Resident Assembly and OrthoPAC Create a Culture of Giving Among Residents

Kevin Cronin, MD, Jacob G. Calcei, MD

The AAOS Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (OrthoPAC) had a record-breaking year in 2018, securing $4 million in donations—a 15 percent increase from the previous election cycle. This historic mark resulted in a 90 percent win rate in the House of Representatives and an 86 percent win rate in the Senate for supported candidates. Not to be overlooked are the significant contributions from orthopaedic residents. Like OrthoPAC as a whole, residents contributed in record numbers in 2018.

Kristy L. Weber, MD, Begins Her Term as AAOS President

Terry Stanton

History took center stage at the AAOS 2019 Annual Meeting, as Kristy L. Weber, MD, stepped onto the Your Academy 2019 stage and took office as the Academy’s 87th president. Dr. Weber is the first woman to serve in the top leadership role for AAOS. In her speech, Dr.

Coding Experts Weigh in on the Value of Code-X

Cheryl Toth, MBA

If you are looking for an electronic tool that makes code selection easier and gives your practice powerful data for reducing denials, strengthening appeals, and validating plan payments, the Academy’s Code-X software tool is a good choice.

Key Informant Panels Allow for More Content Experts on AAOS CPGs

Kaitlyn Sevarino, MBA

Throughout the history of the AAOS clinical practice guideline (CPG) program, the Academy has received consistent feedback that guidelines need clinical experts, but clinical experts often have conflicts of interest (COI). The Committee on Evidence-based Quality and Value (EBQV) has long agreed with this statement but is charged with balancing the state of medicine with the rigorous methods of the CPG program.

AAOS Registry Analytics Institute Now Accepting Applications for Registry Science

The AAOS Registry Program collects data within multiple orthopaedic anatomic registries, thereby creating the exciting potential for analytic insights that improve patient outcomes. In February, AAOS launched the AAOS Registry Analytics Institute, bringing that potential closer to reality for many clinicians. The Institute provides clinicians and clinician-scientists the opportunity to submit proposals for analytic insights that are contained within the registries of the AAOS Registry Program.

Redesigned Clinical Quality and Value Website Links Related Content to Improve Reader Experience

Barbara Krause

Do you find that searching for specific information on a website can be like looking for the needle in the haystack? The AAOS Department of Clinical Quality and Value (CQV) felt that way about its own website. The department fully understood members’ frustrations when they searched for useful information, so the staff made plans for change. The CQV started the project with big ideas.

New First Vice-President Joseph A. Bosco III, MD, Speaks of an Empowering Academy

Terry Stanton

During an address at Your Academy 2019 at the AAOS 2019 Annual Meeting, Academy First Vice-President Joseph A. Bosco III, MD, emphasized the central role AAOS plays in enabling and empowering orthopaedic surgeons to provide high-quality, high-value care to patients. “Our Academy, through its educational, advocacy, and research activities, provides each of us the skills required and environment necessary to provide the highest-quality and compassionate care for our patients,” Dr. Bosco said.

Immediate Past President David A. Halsey, MD, and Board of Directors Challenged the Status Quo

Terry Stanton

At the Your Academy 2019 event during the AAOS 2019 Annual Meeting, David A. Halsey, MD, addressed the audience with the question he posed at the beginning of each Board meeting over which he presided: “Will the decisions we are about to make improve the professional practice environment for our individual members?”

Growing International Medical Tourism Affects U.S. Healthcare System and Patients

Eeric Truumees, MD

Editor’s note: This editorial is the first in a two-part series. The second part will be featured in the July issue of AAOS Now and focus on domestic medical tourism. The number of Americans traveling for elective orthopaedic surgery is growing. Although the number of those seeking care abroad remains relatively small, the rate of domestic medical tourism is rapidly rising.

Dear Future Orthopaedic Intern

Emma Dwyer, BS

I have dreamt about this day countless times. It is 11 a.m. My classmates’ hearts pound in unison, similar to a tribal drumline preparing for battle. “Emma Patricia Dwyer,” the dean proclaims. The pounding of my heartbeat fills my ears. My sister nudges me to rise. As I make my way down the aisle, my eyes lock on the bright white envelope at the end of my path. Such a seemingly trivial object holds the key to my future as an orthopaedic surgeon.

Roundtable Discussion: A Diverse Group of Residents Debate Various Fellowship Application Strategies

Lisa K. Cannada, MD

Applying for fellowship is reminiscent of applying for residency. Most graduating orthopaedic residents complete one or two fellowships. With the exception of hand surgery, all orthopaedic fellowships participated in the inaugural single Match Day on April 30. Hand surgery uses National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), whereas the other specialties use San Francisco Match (SF Match). Residents have many resources at their fingertips—or so we think.

OVT Plus Abstract Submission Is Now Open

Submit a video through July 15 During the AAOS 2019 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, 17 OVT Plus videos were featured in the Orthopaedic Video Theater (OVT)—10 won awards, and seven received honorable mention distinction. This honor is paid each year to only a few who are identified by their peers as having a program that is exceptional in quality and content. The call for abstracts is now open, and you can submit a video for consideration in the OVT Plus collection through July 15.

In Memoriam

Steven W. Avon, MD Feb. 9, 2019 Danville, Calif. Kent H. Chou, MD Sept. 9, 2018 Litchfield Park, Ariz. J. Robin de Andrade, MD Jan. 15, 2019 Atlanta Robert S. Furman, MD April 29, 2018 Camden, Maine Jan M. Gorzny, MD Dec. 29, 2018 Dickson, Tenn. Michael R. Henderson, MD June 19, 2018 Spartanburg, S.C. David S. Hungerford, MD March 2, 2019 Cockeysville, Md. K.B. Lo, MD July 19, 2018 Oldenzaal, the Netherlands Fred A. Meal, MD March 2, 2018 Inverness, Ill.

In an Effort to Cut Costs, Domestic Medical Tourism Has Taken Off

Eeric Truumees, MD

This editorial concludes a two-part series on medical tourism. The first editorial appeared in the May issue of AAOS Now. Visit www.aaos.org/aaosnow to read more. Medical tourism refers to patient travel specifically for medical wellness services. Part one of this editorial discussed the issue of patients traveling abroad for orthopaedic and other healthcare services. Primary drivers for such trips include costs and access to care.