Remembering Dr. Samuel Mendicino

In Memory of Samuel S. Mendicino, DPM, D.ABFAS

By Past President Alan Ng, DPM, D.ABFAS

ABFAS mourns the loss of Past President Samuel S. Mendicino, DPM, D.ABFAS, who passed away July 24, 2022. Sam served the community D.ABFAS, who passed away July 24, 2022. Sam served the community and the profession throughout his career. He has been a mentor, a leader, a teacher, a colleague, and most importantly, a friend to countless individuals in our profession. ABFAS applauds Dr. Mendicino for his years of dedication and service to the podiatric profession. His impact and infl uence will always be present. Dr. Samuel S. Mendicino was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he received a BS in Biological Sciences. He received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 1983 from the Dr. William Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, where he served as the student body vice president. He completed a residency in foot and ankle surgery at the Harris County Podiatric Surgical Residency and was the chief resident during his last year.

Sam became a member of the Podiatry Hospital of Pittsburg surgical residency training committee, where he worked and practiced from 1985 until 1992. In 1993, Sam established himself in private practice in Houston, and then served as Residency Director of the Harris County Podiatric Surgical Residency Program and Fellowship Program/HCA Houston Healthcare West from 1995-2020. In 1996, he founded the Greater Texas Education Foundation.

Sam offered multiple CME courses that were known for their “no nonsense” and realistic approach, eventually training hundreds of residents and fellows. His infl uence and guidance have helped establish the roadmap to advancing the podiatric profession, a charge with which we are all now tasked to continue his vision and direction.

In 2019, Podiatry Management inducted Dr. Mendicino into the Podiatric Hall of Fame and bestowed on him a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Signifi cant milestones for ABFAS include serving as President, member of the Board of Directors, overall Chair of Examinations (the “Chair Chair”), member of the Exam Oversight Committee, and Chair of the Examinations Committee. He also held numerous roles for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the Texas Podiatric Medical Association.

We will all miss Sam’s selfl ess nature and passion for education. We can only hope to strive to continue his vision of advancing the art and science of foot and ankle surgery.

Dr. Mendicino is survived by his children, Hannah Mendicino and Sammy Mendicino; his brothers Robert “Bobby” Mendicino, DPM, D.ABFAS, and Johnny Mendicino; and his parents Sam and Margaret.