Our mission is to promote and support advance educational opportunities for foot and ankle surgeons while fostering community health and wellbeing.
Our Origin Story
The story of the NOVA Foot and Ankle Educational Foundation begins with a simple childhood dream—to become a doctor and help people. That dream grew stronger when, as a teenager, I worked in a shoe store. Day after day, I met people who struggled with foot and ankle pain. I saw how much it limited their lives, from the way they walked to the activities they loved. Those encounters touched me deeply and sparked my lifelong passion for podiatry and foot and ankle surgery. I realized that keeping people on their feet means keeping them moving, healthy, and connected to the world around them.
Over the years, I discovered that my calling was not only to care for patients, but also to share knowledge and inspire others. Teaching and mentoring young doctors became just as important to me as healing patients. Education is the key that allows us to do more, to reach farther, and to give better care.
That’s why I founded the NOVA Foot and Ankle Educational Foundation. Our mission is twofold:
To guide and support residents and fellows as they grow into confident, skilled foot and ankle surgeons.
To educate the public about the importance of foot health, so people can take steps—literally and figuratively—toward healthier lives.
This foundation is built on a simple belief: when we invest in education and awareness, we help people stay on their feet, moving forward with less pain and more freedom. Through this vision, I hope we can continue to touch lives, one step at a time.
- Dr. Roland S. Ramdass, DPM, FACFAS
Meet the President of the Foundation
Dr. Roland S. Ramdass is a practicing podiatrist at the Foot and Ankle Center where he is part of a three-doctor group with multiple locations in Northern Virginia and West Virginia. He is on the Board of Directors for ABFAS and past President of NBPME, VPMA and ACFAS Mid-Atlantic Region. He nourishes his passion and purpose of educating and promoting his profession by lecturing and volunteering to educate his peers, residents and students.
Purpose-driven Pillars
Educational Programs Development.
To develop and deliver advanced educational programs, workshops, and seminars for foot and ankle surgeons and fellows to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Scholarships and Grants.
To provide scholarships, grants, and financial support to foot and ankle surgeons and fellows seeking to pursue advanced educational opportunities and continuing medical education.
Research and Innovation.
To support and promote research initiatives and innovative practices in the field of foot and ankle surgery, facilitating the dissemination of new knowledge and techniques.
Professional Development.
To offer resources and opportunities for professional development, including mentoring programs, networking events, and access to educational materials and publications.
Collaborative Partnerships.
To establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with academic institutions, medical organizations, and industry leaders to enhance educational opportunities and resources for foot and ankle surgeons and fellows.
Community Outreach.
To engage in community outreach initiatives that promote foot and ankle health and provide educational resources to both medical professionals and the general public.
Public Awareness.
To increase public awareness and understanding of foot and ankle health issues and the importance of advanced education for medical professionals in this field.