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

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

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.