P2D: A giant leap for AAOS Now

Stepping into my new role as Editor-in-Chief of AAOS Now happens at a pivotal time for the news magazine. With this January 2026 issue, we shift to a digital-first format. My first editorial (as deputy editor) explored the nascent print-to-digital (P2D) evolution promoted by Rob Orfaly, MD, MBA, FAAOS, who has just completed five years as editor-in-chief. Three years later, his vision has become reality.

My 2023 column shared my appreciation for the feel of paper, for the joy of turning journal pages rather than following email links. On digital transformation, perhaps I was a late adopter, but even for me, electronic learning has accelerated. Certainly, it has been decades since I retreated to a library to hunt down information for a case. Instead, I have become more proficient at accessing information not just on the desktop, but also from my cell phone while waiting for the case to start, audio on the drive home, or using a tablet on an exercise bike. Books from residency still have place of pride on my bookcase, but like my younger colleagues, increasingly I expect that critical content should be searchable, shareable, and instantly available. This shift in utility—from the shelf to the search bar—is the bedrock of our digital transformation.

It takes a village

Dr. Orfaly brought many advances to these pages. Learning from him has prepared me to continue the evolution of AAOS Now. Less visible to the casual reader are the members of the AAOS Now Editorial Board (EB). These Fellows and residents, called out on the masthead of the print version, create and vet content but may not be appreciated by many readers. Their input on regular video calls assures editorial decisions reflect myriad views. During the P2D discussion at our in-person meeting several months ago, Stuart, a venerable EB member with more than 50 years as a surgeon, shared his alignment with the paper magazine, strenuously supporting it as a crucial member benefit. Resident member Sarah countered his view, offering a compelling summary of modern user expectations for the publication: easy accessibility on the device of choice, an ability to search and share articles, and a desire for information across channels. Finally, she viewed paper magazines in their plastic wrappers as poor stewardship of natural resources.

Less paper is more

Resident members are the youngest of our orthopaedic family, but many Gen X and millennial surgeons share Sarah’s opinions. Industry has reported on the growth of digital consumption, with annual online medical publishing revenue growth of 5.7% in 2023. With anticipated annual year-over-year growth of 5.5% projected at least through 2028, demand for digital continues. According to industry reports, the interactive aspects of digital platforms help drive this rapid growth. This is an opportunity for AAOS Now. The nature of the story can be allowed to drive formatting decisions in favor of print, digital, video, or podcast based on the key information to be communicated and its timeliness.

On the stewardship point, in addition to the landfill imprint of a physical publication, like eggs and electricity, print and postage costs are heading up. Redirecting Fellows’ dues to focus on personalized quality content across more channel options was strategic. Total content offered will not diminish. Online content will be updated nearly weekly, providing timely, quality articles informing clinical updates as well as resources for leadership development and practice success. Beyond this, digital first will move beyond mirroring content from the print version. Article length, format, and supplemental materials will reflect the opportunities of the new medium.

Readers preferring print will appreciate receiving the traditional magazine by mail quarterly. This print edition, which will be issued in March, June, September, and December, will provide novel material crossing specialty interests across traditional sections. Additionally, the magazine will offer a concise summary of digital content from the previous electronic issues for print consumers who may consider accessing compelling material online.

AAOS Now continues to embrace multimedia features

Twice weekly Headline News Now issues and the AAOS Now e-table of contents emails currently provide ready access to digital content. Part of the P2D transformation will include expanding access to the vast array of AAOS online offerings. For example, over recent years, Dr. Orfaly enhanced articles with digital content, providing interviews with orthopaedic researchers, experts, and leaders. With a digital-first approach, connection from written article to video component becomes seamless. In 2026 and beyond, digital content will be enriched with more multimedia integration of greater production value. AAOS Now will function as a central location, an entry point from which users can engage with information in their desired formats. Additional links, including short-form video via social media and YouTube channels, offer personalized guidance to content of interest. While AAOS’ online learning platform is not changing, AAOS Now’s digital-first model supports ready access to videos and other educational offerings related to topics of interest.

This past summer, The AAOS Bone Beat Orthopaedic Podcast Channel aligned with this greater emphasis in digital content. As with digital versus print articles, the role of audio podcasts in medical learning has changed.

In 2007, 60% of medical trainees believed podcasts had no role in their education. By 2015, a survey of Emergency Medicine trainees revealed 90% placed podcasts among the top three educational resources.

AAOS’ podcasts originated as the Advocacy Bone Beat. As part of the broader multimedia content strategy, the podcast series expanded its scope and changed its name to the AAOS Now podcast, bringing exciting conversations with leaders on clinical issues, research, practice development, as well as advocacy. The new AAOS Now Deputy Editor Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, who first developed the podcast in his role as AAOS Advocacy Council Chair, will bring his talent as the Bone Beat Podcast evolves.

Dr. Lundy has served six years on the AAOS Now Editorial Board, as both an at-large member and liaison from the Advocacy Council. Over the years, his contributions have reflected his expertise in advocacy, policy, and practice management. A past president of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, Dr. Lundy brings clinical expertise as a trauma surgeon, including providing and teaching surgery in developing countries.

Currently, Dr. Lundy holds the position of senior vice president of medical services and chair at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Most of us know a variation of the surgical aphorism “If you are doing the same surgery you did in residency, you are doing the wrong surgery.” We no longer perform open meniscectomies for a tear; we no longer hunt through bound journals in libraries. Just as our professional skills evolve with technical advances, so must the way we acquire knowledge. In the transformation from the library shelf to the pocket screen, we move AAOS Now from a more historical archive into a dynamic, living utility—a resource that meets the orthopaedic professional exactly where they are working today. I look forward to leading this journey for AAOS Now readers. Please reach out to aaosnow@aaos.org with any feedback, including content ideas and article submissions.

Alexandra E. Page, MD, FAAOS, is a foot and ankle specialist in private practice in San Diego, California, and is the editor-in-chief of AAOS Now and chair of the AAOS Now Editorial Board.

References

1. The utilization of podcasts and other free open access medical education resources in vascular surgery. J Vasc Surg. Published online 2024. Accessed January 2026. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949912724000394#:~:text=4,easy-to-listen%20format
2. Scharping M. The Digital Transformation of the Medical Publishing Industry. Freedonia Group. January 23, 2025. Accessed January 2026. www.freedoniagroup.com/blog/the-digital-transformation-of-the-medical-publishing-industry
3. JBJS Clinical Classroom. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. Accessed January 2026. https://clinicalclassroom.jbjs.org/