Attend the AAOS New Member Reception on Wednesday

AAOS members who joined in 2025 are warmly invited to attend the New Member Reception from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday in the Ask an Expert Theater, located in the Exhibit Hall.

The New Member Reception is a welcome event with complimentary appetizers and drinks. It is a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow new members and AAOS Ambassadors, while enjoying keynote addresses from Membership Council Chair Valerae O. Lewis, MD, FAAOS, and special guest speaker Rear Admiral Babette (Bette) Bolivar.

Rear Admiral Bolivar, a distinguished leader in the U.S. Navy, served for 36 years as a special operations officer in explosive ordinance disposal and the diving and salvage community. She has held numerous leadership positions at sea and ashore, including command of USS Salvor (ARS 52); Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1; and multiple Navy regions, including Northwest, Joint Region Marianas, Southeast, and Southwest—where she oversaw the readiness and operation of 10 Naval bases across six states.

A trailblazer, Rear Admiral Bolivar was the first Asian American female to command a U.S. Navy ship (USS Salvor ARS 52), a dive unit, a naval base, and multiple regions. Her decorated career includes the Defense Superior Service Medal, four Legion of Merit Medals, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, four Meritorious Service Medals, and five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals. She was recognized as the Chief of Naval Operations’ Pacific Fleet finalist for the Vice Admiral James Stockdale Leadership Award and was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2005. Among her most memorable and highest achievements, she is honored to be recognized as an Honorary Chief Petty Officer and Master Diver. We are honored to welcome Rear Admiral Bolivar as she shares her experiences with our newest members.

“I am very excited to welcome our new members and Admiral Bolivar,” Dr. Lewis shared. “I feel her dedication, service, and excellence draw direct to that of an orthopaedic surgeon. As an orthopaedic surgeon and Academy member, I know we all strive to display the same attributes to our patient and profession.”

New members who attend the reception can also learn about their exclusive members-only benefits and volunteer opportunities, establish new connections, and discover specialty resources and support from the Academy to advance their careers.

AAOS members and leadership look forward to seeing you at the event.