At the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Annual Meeting, Duke Orthopaedics’ former chair, Dr. J. Leonard Goldner, was posthumously honored as a 2025 AOFAS Legacy Pillar, a distinction reserved for individuals whose enduring impact has shaped the field of foot and ankle surgery and orthopaedics at large.
Representing Duke Orthopaedic Surgery at the podium, Dr. Mark Easley, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Foot and Ankle Division Chief, and Program Director of Foot and Ankle Fellowships, shared a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Goldner’s legacy, drawing from a rich collection of reflections provided by Drs. Bill R. Richardson, James Urbaniak, James Nunley, and especially Dr. Richard Goldner.
“Dr. Goldner was a self-disciplinarian, a dedicated teacher, a tireless surgeon, a respected leader, and, above all, a humanitarian of the highest order,” Dr. Easley said.
“His enthusiasm was infectious, and he stimulated his trainees and faculty to higher accomplishments than they ever thought possible.”
Dr. Easley also delighted the audience with several memorable “Goldnerisms,” showcasing Dr. Goldner’s wit and wisdom:
- On patient communication: “The caregiver (you) should remember that the patient is sick, not you.”
- On subtle clinical findings: “It’s imperceptible, but I can feel it.”
- On accessibility: “I never had an important phone call in my life; I can (always) be found if needed.”
Dr. Goldner’s visionary leadership helped shape the AOFAS into the influential society it is today. Decades ago, he advocated for coordinated education between AOFAS and AAOS, a sentiment echoed by AAOS President Dr. Ned Amendola in this year’s meeting. Dr. Goldner also foresaw the importance of a dedicated journal for the specialty, leading to the creation of Foot & Ankle International, now helmed by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Charlie Saltzman, who will serve as Duke Orthopaedics’ invited Goldner Lecturer in 2026.
Throughout his career, Dr. Goldner held numerous prestigious roles, including:
- President of AOFAS, American Society of the Hand, AOA, SOA, and NCOA
- Chair of the Duke Orthopaedic Surgery Department
- Recipient of the AOA Distinguished Clinician Educator Award
- Honored with the Distinguished Civilian Service Award by the U.S. Secretary of the Army
Yet, as Dr. Easley emphasized, “It was not so important that he was president of many organizations, but rather that he never campaigned for any of those honors.” His humility and unwavering commitment to improving lives remain the cornerstone of his legacy.
Dr. Goldner’s influence continues to resonate throughout Duke Orthopaedics and the broader orthopaedic community. His recognition as an AOFAS Legacy Pillar is a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to service, education, and excellence.
