OrthoPAC Toasts to 20 Years

Kristen Coultas; Stacie Monroe

When the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (OrthoPAC) recognized its 20th birthday on Feb. 6, it had a lot to celebrate. There were significant victories in the past year alone, including finally repealing the Independent Payment Advisory Board and, after five years of tireless advocacy, getting the AAOS-led Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act signed into law.

Academy Issues Two Updated CPGs on PJI and Rotator Cuff Injuries

Terry Stanton; Kaitlyn Sevarino, MBA

The Academy’s Board of Directors met last month during the AAOS 2019 Annual Meeting and approved two completely updated Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs): one on periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and the other on rotator cuff injuries (RCIs). Both CPGs were originally published in 2010, when the available evidence for management of those orthopaedic conditions was relatively limited and the field of evidence-based medicine itself was maturing rapidly.

The Integrity of Scientific Work Relies on Transparency of Financial Conflicts

Gregory A. Brown, MD, PhD; Kevin G. Shea, MD; Kaitlyn S. Sevarino, MBA

In 2007, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) introduced the Physician Payments Sunshine Act to increase transparency of the relationships between physicians and medical product manufacturers. Although initial attempts to pass the bill failed, it was enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. To further promote transparency in medicine, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began reporting physician payments on its Open Payments website in 2013.

AAOS’ RegistryInsights™ Platform Delivers Dashboards

The AAOS Registry Program seeks to improve orthopaedic care through the collection, analysis, and reporting of actionable data contributed by hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and orthopaedic practices across the United States. With the recent introduction of Surgeon Dashboards, the Registry Program has added a quality-improvement resource, available to individual AAOS surgeon members.

It’s Time to Bridge the Gap for Women in Orthopaedics

Kristy L. Weber, MD

I grew up in St. Louis with my brother, participated on the swim team, raised family pets, and played outside more often than inside. I attended public schools through college, and my summers were spent canoeing, backpacking, and developing personal relationships at camps without the distraction of technology. I was a good student and developed a résumé of academic and community activities.

Fifteen Percent of Dartmouth Master in Health Care Delivery Science Program Graduates Are AAOS Fellows

Ken Noonan, MD

When most of us started our orthopaedic journeys decades ago, we focused on the research and science of medicine, which, at the time, translated to hands-on medical and surgical care of patients. Since then, many of us have left the business of healthcare delivery up to hospital and practice administrators, who usually have more conventional business education rather than clinical experience. But times have changed: U.S.

ABOS Opens Web-based Longitudinal Assessment Questions

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) has launched a new Knowledge Assessment option as part of the ABOS Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Instead of sitting for an ABOS computer-based or oral recertification examination, ABOS Diplomates can now complete the assessment via the new Web-based Longitudinal Assessment (ABOS WLA) program.

AAOS Board Focuses on Governance and Strategy

Donna J. Malert, CAE

During the AAOS Board of Directors meeting at the AAOS 2019 Annual Meeting, the Board appointed the chair of the 2020 Nominating Committee. The Board also presented certificates to several retiring members whose terms ended at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, recognizing the efforts of those individuals on behalf of the Academy. Nominating Committee chair and members The Board appointed Past-President Gerald R. Williams Jr, MD, to serve as chair of the 2020 Nominating Committee.

Committed Orthopaedic Surgeons Assume New Roles on the 2019 AAOS Board of Directors

At the conclusion of the AAOS 2019 Annual Meeting, the AAOS Board of Directors had six members transition into new roles. Philadelphia orthopaedic surgeon Kristy L. Weber, MD, became AAOS’ first female president. Her presidency marks the third year of a four-year term of volunteer service; she served as second and first vice-president, respectively, of the Academy for the previous two years.

The Financial, Educational, and Service Impact of Applying and Interviewing for Orthopaedic Fellowships

John P. Lubicky, MD, FAAOS, FAAP, FAOA

Less than 10 percent of graduating orthopaedic surgery residents go directly into general orthopaedic practice. More than 90 percent further their education and gain subspecialty training beyond their five years of residency. Of course, within each of the subspecialties, there are “plum” fellowships that distinguish themselves because of the “big names” on their faculties. Others are desirable for different reasons.

Delivering on Member Value, AAOS Releases 2018 Annual Report

The AAOS 2018 Annual Report, “Delivering on the Promise of Member Value,” was released during the AAOS 2019 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. It is AAOS’ first Annual Report in more than 25 years. In his speech during the meeting’s Your Academy 2019 event, 2018–2019 AAOS President David A. Halsey, MD, encouraged attendees to read the report, which is available at aaos.org/AnnualReport. AAOS is built upon the energy, experience, and commitment of its members.

Take Orthopaedic Knowledge on the Go with the JAAOS Unplugged Podcast

Ryann Hoffenberg

It started with an idea. Andy Jensen, MD, chair of AAOS Resident Assembly, approached a room full of fellow surgeons at the AAOS 2018 Annual Meeting with a problem: There are not many orthopaedic podcasts out there. What if surgeons want something to listen to on their commute, at the gym, or during lunch? With the support of AAOS and the Resident Assembly, JAAOS Unplugged was born. Dr.

How Does Advocacy Benefit AAOS Members?

As an orthopaedic surgeon, you expect the freedom to practice in the best interests of your patients as well as to be fairly compensated for care you provide. That’s why advocacy is essential—to promote relevant diagnostic and treatment procedures, advance reasonable reimbursement policies, and protect against unfair regulatory requirements. AAOS is actively engaged in promoting and protecting the profession for members.

Not Worth It: The Liz Marks Story of Texting and Driving

Elizabeth Hofheinz, MPH, MEd

She wasn’t looking to be on Oprah. She wasn’t looking to be a spokesperson for anything. But those things happened after Liz Marks crashed her car into a tow truck in April 2012. “I was 17 years old,” said Ms. Marks, “and like all of my friends, I thought I was invincible.” But a text message taught her otherwise. While driving in small-town Maryland, Ms. Marks received a two-letter text that would define the remainder of her life. She was going 45 miles per hour at the time.