How well does AAOS meet member needs for advocacy, professional education, networking, practice support, and more? Every year, AAOS’ Membership Council seeks to discover what keeps membership strong through the Member Value and Satisfaction Survey (MVAS). This year’s survey, open Sept. 2 through Oct. 2, will capture feedback that will drive organizational changes to better serve members and provide value.

In 2025, nearly 4,000 members shared their views with AAOS. Findings revealed they appreciate the prestige and credibility that come with AAOS membership as well as networking opportunities and the chance to make a difference by volunteering. Members trust the clinical guidance and support AAOS provides, expressing strong confidence in resources that help them build their surgical practice.

“Each survey offers important insights into the priorities and evolving needs of our AAOS members,” said Valerae O. Lewis, MD, FAAOS, chair of the Membership Council. “The opinions shared through the survey, paired with member renewal rates, give a clear picture of what members appreciate Ñ and what they need more of in the future.”

How member views inform new programs and services
Survey input helps AAOS leaders offer new programs with unique value for members. “Making the full catalog of Instructional Course Lectures (ICLs) at our Annual Meeting available at no additional cost to attendees is one example of how we listened to our members and responded to their feedback,” Dr. Lewis said.

Planning is already underway for AAOS 2027 in Las Vegas, she added. “In Vegas, members will enjoy an experience shaped around their preferences and needs. For example, the meeting will now begin on Wednesday, which helps them balance clinical schedules while still enjoying the full-on learning and networking experience we provide.”

More programs that members favor
Fifth-year residents and Fellowship members find value in the Launchpad program, an initiative that pairs them with an early-career Active Fellow mentor, Dr. Lewis said. The program offers milestone-based resources along with mentor support to ease the transition from residency into practice. Active AAOS Fellows have expressed the need for more practice management tools, making this a key priority for 2026 and beyond.

All members will benefit from the new AAOS Virtual Assistant, now available on aaos.org. This digital resource can answer member questions, share member invoices via email, and create tickets with the AAOS service center for more detailed requests.

How can AAOS better serve members?
AAOS leaders rely on members’ views to guide future improvements. A streamlined survey platform will make it easier than ever to answer the five MVAS questions that provide insights into what members value and need. “We hope that members will visit the platform this September to share their views,” Dr. Lewis said.

Betsey O’Brien is a freelance writer for AAOS Now.