Register now for media training workshops in New Orleans

Undoubtedly, as you sit and talk one-on-one with patients, you provide information and education on a range of orthopaedic topics. But have you considered reaching out to a wider audience—perhaps to thousands or millions of people watching television or listening to the radio?

As an AAOS spokesperson, you can discuss topics such as keeping young athletes healthy or innovations in orthopaedic research with the media, to keep the public informed about who we as orthopaedic surgeons are and what we do, as well as how they can stay healthy.

At the 2010 Annual Meeting, you will have an opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively with television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and Internet reporters. Web content is increasingly affecting patient choice and education, and 24-hour news cycles mean that busy reporters need your expertise now more than ever. You can help AAOS provide that expertise.

Media training at the Annual Meeting
The Academy offered free, half-day training sessions to members attending the 2009 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. The sessions were a huge success—those who participated learned a great deal about the art of interviewing, and the Academy rounded up more than 50 new spokespersons.

At the 2010 meeting, we will again offer free media training on a first-come, first-served basis. I encourage all members to take full advantage of these sessions. You’ll learn—from top-notch media professionals—how to handle any type of interview situation and the following skills that will help you feel more comfortable when doing any kind of interview:

• What to do when a reporter calls you on the phone for a comment or turns up outside your office with a microphone
• How to create sound bites
• When to use appropriate gestures

Plus, I think you will have a little fun. The media trainers offer “no nonsense” tips on presenting a clear, concise, and effective orthopaedic message.

AAOS Board President Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD, had this to say about the importance of media training: “All of us should be prepared to talk about our specialty, tell people anecdotes about how our care helped a patient, and comfortably answer tough questions. This kind of preparation helps us best represent ourselves and our specialty. This media training helps you think ahead and react confidently, and I put the suggestions to work in every interview I do.”

Four sessions; easy registration
Four media training sessions will be offered on Friday, March 12, 2010. Beginners Media Training will be offered from 8:00 a.m.–12 noon (Event 701) and from 1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. (Event 702). Advanced Media Training will be offered from 8:00 a.m.–12 noon (Event 703) and from 1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. (Event 704).

If you have previously taken media training, this is a great “refresher” course; I learn new techniques every time I take it! If this is your first training session, get ready for a fast-paced, exciting, and most enjoyable 4 hours. I urge you to sign up today.

Registration for the media training courses is available online only. To sign up, follow these simple steps:

• Go to www.aaos.org/register and login.
• To register for the meeting, select AAOS Annual Meeting Registration.
• Select the “Show Sessions” button.

The media training courses are found on Friday, March 12.

Scroll through the course list to find courses 701, 702, 703, or 704. Select the session of your choice, add it to your cart, and then proceed to checkout.

If you need assistance, e-mail meeting@aaos.org

Frank B. Kelly, MD, is chair of the AAOS Communications Cabinet. He can be reached at fkelly@forsythstreetortho.com

Glowing praise
2009 participants described their media training workshop experiences in the following ways:

• “Outstanding! Please repeat this next year. I myself am going to practice.”
• “I think this is a great move for the Academy to promote. Not enough of us think about this. Enjoyed it.”
• “It was invaluable. I am happy to help the AAOS in any way I can and will register to serve as a spokesperson.”

Tip of the Bone
If you are being interviewed for television, remember that good impressions can be the beginning and the end—literally! The following suggestions can help keep the interview flowing and the audience engaged:

• For a great start, always smile when you are introduced and tell the reporter how happy you are to be there.
• Establish a bond with the reporter by staying open and conversational, and bring the focus of the interview back to your important messages in a friendly manner.
• Maintain eye contact with the reporter throughout the interview to improve your focus and to reinforce that you are composed and engaged in the discussion.
• Thank the reporter or interviewer for his or her time at the end and be prepared to offer one of the AAOS patient Web sites, such as www.orthoinfo.org/, in case you’re asked for some off-the-cuff final thoughts.

For more information and tips, visit the AAOS news bureau for more information and tips: www.aaos.org/newsbureau