Interactive theater debuts in Academy Hall

Motion pictures continue to be one of orthopaedic education’s most helpful and widely used instructional tools, according to Gene R. Barrett, MD, chair of the Academy’s Multimedia Education Center Subcommittee.

“Today, orthopaedists can both publish and view orthopaedic video in a great many venues. The AAOS Annual Meeting has always been a prime showcase because the Multimedia Education Center offers such a vast array of peer-reviewed, high-quality anatomy, examination, treatment, and technique videos in one convenient location,” he explained. “And this year, we’re initiating a Featured Presentations Theater to provide an entirely new avenue for exploring the use of media in orthopaedic education.”

Located in Academy Hall (Hall D) in the Morial Convention Center, the theater adds an entirely new dimension to the presentation of video and media programs. The glass-enclosed space will enable attendees to focus on the presentations without missing the surrounding bustle.

The Featured Presentation Theater offers Annual Meeting participants and program authors a special environment for teaching and learning. For the first time, orthopaedic surgeon educators will be able to interact with their viewing audience in an organized educational program.

“We are trying something new, and are gratified by the response we received from authors who are willing to volunteer their time,” said Dr. Barrett.

Network to foster understanding
The theater will serve as a “town square” in the heart of the Multimedia Education Center for networking and communication that can foster deeper understanding. Recent Academy market research indicates that Annual Meeting participants are interested in meeting and conversing with publication authors; networking is a key reason members attend the annual meeting. The Featured Presentation Theater will facilitate and enhance that opportunity.

More than 25 1-hour sessions are scheduled during the meeting, beginning on Tuesday afternoon. Every in-depth presentation is free and open to all. Authors will introduce and screen their media programs. Audience members will be able to participate in a brief question-and-answer session.

Presenters include pioneers in their fields, as well as some relative newcomers, but all share a passion for the techniques they portray in film.

Media up close and personal
A lot of work goes into creating a surgical technique program. At the Featured Presentations Theater, participants will be able to ask authors why they chose to make a media program and how they selected the topic.

“The glass-enclosed theater, with just 36 seats, provides an intimate atmosphere for anyone who wants to learn more,” said Kevin D. Plancher, MD, the subcommittee’s chair-elect. “Everyone wants to learn how to do it, how to perform orthopaedic surgical techniques. By meeting the faculty, participants have the opportunity to go behind the camera, so to speak, and address any unanswered questions.”

A complete list of programs and authors will be published in the Final Program and in the Annual Meeting Daily Editions of AAOS Now. Check the final program for times and presenters; you’re sure to find several you won’t want to miss.

Reid Stanton is the AAOS manager of electronic media programs. He can be reached at stanton@aaos.org