get old like I am, and some of them aren't around, and some of them are. And it was a wonderful group. All of us, well, you know, doctors and particularly orthopedists, were pretty opinionated, but we got along just fine, and we would just look forward to the next time we could get together. Now, sometimes my wife Carol, was still sort of rearing the children, so I went by myself a fair amount. But I really. I enjoyed it all, and I got more out of it than I gave.

[F]

And I remember when you were first coming along then Maeves just. It really wasn't a foot and ankle subspecialty. So they would just say, take some time or something.

[G]

Oh, they said, take a weekend out and learn it. That's what they would. And. And it wasn't that easy. But I visited so many Dr. Ginestrus and Dr. Man and well, the male clinic, Mayo Clinic.

[F]

Did you visit Ken Johnson too?

[G]

Ken, yeah, and I visited Ken and at the Mayo Clin and also when they opened their New Mexico or Arizona office, I went there to see him. Jude, of course, a penis. You know that most of us are arrogant and what get away, you know, but it's, it was a complicated part of our body and you have to walk on them. I had a wonderful period where things opened up to me as, as I went along in terms of understanding the foot, the forefoot, the mid foot. Oh boy, arthritis, the mid foot's tough and collapsed arches. And all of a sudden I was caught up in the whirlwind and I just wanted to know more and more. So I finally started writing on it in Campbell's operative Orthopedics. After 348 pages, I said wait a minute, this is a lot. One time my son here, he stuck his head in the attic. He said, dad, when are you going to stop working on this story?

[F]

That's right, because your office was through my bedroom.

[G]

Yes, I had to go through his.

[F]

Story, my bedroom at about 4 in the morning every morning for 18 months it seemed like. So finally I was like, when is this story gonna get told? I'm ready for you not to walk through my room at 4am.

[B]

So after seeing your dad and obviously growing up, I'm sure being a mentor as well as I father figured you, what is the biggest lesson you learned from him and what inspired you to nominate him for this award?

[F]

Well, that's gonna be hard to narrow down. The biggest lesson I learned, I learned so many lessons inside of orthopedics, it's always put the patient first. Patient is what's most important. Get to know them. Try not to ever operate on someone the first time you meet them unless it's a trauma that just needs to go. But always try to get a relationship first before you sign them up for surgery. Get to know them. Take your time to know them. So patient care and that a lot of what we do inside of this field is about relationships, certainly with the patients, but also with colleagues, those that are formed at this society, at AOFAs and in other groups. And so this is what's going to make this profession fulfilling. My dad always felt and taught me was the relationships that are formed, that's what's going to, that's what's going to sustain you for the long decade after decade are forming those relationships that mean so much. And they certainly did to my dad.

[C]

That's awesome.

[B]

I do have a question about the necklace that you're wearing. I don't know if you want to share it. It's a very unique necklace.

[C]

It looks like corn and.

[B]

Corn and beads.

[F]

Chicago.

[G]

One of our fellows was. Lived in Hawaii does now. And yeah, then she came and she got to be part of our family. I mean, that's. She was on the staff of the camel clinic. We asked her to stay when. But finally she wanted to go back home. One of her parents had passed away and she wanted to be there.

[D]

And.

[G]

But these fellows that come and go and they stick in your heart and your mind, you know, and they. You'll get some that are full of themselves, but most of them, most of them want to listen and learn. And so that's about the most, I've got to say.

[C]

Well, thank you very much for spending the time with us. And, you know, it's obviously a huge honor. Gary Richardson and his son David. I'm sure you can't be more proud of your son.

[G]

Oh, no.

[C]

But he's also a wonderful person, which you know that as well.

[B]

So congratulations on an award well earned.

[G]

Thank you all.

[F]

I appreciate y' all doing this.

[A]

Thank you for listening to the AOFAS Ortho podcast, a Convey Med production. To learn more about joining our dynamic community of highly skilled orthopedic specialists, visit aofas.org.