Delivering orthopaedic education — when and where it matters most

At a Glance

• Robert Orfaly, MD, MBA, FAAOS, FRCSC, aims to deliver orthopaedic education where and when members need it most.
• AAOS Access Plus will provide on-demand access to more than 200 educational products through a single subscription model.
• Ongoing improvements to ROCK and planning for AAOS 2027 reflect AAOS’ focus on accessible, trusted, and high-quality education.

Estimated read time: 4 minutes

As Robert Orfaly, MD, MBA, FAAOS, FRCSC, steps into his new role as chair of the AAOS Education Council, the immediate past editor-in-chief of AAOS Now remains focused on ensuring high-quality orthopaedic knowledge reaches members in ways that are timely, accessible, and relevant to their clinical needs. “I think the commonality between both [roles] is really delivering information to our members and delivering it in the way that they most prefer — consuming it where they want it, when they want it,” he said during a conversation with Shafic Sraj, MD, MBA, FAAOS, an AAOS Now Editorial Board member.

A seamless transition in service to members
Although stepping into a new leadership role often comes with a shift in priorities, Dr. Orfaly framed his transition as a continuation of the same core mission. “The type of information is a little different,” he explained, “but I think that message and that deliverable remain the same.”As editor-in-chief of AAOS Now, Dr. Orfaly was deeply engaged in delivering curated, high-quality news and insights to AAOS members. In his current role as chair of the Education Council, his focus expands to include a wide range of educational products and platforms. Yet, the underlying goal — meeting members where they are and providing trusted information — remains unchanged.

Building on a strong foundation
Dr. Orfaly emphasized that his work builds upon the efforts of those who preceded him. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of prior leaders and teams who have shaped the Education Council’s offerings. “As always, [we’re] standing on the shoulders of giants,” he said, pointing to the “fantastic team” that has advanced educational initiatives over the past several years. This sense of continuity and collaboration informs his approach to innovation. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Dr. Orfaly aims to enhance and expand existing educational frameworks while introducing new tools to better serve members.

Introducing AAOS Access Plus
Dr. Orfaly is especially excited to launch AAOS Access Plus, a new subscription-based model designed to streamline how members engage with educational content. Calling it a “great new product,” Dr. Orfaly explained Access Plus offers an annual subscription that provides on-demand access to more than 200 online learning products from AAOS. Dr. Orfaly illustrated a common scenario: a physician who encounters a challenging case and needs to consult the latest information. In the past, accessing such resources might have required additional time or expense. With Access Plus, that barrier is removed, enabling real-time learning and decision support. The platform also supports professional development and certification. Members preparing for board exams or recertification can access a range of materials, including:

• online videos covering techniques from basic to advanced;
• self-assessment examinations; and
• continuing medical education (CME) opportunities.

These resources are designed to align with exam content and help members focus their preparation effectively.

---
Related Content

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons appoints Robert M. Orfaly, MD, MBA, FAAOS, as Education Council chair

---

Trust in an era of information overload
As Dr. Sraj noted during the discussion, today’s clinicians operate in an environment saturated with information. In such a landscape, the credibility of educational resources becomes paramount. Dr. Orfaly underscored AAOS’ commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and trust. “The member can always be assured that [AAOS] is going to focus on quality, trusted information that is peer reviewed by the same people you know and trust,” he said.

Enhancing resident education through ROCK
In addition to new initiatives, Dr. Orfaly highlighted ongoing efforts to refine existing products, particularly the Resident Orthopaedic Core Knowledge (ROCK) program. ROCK is already described as “the most widely used resident education online product,” he said, and AAOS is committed to improving it further. Over the next one to two years, members can expect continuous re-evaluation and refinement of both the educational modules and the associated self-assessment questions. These updates are intended to enhance the learning experience and ensure the content remains current and effective. For residents, this ongoing evolution represents a commitment to excellence in training. For the broader orthopaedic community, it reinforces the role AAOS plays in supporting the next generation of surgeons.

Looking ahead to AAOS 2027
Another key responsibility for Dr. Orfaly is overseeing the educational content for future AAOS Annual Meetings, including the 2027 meeting in Las Vegas. Dr. Orfaly encouraged members to begin preparing early, emphasizing that the meeting will continue the AAOS tradition of delivering high-quality content and meaningful engagement.

Attendees can expect:

• presentations from leading experts in the field;
• continued integration of technology and innovation; and
• opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Dr. Orfaly noted that the educational experience extends beyond formal sessions. The informal interactions — conversations with colleagues, shared experiences, and collaborative learning — are equally valuable.

A unified vision for education
Across all these initiatives, a unifying theme emerges: accessibility. Whether through Access Plus, ROCK, or the Annual Meeting, the goal is to make high-quality orthopaedic education readily available when and where it is needed. For Dr. Orfaly, this is not just a logistical challenge but a strategic imperative. By aligning educational delivery with the needs and preferences of members, AAOS can ensure that its resources remain relevant and impactful. This approach reflects a broader shift in medical education toward flexibility, personalization, and immediacy.

Theresa Witham is managing editor of AAOS Now.

Expanding access to orthopaedic education

Explore how AAOS 2027 is expanding access to orthopaedic education — through opportunities to share your expertise, learn on demand, and connect in person:

OrthoDome video submissions are due Aug. 31. Highlight innovative techniques and present your work in a dynamic, specialty-focused format. Enter your video submission.

Plan ahead for AAOS 2027, March 3-6. Official hotels offer exclusive rates, flexible booking, and convenient access to the Venetian Convention & Expo Center. Availability is limited, so reserve early. Book your official housing.