AAOS Committee(s) or Council(s) you currently volunteer with:
AAOS Council on Education, Hand and Wrist Content Committee
Why did you choose orthopaedics as your specialty?
Orthopaedic surgery is the best specialty! We have the privilege of caring for patients at their most vulnerable and at the junction of improving quality of life and function; when they have a potentially life and function altering injury or condition; when they find they are unable to participate or hindered in occupation, avocation or activities of daily living; to relieve pain; to improve function; or when they need reconstructive surgery to address degenerative or developmental conditions. We address pain, function, and quality of life with operative and nonoperative care. As a hand surgeon, I have the privilege of treating patients with nerve, tendon, skin and soft tissue, bony or joint pathology, and patients with developmental, acquired, degenerative, and traumatic conditions, in all age groups. Our specialty makes a measurable difference in the life - and quality of life- of our patients.
Why do you volunteer with AAOS?
AAOS provides opportunities to unite orthopaedic surgeons, regardless of subspecialty, location, and practice type to promote a shared vision for the good of our patients and the public, our profession and members, and the future of our specialty. AAOS advocacy efforts influence legislation to improve patient care, patient safety and access to orthopedic care. AAOS education efforts provide a source of peer reviewed and evidence based lifelong learning for our members.
What advice would you give an AAOS member who is considering applying for an open volunteer position?
Apply to open volunteer positions that interest you - some positions will have multiple applications for a single spot, so it is important to not become discouraged if you are passed over for a given position, and to apply for positions as they become available. AAOS rotates volunteers so new opportunities are always becoming available.