Residents' Newsletter Contents

Vol. 10 No. 6 - June 2012
Editors: MaCalus Hogan, MD & Clifford Evans, MD

This Issue

Hot Topics:

• Do You Know This About the AAOS?
• Specialty in the Spotlight: American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS)
• HOT TOPIC: Looking for a new practice opportunity?
• HOT TOPIC: Get the Business Know-How to Start Your Own or Join a Practice
• HOT TOPIC: A Great Final Review Before the Part I Examination
• HOT TOPIC: MSTS/AAOS Residents Musculoskeletal Oncology Review
• HOT TOPIC: ORS opens 2013 abstract submissions
• HOT TOPIC: Attend the 15th Annual OREF/ORS Resident Research Symposia

News For Residents:

• AAOS Now, Now on Twitter!
• Fundamentals of Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy – Strictly for Orthopaedic Residents!
• Surgical Techniques for Managing Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma – Discounted registration fee for Orthopaedic Residents!
• OTA Fall 2012 Residents Comprehensive Fracture Course
• OTA Residents Advanced Trauma Techniques Course
• AOFAS prepares residents for OITE
• Submit Your Research for the Kappa Delta and OREF Clinical Research Awards!

Features:

1. Practice Tips: Pearls and Pitfalls in Medical Liability Lawsuits
2. Internet Resources: June Issue of OKO
   
3. Calendar

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This Issue: Hot Topics / News for Residents

DO YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT THE AAOS?
Resident Member Position Now Available
The AAOS is seeking to nominate one (1) resident member to the ACGME Review Committee for Orthopaedic Surgery. The Review Committee handles the accreditation activities for a specialty or sponsoring institution, and functions according to ACGME policies and procedures. Each Review Committee is comprised of seven to 20 volunteers and meets two to four times per year for a period of one to three days. The ACGME delegates accreditation authority to a Review Committee for up to five years, which is renewable upon review by the ACGME. The resident member’s term is for a minimum of two years; reappointment is permitted (with a maximum tenure of six years). The deadline for applying is June 11th. For more information, and to apply to this and other resident positions, please go to www.aaos.org/cap.

On Finding an Orthopaedic Surgery Job after Residency

by Chealon D. Miller, MD
Sports Medicine Fellow
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

The process of finding a job is an exciting time in one’s career, but careful considerations have to be made.  Gaining the trust of those you work with is an important initial step in finding a position and begins at the commencement of residency.  While one must also be vigilant toward gaining the proper skills to become a successful surgeon, there must also be continuous communication with family and colleagues so that information regarding the specifications of an ideal position can be obtained.  All of this should be in the setting of timely, but informed, decision making so that a hasty decision does not lead to an unfavorable employment or partnership.

The first step in finding a job is to be a successful resident: able, affable, and available.  This statement does not involve just learning how to operate, but learning how to communicate with nurses, unit coordinators, technicians, and other members of the healthcare delivery team.  One should also “be around” and in the company of the specialty and discipline, as this presents opportunities to be involved in interesting cases and increase your abilities.  Furthermore, this approach may lend itself to be fruitful for one’s search, as often information about jobs may come to light.  As faculty recognize your abilities, they may approach you at later dates about becoming faculty at your home institution, which proves your percieved worth to other prospective employers.  This will not happen if you rush to get home each day or hesitate to attend special events sponsored by the department.

The second step is to choose a location that is suitable for you and your family.  Once this location is identified, research practices that could suit what you are looking for, whether they are academic, private or hospital employment opportunities.  If you have a companion, speak with them about these locations so that you are both on the same page before proceeding.  One can begin to email groups or programs and find times to set up preliminary meetings, such as the AAOS and/or regional and specialty society meetings.  Consider places of birth, childhood, matriculation for undergraduate studies, or medical school, as such familiarity may be helpful with your efforts toward developing a successful practice.

The third step is to be proactive, but not overanxious.  Ask trusted faculty in your residency program about prospective positions, but do not expect them to find a job for you.  Do not settle on something that is outside of what you are looking for during  fourth year of residency because you feel its getting “late," but you should have two or three positions that you are eyeing.  Keep those programs updated every six months or so about your matriculation and recent accomplishments.  There is no set time to have interviews finalized, but one must remember that it takes time to become licensed by a particular state, be approved by insurances, and ultimately be granted clinical care privileges to practice. Also, one must keep in mind the board collection period for Part 2 of the ABOS Orthopaedic examination usually begins in April of the following year.

Special considerations should include whether you will be able to work in your prospective specialty, private versus academic practice, and contract details.  As it may be difficult for one to find the “perfect” job, prioritization is key.  It can be difficult to check every box on your list especially with highly competitive specialties, but true self-reflection will make whatever decision you make more palatable. Talk to people and attempt to get in contact with individuals in locations where you think you may want to practice, speak with former chief residents, and follow up on contacts made at meetings and other special events.

The search for a job, as well as one’s training, can be likened to the movie Inception.  It is the job of your training program, attendings, program directors, and fellowship directors to build the dream for you, but it is up to you to populate that dream. There are no rules to the job search, no match, and no specific application packet to be mailed in by a certain date. Therefore, one has to become accustomed to a system that is nearly completely different from what one encountered to obtain positions in medical school and residency.  Once this is realized, one should be able to navigate the process of finding a job efficiently and obtain the position that suits them best.

For More Job Search Information:  The Practice Evaluation Inventory spreadsheet (log-in required) provides a framework to identify your (and your family's) values and determine whether a practice will be the right fit for you.  Visit www.aaos.org\pracman for this and other resources.   Also, the replay of the webinar, “It’s Not How to Find a Job!  It’s How to Find a Life!” is available FREE to residents in programs that subscribe to the Resident Practice Management Lecture Series (RPMLS).  Visit www.aaos.org\rpmls for details.

 

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SPECIALTY IN THE SPOTLIGHT: AAHKS

American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
6300 North River Road, Suite 615
Rosemont, IL 60018-4237
Web: www.aahks.org
Email: helpdesk@aahks.org
Voice: 847-698-1200
Fax: 847-698-0704

Summary of Society:
AAHKS represents over 1,750 orthopaedic surgeons who have a subspecialty focus on total joint arthroplasty.  AAHKS has three primary focus areas: Advocacy for patients and TJA surgeons; Research focused on improving patient care in joint replacement; and education of total joint surgeons; and Education to bring the latest advancements in arthroplasty to our members is through our highly-regarded Annual Meeting, the Journal of Arthroplasty and partnerships with AAOS, The Hip Society and The Knee Society. www.aahks.org

Mission/Purpose: Established in 1991, the mission of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) is to provide leadership in advocacy, education and research to achieve excellence in hip and knee patient care.
 
Leadership Quote:
Due to an aging population, the obesity epidemic and the increased expectation among older patients that they can lead active, pain-free lives in their senior years, the demand for hip and knee replacements is growing rapidly and is expected to double or triple in the future.  This burgeoning patient need represents unlimited opportunity for orthopaedic surgeons who specialize in adult reconstruction.

Resident Education Opportunities:
The AAHKS Annual Meeting (held in the fall) addresses a broad array of scientific topics, such as implant design, results, surgical techniques and complications of primary and revision TJA, as well as the latest information available on socioeconomic issues affecting your specialty.

AAHKS 4th Annual Resident Arthroplasty Course
November 2, 2012 Sheraton Dallas Hotel, Dallas, TX
2012 Application

The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) is proud to announce the 4th Annual Resident Arthroplasty Course sponsored by the AAHKS. This course has been specifically created for PGY 3 orthopaedic residents and will take place just before the AAHKS 22nd Annual Meeting. Course attendees receive free tuition for both the Resident Arthroplasty Course and the AAHKS Annual Meeting. In addition, airfare up to $400, lodging, and meals will be covered by AAHKS. 

This course provides residents with the opportunity to learn the latest information regarding total joint arthroplasty from nationally renowned experts. The meeting includes both didactic and small group sessions where surgical techniques and cases will be reviewed. This should be a unique learning experience and includes significant interaction with the faculty. A total of one hundred residents from the United States and Canada will be eligible to participate in this novel learning opportunity. 

All applications must include your residency program director’s signature confirming your ability to attend the course.

Mentoring Opportunities:
The AAHKS Resident Mentoring Program has been primarily designed to place a Resident in contact with an AAHKS Fellow Member who would be available as a resource for a variety of reasons. We are looking for Resident Members and non-members wishing to become members, to participate in the program. Orthopaedic Residents attribute their choice of a fellowship specialty to role models and mentors in the field. The Fellow Member and Resident will be part of the program for a period of one year. This program should be seen as an additional resource for Residents, it is not to replace a Resident’s mentor within his or her program.

For additional information or if you are interested in becoming a Mentor or Mentee please contact Krista Stewart, Membership and Coding Specialist by email or at 847-384-4376.

Publications/ Newsletters:
The Journal of Arthroplasty (JOA) is the official Journal of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. AAHKS Members receive 10 issues of the print journal as well as full-text online access to the JOA for one year with their paid membership dues. Members also receive The AAHKS Update newsletter three times per year and the AAHKS News You Can Use e-newsletter, monthly.

Scholarship/Grant Information
AAHKS provides tuition, travel, meals and hotel for 100 residents to attend our Resident Course, held at the AAHKS Annual Meeting.  We also fund research grants in TJA through our designated fund at OREF.

Upcoming Meetings:
AAHKS 22nd Annual Meeting
November 2-4, 2012
Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Dallas, TX

AAHKS 23rd Annual Meeting
November 8-10, 2013
Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Dallas, TX

Specialty Day
AAHKS/Hip Society/Knee Society
March 23, 2013
Chicago, IL

Membership Information:
In addition to its educational endeavors, the AAHKS provides a variety of other benefits and programs of great value to its over 1,750 members. These include an annual subscription to the Journal of Arthroplasty, active committee structure, hip and knee research initiatives and strong advocacy efforts to increase the awareness on the quality and value of joint replacement. For a complete list of AAHKS benefits please view Reasons to Belong.

The Resident status of membership was designed for residents who have an interest in total joint replacement of the hip and or knee, and who are planning on selecting an arthroplasty fellowship.  Resident applicants must be a Resident Member of AAOS, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada or the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics.  Members are voted in multiple times a year. The membership application can be downloaded from the AAHKS website.  Please contact Krista Stewart, Membership and Coding Specialist or directly at 847-384-4376 with any questions or for assistance with your application.

Fellowship Match Information: The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the Hip Society, the Knee Society and the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society have joined to form a Fellowship Match for Adult Reconstruction and Tumor Fellowships. Fourth year residents will be able to submit applications starting in August for the 2014 Fellowship Year. More information about the match. If you have additional questions, please contact the AAHKS Executive Director, Robert A. Hall, CAE at 847-384-4373 or at bob@aahks.org.

Leadership Opportunities:
AAHKS has a Presidential Line, Board and a full committee structure where members can participate in advancing the profession and develop their leadership skills.  Several AAHKS leaders have gone on to lead the AAOS.

Employment Opportunities:
Visit the AAHKS Career Center

Fun Facts:
AAHKS has set membership growth records and Annual Meeting attendance records in each of the last four years.

Many AAHKS members provide Pro Bono services for those who cannot afford care, both here and in foreign countries, through Operation Walk.

AAHKS Past President Lawrence D. Dorr, MD, recently published a novel, Die Once Live Twice about the history of medicine.  Proceeds go to support Operation Walk.

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HOT TOPIC: Looking for a new practice opportunity?
Take advantage of the AAOS Physician Job Placement Service!
AAOS provides the most comprehensive placement service for the orthopaedic community.

• Reach employers across the United States
• Access detailed information on employment opportunities
• Submit/View/Edit your availability profile and search for job opportunities on our convenient and easy-to-use Web site at www.aaos.org/placement

Sign up with the AAOS Placement Service and start your job search today!
Questions? Call 847-384-4259 or email placement@aaos.org
THIS SERVICE IS FREE!

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HOT TOPIC: Get the Business Know-How to Start Your Own or Join a Practice.
The AAOS Practice Management Committee (PMC) understands that you will need resources to become as competent in business matters as you are in the clinical realm.  PMC Members reviewed 30 books on an array of subjects that affect your financial and personal future.  Available at discount prices to residents and residency programs, these books are an ideal way to start a library of practice management resources.   This month’s recommended reading is The Medical Practice Start-Up Guide, by Marc Halley. (250 pages, paperback)

Information includes:

• Key tactics for choosing what’s right for your specific dreams and needs, from type of practice and office location to technology.
• At-a-glance charts help you master overhead expense allocation, practice performance assessment, business insurance, practice management software options, patient intake processes, and more.
• Trouble-shooting checklists take the guesswork out of office space leasing, practice promotion, forms and printed materials, key practice growth indicators, human resources issues, and more.
• Time-saving Internet links speed you to forms and applications, and federal government labor, safety and billing laws and requirements.
• Glossary of terms and resource guide simplify the credentialing process

Purchase this book from Greenbranch Publishing using discount code AAOS11.

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HOT TOPIC: A Great Final Review Before the Part I Examination
Keep the important topics fresh and top-of-mind before you sit for Part I of the ABOS Certification Examination! Attend two 90-minute refresher webinars on hand/upper extremity and pediatrics, based on the content covered in the the AAOS Board Preparation and Review Course held April 11-15. Participate in these live events through interactive questions and get real time feedback with explanations of preferred answers and references for additional study. Compare your scores relative to your peers using the tabulation graphs at the end of each question. Take 90 minutes to review and master the testable topics in hand and upper extremity, and pediatrics in final preparation for the Board Examination.

Webinar: AAOS Board Preparation and Review: Refresher- Hand/Upper Extremity
Pedro K. Beredjiklian, MD, Webinar Director
Thursday, June 14, 2012 – Course #3260
8:15pm ET; 7:15pm CT; 6:15pm MT; 5:15pm PT
Review the highest-yield material from the hand section of the board review course. Focus on commonly tested hand surgery topics to get ready for the exam.

Webinar: AAOS Board Preparation and Review: Refresher- Pediatrics
John J. Grayhack, MD, Webinar Director
Thursday, June 21, 2012 – Course #3257
8:15pm ET; 7:15pm CT; 6:15pm MT; 5:15pm PT
Go over the highest-yield material from the pediatric section of the board review course, and identify commonly tested pediatric topics from the Orthopaedic In-Training Examinations and the Self Assessment Examinations.

MSTS/AAOS Residents Musculoskeletal Oncology Review – September 21–22, 2012 – Tampa, FL
This new course gives you a stronger foundation and deeper understanding of pathology.  A faculty of practicing musculoskeletal oncologists walks you through an interactive and comprehensive analysis with clear, concise presentations and interpretations. Understand and correlate the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic components of these tumors to improve your diagnosis and treatment strategy.  Content includes:

• Benign Bone Lesions
• Benign & Malignant Cartilage Lesions
• Cystic Lesions of Bone
• Giant Cell Tumor
• Metastatic Bone Disease
• Metabolic Bone Disease
• And MORE

Look for information in your mail on this unique educational program for residents or visit www.aaos.org/3282.  Ask your residency program director for funding support to participate in this valuable review course.

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HOT TOPIC: ORS opens 2013 abstract submissions
The Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) invites authors to submit abstracts on innovative, novel research for the ORS 2013 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX.  The meeting will be held January 26 to 29, 2013 (Saturday to Tuesday).  The ORS is the premier, international scientific Society for basic, translational and clinical researchers.  Abstract submissions open on June 11, 2012 and close on August 6, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. CT.  To submit an abstract, please go to https://www.ors.org.

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Join OREF and ORS at the 15th Annual Resident Research Symposia
In 2012, the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) and the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) will again give residents the opportunity to participate in annual Resident Research Symposia.

Made possible through grant support provided by Synthes and Biomet, seven regional symposia are being held this year. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Western Gulf Coast, Midwest, Southeast and Central Florida Regional symposia. The three remaining symposia will be held later this month:

Northeast Region Friday, June 8 >Boston University School of Medicine >Registration begins at 9 a.m.; symposium starts at 10 a.m. >Hosts: Thomas Einhorn, MD and Paul Tornetta III, MD >Guest speaker: David C. Ayers, MD	Philadelphia Region Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9 >University of Pennsylvania >June 8: Poster competition registration begins at 6:30 p.m.; competition begins at 8:15 p.m. >June 9: Registration begins at 7 a.m.; symposium starts at 7:45 a.m. >Host: L. Scott Levin, MD >Guest speaker: Adam M. Grant, PhD
Pacific Coast Region Friday, June 15 >University of California, Irvine Medical Center >Registration begins at 8 a.m., symposium starts at 9 a.m. >Hosts: Ranjan Gupta, MD and Bang H. Hoang, MD >Guest speaker: John H. Healey, MD	Check OREF’s Resident Research Symposia page to learn more.

Contact
For more information about OREF’s opportunities for residents, please contact Jean McGuire [847-384-4348] or Mary Marino [847-384-4359].

 

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News for Residents

AAOS Now, now on Twitter!
AAOS Now has its own Twitter feed! Follow AAOS Now on Twitter and receive access to breaking medical and orthopaedic news, and links to notable AAOS Now articles you may have overlooked. Visit the AAOS Now Twitter page at: http://twitter.com/aaosnow

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Fundamentals of Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy – Strictly for Orthopaedic Residents!
Join us for a brand new surgical skills course that provides orthopaedic residents with the skills necessary to become proficient at knee and shoulder arthroscopy procedures. Each pair of residents will spend the vast majority of the course working on their own knee and shoulder specimens in the lab, to build confidence and skill in arthroscopic techniques.

Directed by Andrew J. Cosgarea, MD, and Jon K. Sekiya, MD, the AAOS/AOSSM Fundamentals of Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy for Orthopaedic Residents course starts Friday evening, September 14, and runs through Sunday afternoon, September 16, at the Orthopaedic Learning Center in Rosemont, IL.

Each session begins with a brief lecture outlining O/R set up, equipment, procedural sequence, and pitfalls to avoid. Gain exposure to and learn the intricacies of ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and labral repair. The course will help you become proficient in diagnostic knee and shoulder arthroscopy procedures, and gain the skills base necessary for other procedures including partial meniscectomy, meniscus repair, subacromial decompression, and biceps tenotomy.

Registration is open to residents and post-resident fellows for the low rate of only $750! This course is not open to other member categories or non-members. For more information or to register for the course, call AAOS Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-626-6726 or go online to www.aaos.org/3281  

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Surgical Techniques for Managing Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma – Discounted registration fee for Orthopaedic Residents!
Join us for a dynamic new webinar/skills combination course on managing pediatric orthopaedic trauma. Learn the latest procedures for complex pediatric fractures, and gain-hands practice in flexible IM fixation of the forearm and radial neck fractures, antegrade IM femoral nailing, percutaneous and open approaches to the elbow, external fixation for open fractures and complex trauma, and much more! 

Directed by Gregory A. Mencio, MD, and Kenneth J. Noonan, MD, the AAOS / POSNA Surgical Techniques for Managing Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma course starts with a webinar on Tuesday evening, June 12, followed by a hands-on skills portion, June 22-23, at the Orthopaedic Learning Center in Rosemont, IL. The webinar component offers stimulating insights and discussion, the skills component allows you to apply and refine what you learned in a cadaver lab setting.

Registration is open to orthopaedic residents for the unprecedented discounted rate of only $950! For more information or to register for the course, call AAOS Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-626-6726 or go online to www.aaos.org/3256   

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OTA Fall 2012 Residents Comprehensive Fracture Course
The OTA is offering its basic comprehensive fracture course for junior residents October 3-6, 2012.  The course focuses on all aspects of orthopaedic trauma care.  Interactive teaching approaches include hands-on skills labs that emphasize common fracture stabilization and fixation techniques, small group discussions and case discussions.  The course includes concepts of bone healing, general concepts in fracture care, imaging techniques, indications for both non-operative and surgical care of fractures, and the common implications related to fracture care and related prevention and management techniques.

We encourage PGY 2-4s to attend, as well as others who can benefit. The course is being held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in conjunction with the OTA Annual Meeting.  Cost is $725.  Check the OTA website for the registration link for the course and the hotel when it is available www.ota.org

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OTA Residents Advanced Trauma Techniques Course
The Orthopaedic Trauma Association will hold the 9th Annual Advanced Trauma Techniques Course for Residents, February 22-23, 2013.  Location TBD.

Being offered in the new course format is designed for the advanced level orthopaedic resident and will include modules on Pelvis/Acetabulum & Hip; Knee; Foot & Ankle; Elbow & Shoulder/Wrist; Diaphyseal and Complications/Challenges all offered in an interactive learning environment facilitated by small groups discussions, lecture, case discussions and hands-on-skills labs.

Please mark your calendars for February 22-23, 2013 and check the OTA website (http://www.ota.org) for details about the course as they become available.  City location, hotel information and scholarship information will be posted as soon as it is available.

Questions can be directed to the OTA staff office at 847.698.1631 or email OTA@aaos.org.

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AOFAS prepares residents for OITE
The 2012 AOFAS Resident Review Course focuses on all aspects of foot and ankle: reconstruction, sports medicine, trauma, and technology, and includes a comprehensive review of previous exam questions. One-day didactic and interactive programs held on Saturdays will be presented by expert faculty led by Michael Clare, MD, at Tampa General Hospital on October 6 and by Eric Giza, MD, at the University of California San Francisco on October 20. This course is open to residents currently enrolled in an ACGME-approved orthopaedic residency program. Information and registration available at www.aofas.org/residentreview or by contacting the AOFAS Executive Office at 800-235-4855 or registration@aofas.org.

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Submit Your Research for the Kappa Delta and OREF Clinical Research Awards!
July 1, 2012 is the deadline for manuscript submission for the 2013 Kappa Delta Awards and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) Clinical Research Award. Up to two $20,000 Kappa Delta awards (Elizabeth Winston Lanier Award and Ann Doner Vaughan Award), one $20,000 Kappa Delta Young Investigator award, and one $20,000 OREF award will be bestowed, provided manuscripts of requisite quality are submitted. Manuscripts should represent a large body of cohesive scientific work generally reflecting years of investigation. If the submission reflects a single project, it should be of high significance and impact. Manuscripts must be submitted by members (or candidate members) of the AAOS, Orthopaedic Research Society, Canadian Orthopaedic Association, or Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society. Please note that submissions for the 2013 Kappa Delta and OREF Clinical Research Awards will be accepted in electronic format only. Please email a PDF of your entire submission to kappadelta@aaos.org no later than 11:59 p.m. CT on July 1, 2012. Late submissions will not be considered. For more information, visit www.aaos.org/kappadelta

Practice Tips