When you’re choosing a foot and ankle surgeon, credentials matter. That’s why we’re proud to share some exciting news: Dr. Baxter has officially achieved board certification in Rear-Foot and Fore-Foot Surgery through the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS).

This is a significant professional milestone, and it’s one that directly benefits every patient who walks through our doors at Preferred Foot & Ankle.

What Is ABFAS Board Certification in Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Not all board certifications in podiatry are the same. ABFAS offers certification at different levels, and Rear-Foot and Fore-Foot Surgery represents the highest surgical qualification a foot and ankle surgeon can earn. It signals that Dr. Baxter has demonstrated advanced surgical competency across the full scope of foot and ankle conditions, from bunions and hammertoes to complex reconstructive procedures involving the heel, ankle, and rear-foot structures.

To earn this certification, a surgeon must go through a rigorous process that includes:

• Case review: Submitting a portfolio of real surgical cases for evaluation by board examiners
• Written and oral examinations: Testing both clinical knowledge and real-world decision-making
• Verified surgical outcomes: Demonstrating consistent, safe, and effective results over time

This isn’t a certification handed out based on years in practice alone. It requires proof of skill, judgment, and results.

Why Board Certification Matters When Choosing a Foot and Ankle Surgeon

When you’re dealing with foot or ankle pain, an injury, or considering surgery, you want to know your provider has been vetted at the highest level. Board certification in Rear-Foot and Fore-Foot Surgery means:

You’re getting a surgeon qualified for complex cases. Whether your needs are straightforward or involve more advanced reconstructive work, Dr. Baxter has demonstrated the training and skill to handle it.

Your care meets a national standard. ABFAS certification isn’t a regional or in-house credential. It’s a nationally recognized benchmark that holds surgeons accountable to consistent, evidence-based practices.

You can trust the outcomes. This certification process specifically evaluates real surgical results, not just textbook knowledge. That means the surgeon caring for you has a track record of getting patients back on their feet, literally.

A Well-Rounded Credential: ABFAS Certification and FACFAS Fellowship

In addition to this new certification, Dr. Baxter is also a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS), a distinction that reflects ongoing leadership and commitment within the profession. Together, these credentials place Dr. Baxter among a select group of foot and ankle surgeons trained and recognized at the highest levels of the field.

What This Means for Preferred Foot & Ankle Patients in Gilbert and Chandler

At Preferred Foot & Ankle, we serve adult patients across Gilbert and Chandler, Arizona, with the full range of foot and ankle needs, from routine care to advanced surgical intervention. Dr. Baxter’s achievement reinforces what our patients already know: that when they come to us, they’re getting care backed by real expertise and real accountability.

Whether you’re dealing with persistent heel pain, considering bunion correction, or navigating a more complex foot or ankle condition, you can feel confident knowing your care is guided by a surgeon held to the highest standard in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does board certification in rear-foot and fore-foot surgery mean? It’s the highest level of surgical certification offered by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). It confirms a surgeon has demonstrated advanced, verified competency across the full range of foot and ankle procedures, including complex rear-foot and ankle reconstruction.

Is ABFAS certification different from other podiatry credentials? Yes. ABFAS certification is a national standard that requires case review, written and oral examinations, and verified surgical outcomes. It goes beyond licensure and reflects an ongoing, rigorous evaluation of a surgeon’s actual clinical results.

Does Dr. Baxter treat both routine and complex foot and ankle conditions? Yes. Dr. Baxter treats the full spectrum of adult foot and ankle care, from bunions, hammertoes, and heel pain to more advanced surgical and reconstructive cases.

Where can I see Dr. Baxter for foot or ankle care? Dr. Baxter sees patients at both Preferred Foot & Ankle locations in Gilbert and Chandler, Arizona.

Schedule Your Visit

If you’ve been putting off addressing foot or ankle pain, now is a great time to schedule a visit with Dr. Baxter. Contact Preferred Foot & Ankle at our Gilbert or Chandler location to book your appointment.