AAOS recognizes orthopaedic care champions in Congress

The AAOS Combined National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC)/Fall Meeting featured a reception on Sept. 16 celebrating the champions who advocate for orthopaedic surgeons in Congress. The Political Action Committee of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoPAC), the only national PAC dedicated solely to representing orthopaedic surgeons before Congress, was proud to celebrate progress made to protect musculoskeletal care. The event also focused on the future of healthcare policy.

The reception recognized two members of Congress who have consistently introduced or supported legislation that aims to advance musculoskeletal care. The 2025 Congressional Bipartisanship Award was presented to Reps. Tom Suozzi of New York and Morgan Griffith of Virginia. As a Democratic member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Suozzi has elevated the concerns of orthopaedic surgeons, cosponsoring three AAOS-endorsed pieces of legislation this year. Suozzi was also a key champion for the bipartisan No Surprises Act legislation that was signed into law in 2020, and he is now leading the charge to enforce the legislation and improve the dispute-resolution process. Griffith serves as a Republican member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and was the primary sponsor of the Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 2191), which seeks to allow physician-led hospitals to operate in rural areas and permit existing facilities to expand to meet patient needs.

Attendees (including other members of Congress such as orthopaedic surgeon Sen. John Barrasso, MD, of Wyoming) embodied the bipartisan, collaborative spirit at the heart of OrthoPAC. AAOS members were able to voice concerns directly to their legislators and discuss the health policy landscape heading into 2026.

This year was also significant because it marked the 10-year anniversary of the AAOS OrthoPAC Advisor’s Circle, which provides leadership and political advocacy opportunities for orthopaedic group practices and specialty societies. “We’ve made great progress in improving the care experience for physicians and patients, but our work is far from over,” said Wayne Johnson, MD, FAAOS, FACS, chair of the OrthoPAC Executive Committee. “We’re grateful for our allies in Congress who continue to prioritize the concerns of the musculoskeletal care community.”