Ruth Thomas, M.D. Honored by AOFAS

Ruth Thomas, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), has received the inaugural Women’s Leadership Award from the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).

Dr. Thomas earned her medical degree and was a Barton Scholar at UAMS. She completed her fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics in Memphis and was director of foot and ankle surgery in the UAMS College of Medicine until her retirement in July 2018.

“In my opinion, Ruth was such an obvious choice to be the first recipient of this award,” said A. Holly Johnson, M.D., American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Board of Directors member-at-large. “As one of the first female trailblazers in orthopedics and as a true humanitarian, Ruth embodies exactly what the Women’s Leadership Award is meant to honor.”

Dr. Thomas has led an event, Hearts2Soles, for homeless people in the Little Rock area since 2008. Hearts2Soles provides free medical foot care, shoes and socks to the homeless, working poor and disabled in central Arkansas.

She continues to direct the Perry Initiative’s Arkansas programs for high school and medical students, an organization that provides hands-on outreach programs for young women to encourage them to enter careers in orthopedics and engineering.

“Dr. Thomas has been crucial to the growth of our department, as well as the training of our medical students and residents at UAMS for many years,” said C. Lowry Barnes, M.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “We are so proud to see her hard work and dedication recognized by a premier orthopaedic society.”

Asked what this award means to her, Dr. Thomas told OTW, “This award validates for me my many years of behind-the-scenes contributions within my society. It didn’t go unnoticed, and I appreciate the recognition. There are many pathways of leadership within orthopedics. You don’t have to be a podium star to contribute in a meaningful way. It is important to find what you love, and do it well. For me it meant serving on multiple committees, as chair on a few and working member on many, spearheading humanitarian efforts through medical missions around the world, and acting as liaison between my society, the AOFAS and the AAOS (American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons). I am very proud of this award, but I recognize fully that there are many other deserving women within orthopedics and I am pleased that we are making our footprint as leaders within orthopedics.”

As for how she defines leadership, Dr. Thomas commented to OTW, “Leadership for me means a collection of attributes including integrity and thoughtful behavior, a willingness to go beyond the minimal requirements to get things done, and guidance through wise actions.”