Tenet, USPI named foundational sponsor of inaugural AAOS Launchpad Program

AAOS announced that Tenet Healthcare (Tenet) and United Surgical Partners International (USPI) have joined as a foundational sponsor of the inaugural AAOS Launchpad Program. This strategic collaboration underscores a shared commitment to supporting early-career orthopaedic surgeons and driving transformative solutions in musculoskeletal healthcare.

The AAOS Launchpad Program is a 20-month initiative designed to guide postgraduate year 5 (PGY5) orthopaedic surgery residents through the critical transition from residency to practice. The program equips participants with tools to navigate fellowship, prepare for Parts I and II of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery examination, and build a strong foundation for long-term success.

Tenet is a diversified healthcare services company headquartered in Dallas. Its care-delivery network includes USPI, the largest ambulatory platform in the country, which operates ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals. Tenet also operates a national portfolio of acute-care and specialty hospitals; other outpatient facilities; a network of leading employed physicians; and a global business center in Manila, Philippines. Its Conifer Health Solutions subsidiary provides revenue-cycle management and value-based care services to hospitals, health systems, physician practices, employers, and other clients.

“This sponsorship marks a significant step forward in our mission to empower the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons,” said Anthony Priore, chief marketing, communications, and membership officer of AAOS. “The commitment shown by Tenet and USPI reinforces the value of investing in education, innovation, and long-term excellence in musculoskeletal care.”

“At Tenet, we believe that investing in orthopaedic surgeons early in their careers is essential to advancing patient care and innovation in musculoskeletal health,” said Philipp Ludwig, president of Tenet Physician Resources. “Partnering with AAOS on the Launchpad Program allows us to help ensure the next generation of physicians will thrive in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.”

AAOS Launchpad was introduced as a pilot program at the AAOS Annual Meeting in San Diego in March 2025 and will continue with three cohorts of PGY5 resident members over the next three and a half years. Launchpad is designed with scalability in mind. Following the pilot phase, AAOS envisions expanding the program to include all PGY5 and PGY4 residents.

For more information, please visit tenethealth.com and aaos.org/launchpad.