AAOS 2025 Brings New Meaning to ‘March Madness’

This year, March held a special kind of intensity for me. As team physician for the Duke University men’s basketball team, I had the privilege of being courtside through the Final Four of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The sheer adrenaline of each game, the emotional highs and lows, and the responsibility of managing the players’ physical well-being created a high-stakes environment where every decision mattered. It is a pressure cooker, to say the least—but one I deeply value.

Although nothing quite compares to the drama of the “Big Dance,” I can honestly say that the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting delivered its own brand of excitement, inspiration, and meaningful impact.

The momentum started even before the official kickoff. At the Board of Directors meeting the day prior, we reviewed AAOS’ progress over the past year and explored the many initiatives that lie ahead. That session filled me with tremendous pride in what we have accomplished and genuine optimism about the road forward.

As the Annual Meeting got underway, that sense of energy only grew. I was thrilled to witness standing-room-only crowds at numerous educational sessions—proof that our members are as hungry as ever for innovation, education, and engagement. The opening of the Exhibit Hall was electric, buzzing with conversations and demonstrations that highlighted the future of orthopaedic surgery. You could feel the collective passion of our field in every corner of the convention center.

One of the most powerful moments came during the keynote address from the Presidential Guest Speaker, Ambassador “Sully” Sullenberger, during the Your Academy event. Best known for his heroic landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, Ambassador Sullenberger discussed leadership, resilience, and decision making under pressure. His anecdotes captivated the audience, and his insights resonated deeply with our work as surgeons. The parallels were clear—like Ambassador Sullenberger, we are often called upon to act decisively and calmly when the stakes are highest.

There is truly no other gathering like the AAOS Annual Meeting. It is the one place where the entire orthopaedic ecosystem comes together—Fellows, residents, allied health professionals, and industry innovators from around the globe—all united in a shared commitment to advancing musculoskeletal care. In a rapidly evolving field, this meeting serves as a vital touchpoint for learning, collaboration, and progress.

This year also marked the exciting debut of AAOS Launchpad, a new pilot program designed specifically for early-career orthopaedic surgeons. Transitioning from fellowship to independent practice is a defining moment—one filled with both opportunity and challenge. Launchpad was created to provide support, mentorship, and practical tools to help new surgeons navigate that journey with confidence. The response to this initiative at the meeting was overwhelmingly positive. It is a promising start to what we envision will become a foundational resource for future generations of orthopaedic surgeons.

Mark your calendars
Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteer leaders. I want to extend a sincere thank-you to the Annual Meeting Oversight Committee, led by Matthew T. Provencher, MD, MBA, Capt. MC USNR (Ret.), FAAOS; Central Program Committee Chair Stephen Kottmeier, MD, FAAOS; and Central Instructional Courses Committee Chair Xinning Li, MD, FAAOS. Their dedication and vision brought this year’s meeting to life and ensured it maintained the high standard we have come to expect.

As we look ahead, I am already excited about what is next. The AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting will take place March 2 to 6 in New Orleans, and preparations are already underway to make it another extraordinary event. Under the guidance of Dr. Provencher and the Annual Meeting Oversight Committee, the world-renowned event will deliver innovation, invaluable networking opportunities, and high-impact education.

If you are interested in contributing to next year’s meeting, I encourage you to get involved. The call for abstracts and applications is open. Visit aaos.org/abstracts for details, deadlines, and submission tips.

Progress and transparency
The Annual Meeting is a highlight each year, but it is important to remember that AAOS is active 365 days a year. Our work does not begin or end in March. As outlined in the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, your Board of Directors and volunteer leaders remain focused on the four core pillars: Members, Patients, Culture, and the Musculoskeletal Community. We are committed to transparency and accountability, and we are making real progress on the goals we have set. Our advancements will be highlighted via a variety of communications tools—AAOS Now, Headline News Now, member engagement newsletters, direct email, and social media.

Join the team
Just like March Madness, our profession will continue to bring surprises, challenges, and triumphs. And just like in the tournament, being part of the team makes all the difference.

Now is the perfect time to step off the sidelines and get in the game. Consider applying for a committee or council role—applications are open through Aug. 1 through the Committee Appointment Program. Share your expertise by speaking at a live course, webinar, or next year’s Annual Meeting. Participate in the upcoming annual Member Value and Satisfaction Survey. Follow AAOS on social media and join the conversation. In addition, Fellows will soon receive an invitation to vote on the proposed bylaws amendments that reflect important and necessary changes to modernize AAOS governance. I strongly encourage you to vote in favor of these amendments and to support the thoughtful work of your Board of Directors. Learn more about the changes at aaos.org/governancechange.

There is strength in engagement, and there is momentum in movement. Our profession is transforming—and every member has a role in shaping what comes next.

Let’s stay in the game. Let’s move forward, together.

Annunziato (Ned) Amendola, MD, FAAOS, is the 2025-2026 AAOS president and professor of orthopaedic surgery and chief of sports medicine at Duke University.