More than 3,800 AAOS members contributed to the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (Orthopaedic PAC) in 2013, putting the Orthopaedic PAC on pace to have for another strong election cycle. This support enabled the Orthopaedic PAC to disburse more than $1.2 million to Congressional members and candidates who understand and support physician issues, ensuring a strong voice on Capitol Hill.

“I am proud that so many of our orthopaedic colleagues contributed to the PAC in 2013 and understand that participation in the PAC is an investment in our professional future and in assuring that our patients have the access to the orthopaedic care they deserve,” said Stuart L. Weinstein, MD, AAOS past president and chair of the Orthopaedic PAC. “This puts us on track to achieve a more than 30 percent PAC participation from AAOS fellows this election cycle.”

AAOS members who join or renew their membership in the Orthopaedic PAC by March 1 will be recognized at the AAOS Annual Meeting with a 2014 Orthopaedic PAC lapel pin and badge ribbon. In addition, PAC members will have access to a member lounge during the Annual Meeting. The PAC Lounge will be open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on March 12–13 and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on March 14. The Lounge will be located in Hall F, Booth 4213, at the Morial Convention Center.

The PAC Lounge is a great place to charge your iPad, grab coffee, or arrange a casual meeting with other AAOS fellows. “With all the challenges facing orthopaedists—from preserving the in-office ancillary services exception to achieving a permanent solution to Medicare’s flawed sustainable growth rate formula—it is vital that we continue to share information,” said Dr. Weinstein. “A visit with other PAC members during the meeting can generate ideas and energy, contributing to our advocacy efforts for the year ahead.”

For more information on the Orthopaedic PAC, visit www.aaos.org/pac

Kristin Leighty is the Orthopaedic PAC manager in the AAOS office of government relations. She can be reached at leighty@aaos.org