Turning Buzzwords into Business Plans

Frederick M. Azar, MD

The “value equation” calls for high-quality, low-cost health care and is likely a euphemism for lower reimbursement. As orthopaedic surgeons, we know that the services we provide offer the greatest social and economic value in all of medicine, and we have demonstrated this in recent studies undertaken by your Academy under the leadership of Past President John R. Tongue, MD.

Treasurer’s Report—December 2014

Andrew N. Pollak, MD

The bylaws of the AAOS direct the Finance Committee to “manage, supervise, and control the financial affairs” of the organization. As your treasurer, I serve as chair of the Finance Committee; Joshua J. Jacobs, MD, immediate past president, and David T. Teuscher, MD, first vice-president, are the other voting members of the committee. Other participants in Finance Committee meetings include Frederick M. Azar, MD, AAOS president; Gerald R.

MMM Programs Can Be Useful

Having completed an advanced business degree, I couldn’t agree more with Dr. Douglas Lundy’s article (see “Jack of Orthopaedic Surgery, Master of Business,” AAOS Now, October 2014) regarding the benefits of additional graduate education. However, I must take exception to his one-sentence summation of the Masters of Medical Management program (MMM). According to Dr.

Pat on the Back...

Kenneth J. Hunt, MD, recipient of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) 2014 Roger A. Mann Award. Harpal S. Khanuja, MD, recipient of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons’ first annual Humanitarian Award. Cato T. Laurencin, MD, PhD, recipient of the Anti-Defamation League’s Torch of Liberty Award. Brian J. McGrory, MD, editor-in-chief of Arthroplasty Today, and Stefano A. Bini, MD; Mark J. Spangehl, MD; and Bryan D.

Jump-Start Your Public Relations in the New Year

Alan S. Hilibrand, MD

As 2014 draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the past year and think about areas that we, as orthopaedic surgeons, can improve upon when it comes to delivering the highest quality care to patients. What we communicate and how we interact with our patients are just as important as the overall treatment we provide. Communication skills—verbal as well as nonverbal—are important in the patient/physician relationship for both understanding and building trust.

AAOS Introduces Resident Assembly

Nathan W. Skelley, MD

Residents are the future of the orthopaedic specialty. For this reason, the AAOS is proud to announce the new AAOS Resident Assembly (RA)—an organization designed by residents for residents. All orthopaedic surgery residents currently enrolled in an orthopaedic training program are automatically members. No application or dues payment is required. The RA gives orthopaedic residents a unique community and an active voice within the Academy.

Orthopaedic Training in South Africa

Prof. Mkhululi Lukhele

The health system in South Africa has both private and public sectors. The budget for our health system is 8.5 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). An estimated 40 percent of the health system budget is allocated to the public sector and 60 percent is to the private sector. South Africa has a population of 56 million people. About 41 million are uninsured and utilize the public sector facilities; the remaining 15 million are cared for in the private sector.

Nominating Committee recommends 2015 Slate

Richard N. Peterson, JD

On Nov. 24, 2014, the AAOS Nominating Committee released its recommended slate of nominees. The release was timed to correspond to bylaw amendments adopted by the Fellowship after the 2010 Annual Meeting. Chaired by Daniel J. Berry, MD, the 2015 Nominating Committee also included Annunziato (Ned) Amendola, MD; Kevin J. Bozic, MD; Amy L. Ladd, MD; Vincent D. Pellegrini, Jr., MD; Chitranjan S. Ranawat, MD; and Roy W. Sanders, MD.

In Memoriam

Neil G. Barnett, MD Sept. 17, 2014 Phoenix, Ariz. Eugene E. Bleck, MD Sept. 14, 2014 Hillsborough, Calif. Paul D. Harkins, MD Oct. 28, 2014 Greensboro, N.C. Kenneth M. Keane, MD Aug. 31, 2014 Sioux City, Iowa Michael L. McCarty, MD Nov. 6, 2014 Grand Island, Neb. Stephen Milliner, MD April 20, 2014 Phoenix, Ariz. Raymond O. Pierce Jr, MD Oct. 18, 2014 Indianapolis, Ind. Robert E. Ruel Jr, MD Oct. 10, 2011 San Antonio, Texas Jerome D Tossy, MD Feb.