Your Academy is the defining event of AAOS 2026

The AAOS Annual Meeting is more than a gathering. It reflects the collective expertise, innovation, and leadership of our orthopaedic community. At the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting, that spirit will take center stage at Your Academy, a signature event celebrating the people who power the Academy and shape the future of musculoskeletal care.

Your Academy allows members to connect more deeply with AAOS leadership, learn about key initiatives, and discover new ways to get involved. Whether you are an early-career surgeon, a seasoned volunteer leader or somewhere in between, this event is designed with you in mind. It is an opportunity to see how your voice, expertise and engagement help drive the Academy’s mission forward.

During the program, attendees will hear from AAOS President Annunziato “Ned” Amendola, MD, FAAOS and incoming AAOS President Wilford K. Gibson, MD, FACS, FAAOS, FAOA on strategic priorities, advocacy efforts, and education initiatives that are advancing orthopaedic surgery and improving patient care worldwide. Their remarks will share how volunteer leadership impacts the momentum of AAOS, and how professional collaboration enriches the culture of the orthopaedic profession. Your Academy also provides insight into volunteer pathways, committee service, and leadership development opportunities, highlighting the many ways members can make a meaningful impact.

In addition to leadership updates, the event welcomes industry partners and recognizes Specialty Society and International Orthopaedic Society presidents, including the official 2026 Guest Nation, the Dominican Republic. The program also honors distinguished members of the Academy with awards for research, innovation, and more. Groundbreaking contributions to musculoskeletal science will be recognized through the presentation of the Orthopaedic Research Excellence Awards. These prestigious honors recognize individuals and teams whose work exemplifies scientific rigor, innovation and clinical relevance across the research continuum/.

As the orthopaedic landscape continues to evolve, member engagement has never been more important. From navigating regulatory changes to advancing evidence-based care and expanding educational offerings, the Academy’s work is powered by dedicated volunteers and informed by the perspectives of its members. Your Academy shines a spotlight on that partnership and invites every attendee to be part of it.

Make plans to attend Your Academy today, Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the La Nouvelle Ballroom and experience how AAOS is working for you and because of you.