It’s a whole new game

Two days before the national midterm elections, I sat in the audience at the Fall Meeting of the Board of Councilors (BOC) and Board of Specialty Societies (BOS) and listened to members of the AAOS office of government relations, Council on Advocacy, and BOC leadership make some predictions. The session, moderated by BOC Chair-Elect David Teuscher, MD, was titled “AAOS and Healthcare Reform: Hit the Reset Button.” John J. Callaghan, MD John T.

Enhancing the image of orthopaedic surgeons

Michael F. Schafer, MD

One project at a time How do you create a positive image of your orthopaedic practice in your community? Do you help sponsor a sports team? Participate in community events? Conduct a local playground build, modeled on the annual AAOS builds? Write the occasional “injury prevention tips” column for the local paper or appear on a local radio or television show? All of these projects help foster a positive image of orthopaedic surgeons on a local level and make an incredible difference.

Industry news...

FDA clearances The following devices have recently received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The VisuALIF (A) from SpineSmith Partners is a two-piece, stand-alone device indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the lumbar spine. The device is available in a range of product sizes and configurations. For more information, visit www.spinesmithusa.

Are you a physician champion for quality?

Toya M. Sledd, MPH, MBA

AAOS wants to know you! The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act created numerous workgroups, panels, and committees focused on improving the quality of health care. That presents an excellent opportunity for orthopaedic surgeons to take “a seat at the table” and help to shape quality initiatives in the coming years. Increasingly, the AAOS is being asked to recommend orthopaedic surgeons to serve on these quality improvement boards.

Readers offer alternatives, share experiences

I was interested in the article about the broken liability system and alternatives (“Transforming the medical liability system,” AAOS Now, September 2010). I believe compensation should not always be linked to medical errors or negligence, but should also be available for medical mishaps or what I would call maloccurrences.

Treasurer’s Report: 2009–2011

Frederick M. Azar, MD

The bylaws of the AAOS direct the Finance Committee to “manage, supervise and control the financial affairs” of the organization. As treasurer, I serve as chair of the committee; Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD, immediate past president, and Daniel J. Berry, MD, first vice president, are also members of the committee. Other participants in Finance Committee meetings include John J. Callaghan, MD, president; John R. Tongue, MD, second vice president; Karen L.

A sneak-peak at the AAOS 2011 webinars

Natalie K. Vakhovsky

Saving you time and travel in 2011 Taking time away from your practice to attend a course or a lecture is not always feasible. Instead, spend a few hours online—at home or at the office—participating in one of the Academy’s 2011 webinars. These live, interactive, high-quality programs cover specific topics and enable you to get your questions answered in real time, participate in online polling, and view case discussions.

In Memoriam

Russell W. Baksic, MD Palm Desert, Calif. Daniel E. Curtin, MD Orchard Park, N.Y. Irwin I. Feinberg, MD Aug. 8, 2010 Chicago John L. Franklin, MD Aug. 5, 2010 Kingsport, Tenn. Richard L. Glatzer, MD Oct. 21, 2010 Miami Richard K. Howard, MD April 12, 2002 Fair Oaks, Calif. Borna Meisami-Fard, MD July 1, 2007 Toronto, Ontario Clarence W. Rawson, MD Roswell, Ga. Frank C. Ruys, MD Nov. 23, 2009 Redwood City, Calif. Andrew B. Weiss, MD Oct.

Pat on the back...

Vernon T. Tolo, MD, honored with the 2010 Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Orthopaedics. New officers and board members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA): Andrew H. Schmidt, MD, 2nd president elect; David J. Hak, MD, MBA, chief financial officer; Lisa K. Cannada, MD, and David C. Teague, MD, members-at-large.

Get to know “My Account” page

Heidi Schmalz

Improved member portal presents multiple options In July, the AAOS upgraded the internal computer systems that manage the Academy’s business operations. Concurrently, it also improved the electronic commerce portion of the AAOS Web site. One of the most significant changes was to replace the My Profile feature with a new, more robust member portal—My Account.

Do you qualify for an AAOS Achievement Award?

Donna Siwek

Submit activities now to be recognized at 2011 Annual Meeting At the 2010 AAOS Annual Meeting in New Orleans, more than 250 AAOS members proudly wore Achievement Award ribbons. At the 2011 Annual Meeting in San Diego, you can expect to see many more ribbons—and you may qualify for one yourself. The Achievement Award Program encourages and celebrates active volunteer involvement by AAOS members.