AAOS OrthoPAC and OREF maximize impact through orthopaedic charity match

The OrthoPAC Charity Match is a significant opportunity for AAOS members to enhance the impact of their contributions. This innovative program allows contributors to the Political Action Committee of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoPAC) to double their support by making a charitable donation to the charity of their choice, and donors have chosen to support the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) as their charity match recipient more than any other charity.

OREF is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization that funds innovative musculoskeletal research and supports new investigators to drive improvements in clinical practice. Since 1955, OREF has awarded more than 4,700 grants, providing nearly $150 million in support of musculoskeletal research. Visit oref.org for more information.

During a presentation at the Georgia Orthopaedic Society meeting in September 2024, AAOS Past President Daniel K. Guy, MD, FAAOS, presented an update on this initiative between AAOS and OREF. Dr. Guy emphasized how an OrthoPAC donation can extend its reach when paired with a charitable contribution. For example, for his own $5,000 donation to OrthoPAC, he selected OREF to receive an additional $2,500 match from OrthoPAC through the Charity Match program, making his donation have an even greater impact on the field of orthopaedics.

Dr. Guy’s example underscores the value of supporting orthopaedic research and education in conjunction with advocacy efforts. The OrthoPAC Charity Match was instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic under Dr. Guy’s leadership as AAOS president, to support fundraising during that challenging time. The program has raised more than $800,000 for OrthoPAC and several hundred thousand dollars to charity match partners.

Wayne A. Johnson, MD, FAAOS, chair of the OrthoPAC Executive Committee, also commented: “This initiative exemplifies the powerful synergy between advocacy and research. When AAOS members contribute through the OrthoPAC Charity Match, they’re not just supporting policy change — they’re also investing in the innovation that drives orthopaedic excellence.”

Connecting advocacy and research
The connection between advocacy and research is vital to orthopaedic surgery. Advocacy efforts empower orthopaedic surgeons to influence policies affecting patient care, while research and education investments ensure that orthopaedic surgeons continue to advance and deliver high-quality, innovative care. When support for OrthoPAC is coupled with donations to OREF, it creates a dual pathway for improving orthopaedics from multiple angles. The OrthoPAC Charity Match is an outstanding example of the giving culture within the orthopaedic community. Each contribution through this program advances the profession’s strength, innovation, and impact.

“Together, through thoughtful giving, we can reinforce orthopaedics on multiple fronts — continuing to advocate for and advance our field in meaningful ways,” Dr. Guy said.

OrthoPAC is affiliated with and connected to the 501(c)(6) Association. OrthoPAC is not connected to or affiliated with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Brian Doty is senior government relations manager for the AAOS Office of Government Relations.