James A. Nunley II, MD, MS, the Goldner Jones Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, has been honored as a Pillar of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) for his exceptional contributions to foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery. This recognition, awarded during the AOFAS annual meeting in Vancouver, celebrates his leadership and dedication to educating future surgeons.
Dr. Nunley is an accomplished clinician, educator, and researcher with a distinguished career spanning 50 years at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Initially trained as a hand and microvascular surgeon, he transitioned to foot and ankle surgery, where his diverse background in total joint surgery and trauma has enriched his practice. In 1990, he revitalized Duke’s foot and ankle fellowship program, training over 50 fellows, and served as chairman of the orthopaedic department from 2002 to 2012. Dr. Nunley also held the position of AOFAS president from 1997 to 1998, further solidifying his impact on the profession.