AAOS Works to Reform Stark Law

Julia Williams

Self-referral prohibitions in the Social Security Act, commonly known as the Stark Law, were enacted more than 30 years ago to limit the influence of financial relationships on physician referrals. Over the years, however, the prohibitions have failed to keep pace with changes in the healthcare environment, including those that affect orthopaedic surgeons. As a result, AAOS is working to reform the Stark Law.

Liaisons Represent Orthopaedic Community

Kyle Trivedi

To ensure that the voice of orthopaedics is heard, more than 60 AAOS members represent the Academy and their colleagues by serving as liaisons to federal agencies and other organizations. Liaisons help shape quality measures, standards and appropriateness criteria, and medical device reviews, and publish materials on advances in research, medical care, and treatment.

The Academy Takes First Steps Toward Building National Family of Orthopaedic Registries

William J. Maloney, MD

As you may already know, in October, the Academy announced its intent to create a national family of clinical data registries for a broad range of orthopaedic conditions and procedures. This initiative is by no means a small endeavor. In fact, it is one of the Academy's boldest moves in recent history, and it reinforces our on-going commitment to quality.

Share Your Orthopaedic Expertise Via Video

Alan S. Hilibrand, MD

According to a recent article in Forbes magazine, video consumption grows 100 percent each year, and 55 percent of people watch one or more videos online every day. A video posted on social media generates 1,200 percent more shares than text and images combined. Last year, the Academy began creating and regularly posting videos of orthopaedic surgeons answering commonly asked patient questions—from "Why is my knee still stiff and mobility limited 8 weeks after meniscus surgery?"

My Substance Use Disorder: Out of Control

Basem Attum, MD, MS

Five months after being diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement, I had surgery to remove bone from my femur that was impinging against my acetabulum. I was still in my third year of medical school. I used opioids and sedative hypnotics for a month after surgery and then stopped. At this point, stopping was easy; I did not even think about it. I thought that because I'd had the surgery, the source of my pain was gone and eventually I would feel like myself again.

Treasurer's Report—December 2017

M. Bradford Henley, MD, MBA

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. Gerald R. Williams Jr, MD, immediate past president, and David A. Halsey, MD, first vice-president, are the other voting members of the committee. Other participants in finance committee meetings include William J. Maloney, MD, AAOS president; Kristy Weber, MD, second vice-president; Thomas E.

In Memoriam

Sept. 16, 2017 Monterey, Calif. David G. Publow, MD July 18, 2017 Bedford, N.H.

Academy Fellows Cover Team USA During the 2017 Maccabiah World Games

Elliott Leitman, MD

One of the most rewarding experiences of being an orthopaedic surgeon is getting out of the clinic and hospital and practicing our profession in an international setting with colleagues from around the world. In 2009 and in 2017, I was fortunate enough to be part of the medical staff for Maccabi/USA. The Maccabiah World Games are held every 4 years in Israel. This Olympic-style event attracts more than 10,000 Jewish athletes from more than 80 nations. For the 2017 Games, the U.S.

Pat on the Back

Lawrence D. Dorr, MD, received the 2017 American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Humanitarian Award. Karen L. Hackett, FACHE, CAE, former chief executive officer (CEO) of AAOS, received the Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association. Ms. Hackett was recognized for her substantial contributions during her 14-tenure as CEO to the goals and ideals of AAOS. William Mitchell, MD, received the 2017 NASS David Selby Award.

AAOS Nominating Committee Announces 2018 Slate

Donna J. Malert, CAE

On Nov. 8, 2017, the 2018 Nominating Committee, chaired by Past President Frederick M. Azar, MD, announced its slate of nominees. The release was timed to correspond to bylaw amendments adopted by the Fellowship after the 2010 Annual Meeting. In addition to Dr. Azar, the 2018 Nominating Committee included James H. Beaty, MD; Andrew R. Burgess, MD; Serena S. Hu, MD; Alexandra (Alexe) E. Page, MD; Alexander R. Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA; and Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD.

Orthopaedic Surgeon Continues Humanitarian Legacy in Haiti

Letha Y. Griffin, MD

Haiti is a stunningly beautiful island, but one that is also plagued with violence, political unrest, and severe poverty. Stephen M. McCollam, MD, of Peachtree Orthopedics in Atlanta, knows that about as well as anyone. Dr. McCollam has been providing volunteer orthopaedic care annually at the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) in Deschapelles in central Haiti, one of the poorest areas of the island, for more than 28 years. Recently, I spoke with him about his experiences. Dr.