Residents Can Use Their Voices to Advocate for Orthopaedics by Attending Combined NOLC/Fall Meeting

For orthopaedic residents, the opportunity to attend the Combined National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC)/Fall Meeting is not one to miss. Hosted every year by AAOS in Washington, D.C., this event provides orthopaedic surgeons a chance to advocate for policy issues while directly interfacing with Congress members and their legislative aides. Initially, this seems like a daunting task. As orthopaedic residents, we may feel as though we do not yet have enough experience to attend this event and remark on health policy issues affecting current orthopaedic practice—but our voices matter. The 2025 event will take place Sept. 14 to 17.

Engaging with peers
We had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Combined NOLC/Fall Meeting, and the first evening of the conference put those worries at ease. After a warm welcome at the registration desk, we were able to converse over dinner with other orthopaedic surgeons from our respective states with whom we would be advocating. Advocacy experience amongst the practicing surgeons varied greatly, but it was clear everyone there had an interest in supporting policy changes that would enable us to better care for our patients. After speaking with the practicing surgeons at our dinner tables, we learned that, as residents, we had already encountered many of the issues plaguing orthopaedic practice. For instance, we had already seen our patients negatively impacted by prior authorizations. Although issues such as Medicare reimbursement and physician-led hospitals may not impact residents directly, it is easy to see how they surely will in a few short years. The dinner conversations were also enlightening, as they allowed us to learn how some practicing surgeons are involved in advocacy around our state.

The next day, we were able to gain an inside look into the governance of AAOS by attending several symposia on AAOS governance reform. Two proposed bylaws amendments were considered that will benefit the entire membership by creating a more streamlined and effective governance structure, improving transparency and accountability, and ensuring that AAOS is well positioned to meet future challenges and opportunities. It was evident that AAOS is a resilient and ever-evolving organization that listens to and invites its members to propose changes.

The following day of the conference comprised the eagerly anticipated Capitol Hill visits. Ahead of the visits, AAOS released the conference agenda with detailed one-page overviews and longer talking points on the key issues that we would be addressing. These resources were very digestible and targeted toward all attendees, regardless of advocacy experience. With the help of those resources, we successfully familiarized ourselves with the topics so we could answer any questions from senators or representatives. The issues we were advocating for included prior-
authorization reform, physician-led hospitals, and Medicare payment reform.

During our meetings with the Congress members or their legislative aides, they were willing to hear about these issues and engage in conversations about potential solutions. Many wanted to hear more about the patient experiences of their constituents. At the end of the meetings, our ask was that they support legislation aimed to improve these issues—such as the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act and the Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act. We gave them our contact information should they wish to learn more. Several aides asked us to send more information that they could then share with their Congress members.

These meetings taught us that our voices matter, as the patient experience is something we could speak to. Additionally, it was apparent that if we were not there speaking about these issues, someone else would be—and they may have a different take. “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu” is a phrase we heard often during our NOLC training, which was more than evident walking around the halls of the congressional buildings. We saw many other groups and lobbyists who were there advocating on behalf of their respective issues. To be heard, you must speak up.

Getting involved during residency
It may seem daunting to become involved in advocacy at first. A good place to start learning more about current orthopaedic issues and related policies is on the AAOS website (aaos.org/advocacy) as well as the AAOS Advocacy Now e-newsletters. Becoming involved in your state’s orthopaedic society is another great avenue to participate in advocacy. Often, state orthopaedic societies can help sponsor residents to attend the Combined NOLC/Fall Meeting.

Additionally, donating to the Political Action Committee of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoPAC) is a way to support advocacy efforts while under the time constraints of residency. For more information and to donate, visit aaos.org/pac, where there is a tab at the bottom of the webpage specifically designed for residents. Even small monetary donations contribute to a large difference when it comes to helping further legislation.

Ultimately, the Combined NOLC/Fall Meeting is an incredible opportunity to get involved in advocacy as a resident. It cannot be understated how valuable an experience it is to speak to Congress members about issues you are passionate about, which would make tangible differences in your practice and for your patients.

Nadiya Yerich, MD, is a third-year orthopaedic surgery resident at Brooke Army Medical Center. She is the chair of the AAOS Resident Assembly Health Policy Committee.

Alexandra Ernst, MD, MPH, is a fifth-year orthopaedic surgery resident at Viriginia Commonwealth University. She is a member of the AAOS Resident Assembly Health Policy Committee.

Kevin M. Weisz, MD, is an adult reconstruction fellow at Cleveland Clinic and completed his residency training at Beaumont Health.

2025 Combined NOLC/Fall Meeting

The 2025 Combined National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC)/Fall Meeting will be held from Sept. 14 to 17 at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. Stay tuned for more details, or click here to learn more.

Click here to to view more highlights from the 2024 Combined National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference/Fall Meeting. AAOS member login required.