Carville, Matalin to speak at Annual Meeting

Maureen Leahy

Husband-and-wife political analysts James Carville and Mary Matalin are the presidential guest speakers for the 2010 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Following an introduction by AAOS President Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD, the bipartisan duo will share their individual political perspectives—on healthcare reform and more—along with candid life experiences when they take to the podium on March 11 in the Morial Convention Center’s LaNouvelle Ballroom. At the conclusion of their presentations, Mr. Carville and Ms. Matalin will respond to questions from the audience.

Why I didn’t—and now I do

At the September 2009 meeting of the AAOS Board of Directors, the subject of voter apathy among our fellowship led to a lively discussion. The dismay was prompted by the fact that it’s getting harder to achieve the required 20 percent participation for a valid vote—whether for adopting amendments to the by-laws, adopting resolutions, or selecting members of the Nominating Committee. People tend to think about only themselves and what is in it for them. I know that’s the way it was for me.

Enhance your cultural competence

Jennie McKee

Free resources now available online The AAOS Culturally Competent Care Guidebook, a free resource edited by Ramon L. Jimenez, MD, and Valerae O. Lewis, MD, recently became available online to all AAOS fellows and resident members. The guidebook and convenient tip sheets can be used to enhance communication with patients from various ethnic backgrounds.

A new look for AAOS Now

Mary Ann Porucznik

Take a close look at this issue of AAOS Now and you’ll notice that it’s a little different. Perhaps the most obvious change is a slightly smaller page size, although the magazine still has a tabloid format. The “Reimbursement & Regulation” section has been renamed “Advocacy.” This not only reflects the broader role that the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is taking, but also aligns with the Academy’s council structure.

Conflicts of interest remain problematic

Congratulations to Dr. Canale on his November editorial, which expresses the strength of his convictions and his willingness to call it like it is. The editorial centered around the New England Journal of Medicine article, “Conflict of interest disclosures reported by physicians” (Oct. 8, 2009). Dr. Canale digests the article, agreeing with some of its conclusions and disagreeing with others.

AAOS, OREF sign new agreement

Mary Ann Porucznik; Sharon Johnson

Collaboration strengthens working relationship It’s no secret that the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) have had a strong working relationship through the years. Recently, however, the two organizations announced a more formal collaboration.

¡Viva Mexico!

Peter Pollack

AAOS welcomes Mexico as 2010 Guest Nation AAOS is proud to welcome Mexico as the Guest Nation for the 2010 AAOS Annual Meeting. Not only have the culture, language, and customs of Mexico enriched life in the United States, the relationships among orthopaedic organizations in both countries have enriched the profession.

Taking mentoring to the “Nth” degree

Jennie McKee

Non-profit organization prepares women, minorities for orthopaedics In recent decades, the U.S. population has become increasingly diverse, but the demographics of the orthopaedic surgeon workforce haven’t kept pace. Nth Dimensions Educational Solutions, a non-profit organization founded by Bonnie Simpson Mason, MD, in 2005, is helping to change that by introducing women and minority medical students to the world of orthopaedics through an innovative and structured developmental program.

Raising community awareness of orthopaedics

Frank B. Kelly, MD

One of my partners was asked recently to give a presentation in our community. As the time for his talk grew closer, he began asking around the office for advice and/or materials. I thought he just needed a place to start. I suggested he check out the Community Orthopaedic Awareness Program (COAP) materials on the AAOS Web site. When he did, he was impressed with the professional, time-saving presentations available.

Change in claiming CME credits at the Annual Meeting

Maureen Leahy

Check-in upon arrival to receive all your CME credits When planning your itinerary for the 2010 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, be sure to put checking-in at registration at the top of the list. Not doing so may compromise your ability to claim all the continuing medical education (CME) credits for your participation in the meeting’s educational activities.

In memoriam

Billy M. Adamson, MD May 2009 Creston, Calif. Norman M. Heyman, MD Nov. 27, 2009 Bridgewater, N.J. Donald R. Townsend, MD Oct. 7, 2009 Oakland, Calif. William J. Vanderyt, MD November 2009 Doraville, Ga. Joel P. Vatter, MD Gulf Breeze, Fla. Bradley David Youse, MD Dec. 1, 2009 Shelby, Ohio

Pat on the back…

Members of the 2009-2010 Executive Committee of the American Shoulder and Elbow Society: Gerald R. Williams Jr., MD, president; Frances Cuomo, MD, president-elect; Jon J.P. Warner, MD, vice president; Evan L. Flatow, MD, immediate past president; Christopher M. Jobe, MD, past president; Michael L. Pearl, MD, secretary/treasurer; Anthony Miniaci, MD, FRCSC, and Marc R. Safran, MD, members-at-large