AAOS Chief Education Officer Mark Wieting was recognized for his years of service and contributions to the Academy’s educational initiatives with a certificate of honorary membership in the AAOS during the 2012 AAOS Annual Meeting. The certificate, which was presented by Immediate Past President Daniel J. Berry, MD, and AAOS Chief Executive Officer Karen L. Hackett, FACHE, CAE, confers the highest honor the Academy can bestow on an individual who is not an Academy member.

Mr. Wieting, who will retire on March 31, 2012, first joined the Academy in January of 1985, when the AAOS offices were on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago and the Academy only had around 50 employees.

Since his first day with AAOS, Mr. Wieting has been a major factor in the growth and success of the Academy. He has made countless contributions in building the Academy’s publishing capabilities, directing its educational efforts, and leading initiatives such as the rebranding effort and cooperative efforts with the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery to support Maintenance of Certification.

“Over the years I’ve gotten to know the majority of the people in this room today,” Mr. Wieting said to the AAOS members in attendance. “I want to thank you for giving me the resources to do some great things in education and in publishing, and encouraging me to hire really great people.”

Mr. Wieting noted that he has “been privileged to work with some wonderful committee members, and five spectacular chairs of the Council on Education,” and added that he has “a great boss and colleagues.”

“It’s been a real privilege to serve the Academy,” added Mr. Wieting, who thanked his children and wife for all of their support. “I’m humbled by this honor and I thank you for it.”

Jennie McKee is a staff writer for AAOS Now. She can be reached at mckee@aaos.org