On April 30, the NOLC presented awards to five members of Congress, in recognition of their continued support of orthopaedic surgeons. Reps. Michael Burgess (R-Texas) and Gene Green (D-Texas), sponsors of the “Access to America’s Orthopaedic Services Act of 2009 (AAOS Act),” were recognized for their active support of improving awareness of musculoskeletal conditions and increasing support for musculoskeletal research in the House of Representatives.

Rep. Tom Price, MD (R-Ga.), and Sen. John A. Barrasso, MD (R-Wyo.), the only two orthopaedic surgeons serving in Congress, received awards for their continued support of AAOS.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a past sponsor of the AAOS Act of 2008 and an effective advocate for musculoskeletal health research, also received an award.

In his remarks to NOLC attendees, Rep. Price thanked the AAOS for its continuous efforts on behalf of orthopaedic surgeons. Award recipients also addressed the issues facing specialty care providers and their patients. Recipients urged attendees to continue their discussions with members of Congress to foster and maintain a vibrant presence on Capitol Hill.

Nick Piatek is the communications specialist in the AAOS office of government relations. He can be reached at piatek@aaos.org