Published 3/12/2025
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Specialty Day program, held on Friday during the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting, will feature the annual Kennedy Lecture, which is traditionally named by the current AOSSM president and recognizes exemplary contributions in sports medicine. This year’s presenter is none other than Charles Bush-Joseph, MD, FAAOS. His lecture, “The Sports Medicine Practice and Its Evolution in Today’s Consolidating Environment,” will shed light on the evolving changes continuing to take place in sports medicine, including employment, patient acquisition, and compensation, as well as how today’s surgeon can address them.
Dr. Bush-Joseph is an AOSSM past president and co-founder of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, the top-ranked practice in the Chicagoland area. Specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopy, Dr. Bush-Joseph has more than 4 decades of experience providing expert and compassionate care to his patients. His noteworthy involvement as team physician for the Chicago White Sox (Major League Baseball, MLB) and associate team physician for the Chicago Bulls (National Basketball Association, NBA) demonstrate that he knows a thing or two about the care of professional athletes. In addition to his past presidency of AOSSM, his leadership roles include serving as president of the MLB Team Physician Association and other national orthopaedic societies. He has authored more than 100 published manuscripts and book chapters. Based on his vast achievements, it is no wonder Dr. Bush-Joseph is a 2024 recipient of the AOSSM Hall of Fame Award; induction is one of the highest honors given to a society member for achievements in sports medicine.
Although the practice of sports medicine dates back more than 50 years, developing advancements, consolidation trends in healthcare, and the athlete’s evolving needs have reshaped the field in unprecedented ways. Dr. Bush-Joseph’s lecture will delve into the challenges and opportunities faced by sports medicine professionals. Topics will include navigating healthcare consolidation, strategies for maintaining patient-centered care in larger systems, and innovative approaches to sustaining physician autonomy while optimizing outcomes.
Dr. Bush-Joseph will undoubtedly bring unparalleled insights to the conversation, drawing from his decades of leadership, clinical experience, and experience working with elite athletes. His ability to merge practical knowledge with a visionary outlook on the future of sports medicine ensures an inspiring and thought-provoking session.
“It is an honor and a privilege to deliver this year’s Kennedy Lecture,” Dr. Bush-Joseph shared. “My years in practice have taught me so much, and I’m excited to discuss the evolving changes in our field—an important topic for everyone.”
The 2025 AOSSM/AOFAS Specialty Day program offers a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with this critical dialogue, connect with peers, and gain actionable insights to apply to their own practices. Whether you are an experienced surgeon or early-career professional, this event will ensure you have the strategies needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
There is still time to register for this must-attend program! You do not want to miss your opportunity to learn from Dr. Bush-Joseph and join the conversation about the future of sports medicine. Visit sportsmed.org/specialtyday to register today and secure your spot.