Although the Monty Python “Spanish Inquisition” sketch that opened her presentation showed one way of getting answers, Ms. Hackett took a more contemporary approach—without whips, chains, or continuing medical education (CME) credit. A series of questions about “where can you find…orthopaedic research…CME courses…patient education…practice management information…multimedia…professional compliance information?” led to a single answer—the Academy’s new OrthoPortal.
Published 3/1/2011
Video presentation of Ms. Hackett’s speech at the 2011 Annual Meeting
During her annual report to the fellowship at the 2011 AAOS Annual Meeting, AAOS Chief Executive Officer Karen L. Hackett, FACHE, CAE, had a little fun before turning serious about both education and outreach.
Karen L. Hackett, FACHE, CAE |
“You will be hearing a lot about OrthoPortal during the Annual Meeting and afterwards as well,” said Ms. Hackett. “It didn’t happen overnight; it has been many years in the making. And, as with all successful Academy programs, this one came about because orthopaedic surgeons and staff worked together to make it happen.”
The OrthoPortal is a single, centralized Web source that provides visitors with access to all of the Academy’s online educational resources. Type in a topic and get links to information on e-books, articles from the Journal of the AAOS, Orthopaedic Knowledge Online materials, videos, lectures, and CME courses. (For more on the OrthoPortal, see “Introducing the OrthoPortal,” AAOS Now, December 2010).
“It is launched, but it isn’t finished,” said Ms. Hackett. “We will continue to expand the content, so when a resident or colleague asks you where they can find some information, the safe answer will be OrthoPortal.org”
Red carnations
Turning to a more serious subject, Ms. Hackett recalled the earthquake in Haiti that occurred little over a year ago.
“We know of about 500 of you who went to Haiti to serve the people in need, and we know about yet another 500 who were prepared to go,” she said.
“Orthopaedic surgeons and staff worked together to coordinate a response and worked with agencies to get help to the victims,” she continued. “Our work is not yet finished as we continue to assist the Haitian community in reestablishing orthopaedic training and education.”
The efforts of Academy members, noted Ms. Hackett, were recognized beyond the orthopaedic community. The American Society of Association Executives awarded the AAOS a “Summit Award,” presented to associations that make significant contributions to society.
Calling attention to those in the audience wearing red carnations, Ms. Hackett asked one last question: “Would everyone who went to Haiti to assist the victims, who volunteered to go, or who coordinated relief efforts, please stand and be recognized?” As hundreds in the audience stood, those seated applauded their efforts.
Video presentation of Ms. Hackett’s speech at the 2011 Annual Meeting