The free member benefit boasts a completely improved interface and greatly expanded video collection

I cannot say it enough: The Academy is committed to providing more relevant educational content for our members, regardless of where they are in their careers. And it is something I thoroughly enjoy repeating.

Case in point: the Academy’s Orthopaedic Video Theater (OVT). Let me explain …

Surgical videos are valued resources for orthopaedic surgeons. From learning fundamentals as residents to considering emerging techniques for cases later in practice, videos enhance our learning. Leveraging videos for educational purposes, however, is not new to the Academy.

Looking at the past

For years, surgeons and medical professionals around the world have turned to the Academy’s long-standing OVT to prepare for surgical cases and keep their techniques current. Furthermore, OVT has been a highlight of the AAOS Annual Meeting, giving attendees additional educational opportunities via a vast and growing collection of expert, high-quality surgical videos while they attended the world’s largest gathering of orthopaedic surgeons. Each year, the newest videos are showcased at the meeting and awards are presented for the best submissions. During the meetings, and in the following weeks, the Academy has “opened the doors” to OVT, with free online access to the collection. Thousands of our colleagues from across the globe have taken advantage of the limited opportunity to explore the collection.

Eyes on the future

And now, I have exciting news to share on multiple fronts. First, the Academy will launch a newly expanded version of OVT, featuring nearly 700 dynamic orthopaedic videos from more diverse perspectives, including globally renowned experts, leading institutions, industry, and our peers. Members can expect to receive direct communication from the Academy when the site is live. And when the news comes to your inbox, do not hesitate to discover relevant content using the improved search and filters; also, take advantage of the new share, rate, and comment features.

Second, additional user features and enhancements will continue to roll out through spring 2019, including the ability to personalize your experience. And finally, the enhanced video collection will be available to you for free as a benefit of your AAOS membership.

Expanded offerings for enhanced learning

The new OVT, available at video.aaos.org, will include various channels. OVT Plus is a collection of surgical technique videos—all from renowned experts and innovators around the globe. Users will find high-quality, balanced video presentations featuring topics from anatomy and arthroscopy, as well as demonstrations of cutting-edge techniques. And I want to stress the quality of the OVT Plus videos, as they are reviewed by subject matter experts through an extensive peer-review process, ensuring valuable and reliable content. And as an extension of their quality, nearly 250 videos will offer 0.75 CME credits per video, so you can earn credit as you explore and learn. Even more CME-rich videos will be added in February 2019.

Looking ahead to next year, additional enhancements will enable users to discover valuable educational video content from leading institutions well-known for excellence in orthopaedic care. Content will feature top physicians and orthopaedic programs in a wide range of areas of interest. Plus, an industry channel will include content from leaders in the orthopaedic industry, featuring information on devices, techniques, and more. Through relationships with orthopaedic society partners, the OVT will feature content from society instructional course lectures, annual meetings, conferences, top member contributors, and more.

Increased opportunities for video submissions

OVT gives our members more opportunities to showcase their skills and advance our shared orthopaedic knowledge. Innovative and forward-thinking techniques often are born out of such collaboration, and I invite you to consider sharing your expertise with our orthopaedic community through your submissions to OVT.

Acceptance into the OVT Plus collection comes with benefits and recognition, including presentation at the AAOS Annual Meeting, opportunity for award-winning designation, video abstract inclusion in the Journal of the AAOS, and ability to include the published video on your CV.

Alternatively, the new User Submitted video collection offers an expedited peer-review process, enabling users to submit content and have it posted online much faster.

Form follows function

If you were at the AAOS 2018 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, you heard me speak about “form follows function” and how the Academy will respond to variables affecting the practice of orthopaedics. The AAOS Board of Directors is committed to this approach, and the OVT is a shining example. Our goal, now and always, is to continue to evolve and meet the ever-changing needs of our members, while, at the same time, increasing the overall value of membership.

With the expanded Orthopaedic Video Theater, AAOS membership has even more value—whether you’re a fellow, resident, emeritus, or international member.

David A. Halsey, MD, a general orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty interest in hip and knee arthroplasty, is president of the Academy 2018-2019. He is also the chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.