The Patellofemoral Foundation was proud to attend and support the 26th International Sports Medicine Fellows (ISMF) Conference, held this past weekend in Carlsbad, California. Several PFF board members participated in the meeting, including Dr. John Fulkerson, Dr. Laurie Hiemstra, Dr. Vineet Sarin, Michael McBrayer, and Executive Director Eric Dahlinger, demonstrating the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing education and patient care in the field of sports medicine.
A major focus of the conference was a dedicated session on the patellofemoral joint, designed to enhance clinicians’ ability to accurately diagnose and effectively treat related conditions. Dr. Fulkerson, President of the PFF, moderated the session, which featured expert lectures from Drs. Miho Tanaka (Harvard), Laurie Hiemstra (Banff), and Seth Sherman (Stanford). The session concluded with a lively Q&A and a hands-on cadaver workshop the following day, giving attendees the opportunity to apply their learning in a practical setting. Each speaker highlighted the Foundation’s work and promoted the PFF’s 11-module educational program, accessible on our website. Access to the course is available for a small donation or free with ISAKOS membership, supporting the Foundation’s mission to provide high-quality educational resources for clinicians worldwide.
Saturday morning featured Dr. Fulkerson as the conference’s Keynote Speaker. He reflected on his career in sports medicine, shared insights into his clinical focus on the patellofemoral joint, and discussed his preferred graft choice—the quadriceps tendon—for ACL reconstructions. Dr. Fulkerson also acknowledged the many colleagues and mentors who have contributed to his work over the years. His keynote was widely praised by attendees, offering both inspiration and practical guidance for emerging leaders in the field.
The conference was expertly organized under the leadership of Drs. Bert Mandelbaum and Ralph Gambardella, Conference Directors of the ISMF. Drs. Rachel Frank and Seth Sherman served as Program Co-Chairs, while Dr. Wayne Gersoff chaired the hands-on workshop, ensuring a well-rounded, engaging experience for all participants.
The PFF’s participation in the ISMF Conference underscores its dedication to fostering professional growth and improving outcomes for patients with patellofemoral conditions. By bringing together clinicians, researchers, and educators, the Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and care in this specialized area of sports medicine.