#MovingForward: Learn More about Proposed AAOS Governance Changes

AAOS is at a pivotal moment. With proposed governance changes on the horizon, we have the opportunity to modernize leadership and ensure a stronger future for our profession. During the Open Hearings and Business Meetings held at the Annual Meeting where the proposed changes were presented to the Fellowship, no comments or concerns were raised.

Why these changes matter
These proposed changes were developed over a 2-year period by two versions of the AAOS BoD, with input from many AAOS Fellows, and they have been approved by both the AAOS Board of Specialty Societies and Board of Councilors. These changes will update our bylaws to be more current—allowing for a more effective organization focusing on active orthopaedic surgeons—and support the AAOS 2024-2028 Strategic Plan’s focus on modernizing governance to create an adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable organization.

Governance refers to how AAOS functions through the BoD, councils, and committees. To navigate today’s evolving healthcare landscape—shaped by changing employment models, government regulations, and shifts in care delivery—our governance structure must evolve. In this dynamic environment, governance changes are necessary to break down barriers to thoughtful leadership and efficiency; streamline roles and responsibilities; and provide the Board with a more flexible, rapid, and agile decision-making process. These proposed changes will:

• enable a well-informed and high-performing BoD that has the most complete information to support our mission.
• create an agile, responsive, and efficient volunteer leadership structure that serves our members and the musculoskeletal community to provide the highest quality of care.
• help AAOS remain the voice for all orthopaedic surgeons.

After extensive discussion and analysis, we are proposing four major governance changes.

What will change?
The Modernizing Governance table features a summary of the key proposed changes. Full details are available at aaos.org/governancechange.

How will these changes benefit AAOS?
A modernized governance structure will create a more agile, collaborative, and efficient leadership system that reflects the needs of the musculoskeletal community. Key benefits include:

• faster decision making, eliminating unnecessary procedural barriers
• a stronger BoD, selected based on expertise and strategic needs, not popularity
• greater engagement, ensuring that only Active Fellows who are currently practicing drive key decisions

These changes also will optimize the nominations process, making it more strategic and reducing inefficiencies. The new structure will ensure that leadership selection is based on qualifications, not political influence. It will reduce the influence of any one person by limiting the ability to be elected to the nominating committee to only one term.

Designating key committees as Board committees will provide protections for the organization, as only these committees have fiduciary responsibilities to the organization.

Addressing concerns
Some concerns have been raised regarding the removal of voting rights for Emeritus Fellows. Although Emeritus Fellows will no longer vote on governance matters, their expertise remains valuable, and they will continue to have avenues to share insights and perspectives. The intent is to ensure that decision making is driven by those who are actively practicing and engaged with the current realities of the field. We are currently one of few orthopaedic organizations that allow Emeritus Fellows to vote, and changing this will help the organization focus on the needs of our Active Fellows while allowing Emeritus Fellows to contribute.

What is next? How can you get involved?
Change is essential for AAOS to remain effective in today’s evolving healthcare environment. The BoD has spent countless hours reviewing expert opinions, consulting veteran leaders, and benchmarking against other professional associations.

Now, it is your turn to help us build the future. You can participate by voting in favor of the proposed changes.

Within 60 days after the end of the Annual Meeting, all eligible Fellows will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed bylaws amendments. At least 10 percent of the Fellowship must vote, and a two-thirds majority is required for approval.

Stay informed by visiting aaos.org/governancechange.

Paul Tornetta III, MD, PhD, FAAOS, is the 2024Ð2025 AAOS past president and director of orthopaedic trauma at Boston Medical Center. He is professor and chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine of Boston University.