William Robert Martin III, MD, has been selected as the medical director for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). He will assume his new position effective June 1, 2010. As medical director, Dr. Martin will be located in the AAOS Washington, D.C., offices and will supervise the office of government relations, the medical affairs department, and the department of research and scientific affairs.
Published 5/1/2010
William R. Martin III, MD, assumes post on June 1
“We’re very pleased that Dr. Martin agreed to serve as our medical director,” said Chief Executive Officer Karen L. Hackett, CAE, FACHE. “He brings a unique perspective to the position, having served in several practice settings. In addition, he has a history of advocacy and involvement, not only with the AAOS but also on the state level as a member of the Arizona Medical Board, and on a national level as a member of the board of directors for the National Board of Medical Examiners.”
“It’s an honor to represent the AAOS,” said Dr. Martin. “We are facing several challenges, but through them come opportunities. By combining these three areas—medical affairs, research, and advocacy—the AAOS has a unique opportunity to enhance its position and credibility as well as to help AAOS members. We have to remain at the forefront of the evolution of health care.”
A graduate of Tufts University, Dr. Martin received his MD from Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine, and went on to a general surgery internship and an orthopaedic residency at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. He has a fellowship in adult foot and ankle reconstruction and has continued postgraduate work in public health at the University of North Carolina. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his research, humanitarian, and leadership efforts.
Dr. Martin has been active professionally as a member of the Western Orthopaedic Association, the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, the Arizona Orthopaedic Association, and the Arizona and American Medical Associations. He has extensive contacts in Washington, D.C.
Most recently, Dr. Martin served the AAOS as a member of the Council on Advocacy and the Diversity Advisory Board. He was a member of the Leadership Fellows Class of 2004, and has served on the Healthcare Delivery Committee, the Existing Government Program Workgroup, and the Board Advocacy Workshop Project Team.
“I’m delighted that Dr. Martin is joining the Advocacy team,” said Peter J. Mandell, MD, chair of the Council on Advocacy. “It’s great that he will be based in Washington, where he will be able to develop strong relationships with key politicians and regulators. The AAOS needs an orthopaedic surgeon in D.C. who can devote all his time to taking our advocacy efforts to the next level, especially as the new healthcare law continues to unfold.”