Each year, the AAOS invites members to “Be Heard” by participating in the annual AAOS Member Value and Satisfaction Survey. Your feedback plays a vital role in helping us better understand your needs and shape the services, resources, and tools we provide. Simply put, your perspective helps us build a stronger, more valuable membership experience for you.

In 2025, 3,869 of you (a 12% response rate) completed the six-question survey. This year introduced a new question on indispensability, along with added measures of importance and satisfaction across specific benefits and services. These insights informed a key driver analysis, offering a deeper understanding of what matters most to our members.

We promised to share and openly respond to the survey’s findings. Here is what you told us:

“Please continue to provide valuable CME opportunities such as OVT.”

– Active Fellow Member

“I’m an Emeritus member. I have absolutely no complaints and feel respected when I contact the Academy.”

– Emeritus Member

“This is my 42nd year in practice. I was accepted into the AAOS in 1986. I have been very proud to be a member all these years. I just recertified in orthopaedic surgery through our ABOS last July at the Palmer House in Chicago. My fourth recertification. It is an honor to be a member of our Academy. I will never take that for granted.”

– Emeritus Member

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The AAOS performs adequately (3 out of 5 members are satisfied) on providing up-to-date information, continuing education programs, and peer-reviewed publications.

“The Annual Meeting is probably one of the biggest draws to this organization.” – Candidate Member
“For International members, education is the key.” – International Member
"Helps with tracking CME for ABOS, some great online courses." – Active Fellow Member

PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION

Within all benefits and services, the AAOS over-performs versus their stated importance on:

Prestige/credibility
Networking
Volunteering

“I don't like zoom call/online learning. I prefer to travel to a place and learn with others where I can interact with teachers/moderators and colleagues on a personal basis.” – Active Fellow Member
“During the time I was in practice, I feel that the AAOS was a well-functioning organization for our profession.” – Emeritus Member
“I use the Annual Meeting to stay up-to-date. I particularly enjoy/value the last day ‘Best Of’ the meeting summary meeting.” – Emeritus Member

CLINICAL GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT

Many of you expressed satisfaction with the clinical guidance and support provided, reflecting strong confidence in the resources available to inform your practice.

"Continue aggressive advocacy for federal research support!" – Emeritus Member
"The CPGs are soooo important and I push them on my residents. Also need to keep the Educators Course going for faculty.” - Active Fellow Member”
“I see ortho patients as a volunteer in a clinic for underserved patients and use the patient education materials published by AAOS which are excellent.” - Emeritus Member

We Heard You

We heard your feedback and suggestions, which helped guide our plans for improvements. Here is what is in the works since you responded to the 2025 survey:

Survey At-a-Glance

Click the image to view it in detail.

AAOS Member Resources at Your Fingertips

You can stay at the top of your game by using the AAOS Membership App to quickly access resources, connect with colleagues across the globe, and more!