At the AAOS Annual Meeting, do not miss the main-stage conversation with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Zimmer Biomet’s Chief Movement Officer, on peak performance, teamwork, and thriving under pressure.
Published 1/26/2026
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Ned Amendola, MD, FAAOS
Dear Colleagues:
With great enthusiasm, I invite you to join us March 2 - 6 in the vibrant city of New Orleans for the AAOS Annual Meeting.
We remain attentive to our members’ feedback, and the Annual Meeting continues to evolve and improve. This year’s gathering promises world-class education, innovative research, global collaboration, and exceptional opportunities to reconnect with colleagues from across the international orthopaedic community.
Featured Presidential Guest Speaker: Arnold Schwarzenegger
I am especially thrilled to share that our Presidential Guest Speaker is Arnold Schwarzenegger. As Zimmer Biomet’s chief movement officer and someone who has made his life's mission to inspire people to move more and find what their bodies are capable of, Schwarzenegger is unlike any speaker AAOS has ever hosted.
Schwarzenegger’s lifelong message, that strength, preparation, and consistency can transform a person’s potential, aligns with the work we as orthopaedic surgeons do every day. His message not only resonates with us as physicians and surgeons but also serves as a powerful motivator for all our patients to prioritize their well-being and achieve optimal health. I hope you join us on Thursday, March 5, at 10:30 AM CT in the La Nouvelle Ballroom AB at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center as we translate those ideas into insights that can elevate the way we care for patients.
Register Today - Secure your place at the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting
Let’s Continue Moving Forward, Together
Our Annual Meeting is where the global orthopaedic community convenes to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and shape the future of our specialty. I look forward to celebrating our progress together and continuing the strong momentum that is driving AAOS forward.
Reflections on a Remarkable Year of Service
As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with tremendous gratitude for the privilege of serving as the 93rd President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Representing you, our Fellows, members, trainees, volunteers, specialty societies, and industry partners has been a great honor.
Throughout this year, I have been inspired by the passion and dedication you bring to advancing musculoskeletal care. Together, we have strengthened our organization, modernized our governance, elevated our advocacy efforts, and positioned AAOS as a resilient, future-focused organization prepared for the challenges ahead.
Advocacy: Advancing Musculoskeletal Health at Every Level
Advocacy remains central to our mission. This year, we advanced critical efforts focused on protecting patient access to high-quality musculoskeletal care, supporting evidence-based practice, and shaping policies that reflect the real-world challenges faced by orthopaedic surgeons.
From reimbursement and site-of-service issues to scope of practice, research funding, and regulatory modernization, we elevated the priorities of our members and the needs of the patients we serve. Thank you to our Advocacy Council, PAC and Office of Government Relations for your leadership and commitment.
Thank you for the trust you place in AAOS and for the privilege of serving as your president. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans in March.
With appreciation and respect,
Ned Amendola, MD, FAAOS
President, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons