New York orthopaedic surgeon Michael L. Parks, MD, FAAOS, has been named first vice president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). His appointment marks the second year of a four-year leadership progression during which he will serve as president of AAOS in 2027. He assumed the position of First Vice President after the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

“As I step into this role, my focus remains on advancing our profession to better serve our patients,” said Dr. Parks. “Together with our new president, Dr. Wilford Gibson, I look forward to supporting AAOS as we work to equip our members with the tools and knowledge needed to shape the future of orthopaedic care.”

Dr. Parks brings decades of clinical excellence, leadership and advocacy to the role of first vice president. He has held numerous leadership positions within AAOS, including treasurer, Board of Directors (BOD) member-at-large, and chair of the AAOS Resolutions and Finance Committees.He has also served on the Board of Councilors, Communications Cabinet and Annual Meeting Committee. His leadership was recognized with the AAOS Diversity Award in 2019 and the Achievement Award in 2012.

As first vice president, Dr Parks will continue working closely with the AAOS BOD to advance musculoskeletal health, strengthen surgeon education and promote equitable access to high-quality orthopaedic care.

A nationally recognized specialist in the surgical treatment of arthritis in adults, Dr. Parks is widely respected for his expertise in reconstructive procedures for the hip and knee.

His clinical research focuses on joint replacement surgery and emphasizes reducing health disparities and addressing socio-economic factors affecting healthcare outcomes.

His insights have been featured in leading publications, including New York magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Black Enterprise magazine, and Money magazine.

Dr. Parks also appeared on the NBC-TV TODAY show, where he discussed treatment alternatives for knee arthritis in baby boomers.

Beyond AAOS, Dr. Parks is a past president of the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation and the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

He has served on the BOD of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and remains actively involved in the Movement is Life Caucus, a coalition devoted to decreasing musculoskeletal health disparities.

Dr. Parks graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry and earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where he received the President’s Clinical Science Award.