The Power of Our Pillar: The Value of Advocacy for Our Profession and Patients

Wilford K. Gibson, MD; Stacie Monroe

Have you noticed that in the AAOS logo the “O” has three arrows? They represent the pillars of our organization: research, education, and advocacy. Advocacy ranks highly among our members as one of the most valued membership services. Whether you are in academia, an employed physician, or in private practice, we are advancing your issues. Although orthopaedics is comprehensive, with 24 subspecialties in all, the AAOS Office of Government Relations (OGR) advocates for the entire field.

Second Look—Advocacy

A study from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University in Virginia found that Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) “Medicare for All” healthcare plan would cost $32.6 trillion over 10 years (2022–2031), according to a report from The Associated Press. The plan is projected to provide significant savings on administration and drug costs (projected $846 billion over 10 years), but increased demand for care would drive up spending and require historic tax increases.