The AAOS OGR and a host of volunteer leaders are excited to introduce residents to orthopaedic advocacy

Attending the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting as an orthopaedic resident means endless opportunities to learn, explore, and make connections. As you kick off your career, don’t miss your opportunity to advocate on behalf of your profession with the AAOS Office of Government Relations (OGR). No matter your stage in your career, your voice matters and can help make a difference for both care teams and patients.

Meet with advocacy leaders
Take the first step in becoming an orthopaedics advocate by visiting the OrthoPAC booth in OrthoLive. OGR healthcare policy experts and AAOS advocacy leaders will be at the booth to discuss today’s top legislative and regulatory issues and how AAOS is working with members to enact change. The booth will be open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Ortholive.

This year, AAOS will also host a Resident Assembly Advocacy Forum. All resident attendees are invited to learn more from AAOS Advocacy Council Chair, Joel Mayerson, MD, FAAOS, FAOA, and OrthoPAC Executive Committee Chair, Wayne Johnson, MD, FAAOS, FACS. The advocacy update will be followed by small group discussions with AAOS advocacy leaders. The forum will take place on Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. in room R04. 

Explore opportunities with OrthoPAC
Orthopaedic advocacy takes many forms on Capitol Hill. One of healthcare’s strongest proponents in Congress is the Physicians Caucus, comprised of healthcare professionals from across the country. This year, we’re excited to welcome former congressman and leader of the Physicians Caucus, Michael C. Burgess, MD. All 2026 OrthoPAC resident donors are invited to join Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 in room 343-345 for insights from Congressman Burgess and an inside look at the policies impacting musculoskeletal care. 

OrthoPAC will also host its annual reception on Tuesday at 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Rosie’s On the Roof (1000 Magazine Street) for resident donors, along with Capitol Club, Diamond Club, and Max-Out donors. This is a unique opportunity for residents to network with AAOS leaders and for current and veteran advocacy leaders to engage with the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons. Board of Councilors, Board of Specialty Societies, and AAOS leadership at the OrthoPAC Capitol Club level will also be in attendance. 

Residents who have not yet contributed to OrthoPAC can also donate at the OrthoPAC booth or at the reception door to enter!

Keep the momentum going
The AAOS Annual Meeting is just one of many opportunities to advocate for orthopaedic surgeons throughout the year. Residents are invited to visit the AAOS Advocacy Action Center online (aaos.quorum.us) for a complete list of policy priorities and ways to contact your legislators about the issues impacting care. We’ve redesigned the Action Center to make taking action easier than ever before. In just a few minutes, you can send a pre-written letter or social post to your legislator about prior authorization, physician payment reform, and more.