Washington Health Policy Fellows

"The punishment of wise men who refuse to take part in the affairs of government is to live under the government of unwise men"

Plato

Welcome to the Washington Health Policy Fellows (WHPF) information center [residents and former residents]. Here you will find a central hub, a roadmap, from which to find out more about AAOS’ efforts on your behalf in Washington, DC and elsewhere. You can also find out how the Academy works. Furthermore, you will find information regarding what other residents have done to become politically involved at the national and local levels.

The AAOS has a strong tradition of being politically active and making its voice heard. In fact, the Political Action Committee of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (Orthopaedic PAC) is currently the second largest medical specialty PAC and growing everyday.

Exciting things are happening in Washington, DC and the nation for orthopaedists in every community. Many of these things are the direct result of orthopaedists getting involved and making their voices heard. Some of your fellow residents have jumped in and participated in these efforts, as well.

There is no better time than NOW, to become involved in shaping the political landscape for the betterment of our patients. We invite you to join us in this effort.

• Meet the Washington Health Policy Fellows
• Apply to be a 2013 Health Policy Fellow

How Can I Get Involved In The Academy?
Find information about residents that have been involved with advocacy issues for patients and the AAOS, information about the Washington Health Policy Fellows program and application. Learn how to get involved in advocacy and the Association.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  Do you understand the anatomy of the Academy? What is the difference between the Academy and the Association? What are the Board of Directors (BOD), Board of Specialty Societies (BOS), Board of Councilors (BOC), Leadership Fellows Program (LFP) and Committee Appointment Program (CAP)? Learn about how the Academy works and how it works for you.
• State Orthopaedic Societies
  Find links to your state orthopaedic society as well as the state medical society.
• Contact state board or society to see if they would like a resident representative
• Attend a state society meeting
• Get involved in a campaign of an elected official that supports patients and physicians
• Participate in ‘State Capitol Days’
• Orthopaedic PAC
  Political Action Committee of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Message to Residents from Stuart L. Weinstein, MD, Chair of the Orthopaedic PAC