Serving ‘wounded warriors’

Peter Pollack

When Steven J. Morgan, MD, landed in Frankfurt, Germany, on July 22, 2007, he wasn’t really sure what to expect. As the first orthopaedic surgeon in the Landstuhl Visiting Scholars Program—a joint initiative between AAOS and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA), Dr. Morgan was committed to serve the “wounded warriors” who arrived daily from Iraq. “I thought it was a tremendous opportunity to serve my country,” says Dr. Morgan, who practices in Denver. “That’s why I did it.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

S. Terry Canale, MD

S. Terry Canale, MD That’s the case with this issue of AAOS Now. One of the big stories in this issue is the discussion of the Standards of Professionalism (SOPs) on Orthopaedist-Industry Conflicts of Interest. Whether or not you want to read this story, you really need to read it. The SOPs on Orthopaedist-Industry Conflicts of Interest were voted on and passed by the membership in 2007, but won’t be enforced until Jan. 1, 2008.

AAOS seeks nominations for MORE Awards

Have you come across any outstanding orthopaedic-related stories in the media lately? If so, why not nominate it for the 2008 Media Orthopaedic Reporting Excellence (MORE) Awards? The MORE Awards recognize and honor efforts by journalists that further the public’s understanding of musculoskeletal health issues and encourage healthy behaviors in the care of bones, joints, and muscles.

IN MEMORIAM

Joseph A. Drazek, MD April 1, 2006 Sun City West, Ariz. Jeffrey W. Tamborlane, MD Aug. 9, 2007 Waialua, Hawaii Daniel V. Girzadas, MD Aug. 23, 2007 Palos Heights, Ill. Larry E. Mahon, MD Unknown Jonesboro, Ark. Clarence Edward Lowery, MD Aug. 10, 2007 Yorba Linda, Calif. A. Lee Gordon III, MD Aug. 16, 2007 Fort Collins, Colo. George W. Ousler Jr, MD unknown Haverhill, Mass. James C. Callaway, MD May 29, 2007 El Dorado, Ark. Robert M. Jennings Jr.

Legal training available for orthopaedic societies

Are you a volunteer leader at the local, state, regional, or national subspecialty society level? Do you ever wonder whether you are risking your organization’s future when you sign a contract? Are you concerned about disciplining an employee? Do you get uneasy whenever you hear about the latest antitrust lawsuit in the health industry? Do you worry about someone copying information from your Web page? If you have ever pondered these questions, help is not far away.

New SOPs guide relationships with industry: practices are changing

The Academy’s newly adopted Standards of Professionalism (SOPs) on Orthopaedist-Industry Conflicts of Interest become enforceable on January 1, 2008. Recognizing that orthopaedic surgeons and industry must work together in a strong, collaborative relationship that supports improvements in patient care, the SOPs delineate clear ethical and legal parameters for both parties. The Orthopaedic Knowledge Online “Relationships with Industry” Web site (www.aaos.

Don’t miss the 9th build!

On March 4, 2008, the Academy will host its 9th safe, accessible playground build at Balboa Park in San Francisco. At the Nov. 10, 2007, Design Day, children and their parents will help design a dream playground. Using crayons and markers, children will draw the equipment they hope to see—from slides and swings to teeter-totters and even chocolate swimming pools. At Design Day, community members can see and choose the actual playground equipment as well as its colors.

JCI revises international accreditation standards for hospitals

Joint Commission International (JCI) has released updated international accreditation standards for hospitals. The standards will be the basis of JCI’s on-site hospital accreditation survey, beginning January 1, 2008. The revised standards maintain JCI’s focus on providing a framework for hospitals around the world to use to deliver, safe, high-quality care.

Orthopaedic art with ties to fashion

Peter Pollack

Orthopaedic surgeon turns medical images into artistic clothing accessories Ask Jonathan D. Main, MD, about how he became interested in his avocation, and the first name he’ll mention is Jerry Garcia. But Dr. Main doesn’t tour the United States fronting a psychedelic rock band; he designs neck ties, just as the late Grateful Dead guitarist did. “I’ve always liked ties,” he explains. “During the Jerry Garcia tie craze about 10 years ago, I bought a lot of them.

Bionic bodies, ‘Boomeritis,’ backpacks, and bloggers

Nicholas DiNubile, MD

Musculoskeletal issues—and the AAOS—are featured in the news Technology makes news—and orthopaedic technology is making news across the country. Newsweek magazine’s report on bionic bodies focused on the new materials and high-tech procedures that are driving a surge in hip, knee, and ankle replacements. The article featured AAOS Second Vice-President Joseph Zuckerman, MD, as well as AAOS fellow Claude T. Moorman, MD, and was picked up by MSNBC.com and several more publications.

It’s time to make time for cultural competency

Jennie McKee

Media tour promotes the importance of culturally competent care How sensitive are you to cultural differences? For example, if you were meeting an elderly Asian-American woman for the first time, what would you do? If you entered the exam room and found her with her husband and adult son, who would you talk to? When you begin to examine her, you find circular bruises on her legs. What do you do next?

Pack your bags…we’re going to Bhutan!

Peter Pollack

Orthopaedists make HVO a family experience An assignment with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) can be a fantastic experience for any physician, but spending several weeks or a month apart from one’s family in a remote region of the globe can also be a daunting prospect. The alternative is bringing your spouse and children along.

Don’t let these myths keep you from an adventure

Germaine R. Fritz, DO

Debunking the top 8 myths about volunteering abroad Perhaps the greatest obstacle to recruiting overseas volunteers is overcoming the many myths that surround the assignment. Too often, these myths prevent doctors from actually investigating opportunities to travel abroad, make a contribution to global health, and have a wonderful adventure all at the same time.

Iraq: A week ‘in theater’

Peter Pollack

Living in a bunker, treating civilians While arranging the Landstuhl Visiting Scholars Program, Richard F. Kyle, MD, and Andrew N. Pollak, MD, were granted a rare opportunity to spend a week working at the hospital at the Balad Airbase in northern Iraq. They hoped to determine whether “down range” medical facilities might benefit from a similar program. “It was the experience of a lifetime,” says Dr. Pollak. “[The surgeons at Balad] were tremendously welcoming.

Update your skills and knowledge with AAOS products

The Academy is committed to becoming the most authoritative source of musculoskeletal knowledge. When you order products from AAOS, you can be assured that the information is unbiased, current, and relevant to your practice. Check out these new offerings!

Donation honors Dr. Beaty

A $1 million donation by Robert and Janice Compton created the Dr. James H. Beaty Research Fund at the InMotion Musculoskeletal Institute in Memphis, Tenn. The fund will finance the purchase of advanced scientific equipment and support pioneering medical research at InMotion. The gift honors AAOS President James H. Beaty, MD, who is currently Chief of Staff at the Campbell Clinic and a founding member of the InMotion Board of Directors.