Why Choosing a Surgeon Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Matters
Featuring Dr. Kelsie Effrein, DPM, MSA, FACFAS
When you need foot or ankle surgery, it is natural to look for a provider you can trust. A key way to know you’re in skilled hands is to choose a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). This certification is the highest standard for surgical training and competence in the podiatric profession. At On The Move Podiatry, Dr. Kelsie Effrein carries this distinction.
What ABFAS Certification Means
ABFAS certification is not automatic. It is earned after years of advanced surgical training, successful completion of rigorous written and oral exams, and repeated proof of high-quality surgical outcomes. It confirms that a surgeon meets strict national standards in:
Foot and ankle trauma
Reconstructive procedures
Sports injury management
Chronic foot and ankle conditions
Complex surgical decision-making
ABFAS board certification shows that a surgeon has demonstrated both knowledge and real-world surgical skill. It is a mark of excellence—not just participation in a residency or passing a basic exam.
Dr. Effrein’s Orthopedic-Based Surgical Training
What sets Dr. Kelsie Effrein apart is the depth and scope of her residency training. She completed an orthopedic-driven surgical program at Detroit Medical Center, a Level 1 and Level 2 trauma center. This environment exposed her to the full spectrum of complex injuries.
Each year of residency, she spent three dedicated months directly with orthopedic surgeons, taking call and managing clinic for injuries involving the entire body, not just the foot and ankle. This type of training is rare and mirrors the hands-on experience of her orthopedic colleagues.
Dr. Effrein chose the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine path to specialize in the lower extremity, but her surgical background is built on:
Orthopedic trauma care
Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery
High-volume emergency and operative experience
Collaborative training with orthopedic residents and attendings
This unique mix gives her a broad, systems-level understanding of the body with a refined focus on the foot and ankle.
Why Her ABFAS Certification Matters for Patients
Because of her ABFAS board certification and her orthopedic-level training, patients benefit from:
1. Advanced Surgical Skill
Her certification confirms she has met national benchmarks for safe, effective surgical care.
2. Trauma and Reconstruction Expertise
Her experience in a Level 1 trauma center means she is equipped to handle complex fractures, deformities, and revision surgeries.
3. Focused Lower-Extremity Care
While she trained across the body, her practice is dedicated to the foot and ankle. You get a specialist who knows the area inside and out.
4. Evidence-Based Treatment Plans
Certification requires ongoing education and exam cycles, ensuring she stays current with modern surgical techniques.
5. Clarity for Patients Seeking a “Foot and Ankle Surgeon”
Although her degree is Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, her board certification and training classify her as a surgical podiatrist with specialized expertise in foot and ankle reconstruction.
This is why we encourage you not to be misled by the name alone. Dr. Effrein’s qualifications align with the expectations patients have when seeking a highly trained foot and ankle surgeon.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a surgeon with ABFAS certification means choosing someone who has proven their ability to deliver safe, high-quality foot and ankle surgical care. With orthopedic-based residency training and extensive trauma experience, Dr. Kelsie Effrein provides the level of expertise patients deserve when facing a surgical decision.
If you are dealing with chronic pain, traumatic injury, or a condition that may require surgery, Dr. Effrein is ready to provide clear guidance and exceptional care—grounded in training, certification, and experience you can trust.