AAOS and PHA Honor Congressman Sam Johnson

On Dec. 12, 2017, the Physician Hospitals of America (PHA), with support from AAOS, hosted a dinner saluting Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Texas) for his legacy of leadership in the fight for physician-led healthcare. Master of Ceremonies John Dietz, MD, along with a large group of physicians and members of Congress, thanked Rep. Johnson for sponsoring legislation to remove federal restrictions on the growth of physician-owned hospitals. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) extolled Rep.

BOS Celebrates Victories in Advocacy

Lisa K. Cannada, MD; Jordan Vivian

Although 2017 was a tumultuous year for the politics of health care, the Board of Specialty Societies (BOS), with the help of the AAOS Office of Government Relations (OGR), demonstrated how to break through the noise and make a lasting impact in healthcare policy.

Let the Learning Roll!

Terry Stanton

New Orleans, the place for good food, good music, and good times, will also be the destination for the best in orthopaedic education as the Crescent City hosts the Academy's 2018 Annual Meeting March 6–10. This year's meeting features an abundance of premium educational offerings designed to meet the needs of today's orthopaedic surgeon, with the opportunity to earn as many as 33 American Medical Association Physician's Recognition Award Category 1 CreditsTM from a wealth of choices.

AAOS Collaborates with DoD and APTA to Develop Quality Products

Kyle Mullen, MPH; Danielle Schulte, MS; Jayson Murray, MA

In recent years, the AAOS research department started offering services to assist in the development of evidence-based medical products, such as clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and appropriate use criteria (AUC), for interested medical societies and organizations.

Academy Starts 2018 With New Vision for Its Education Strategy

William J. Maloney, MD

Over the years, the Academy has built quite an impressive list of member benefits that continues to evolve as the healthcare landscape shifts and the needs of our members change. And at the heart of what the Academy provides is education.

Addressing Critical Shortages of Care through Training

Katie McMullen

The number of appropriately trained healthcare providers in resource-scarce countries across the globe is dangerously low. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the current global health workforce shortage stands at more than 7.2 million providers and is expected to increase to 12.9 million by 2035. This shortage directly impacts the delivery of care. WHO estimates that at least 400 million people globally lack access to one or more essential health services.

My Substance Use Disorder: Recovery and Redemption

Basem Attum, MD, MS

In rehab, I was isolated: no TVs, no phones, and no computers. Not using drugs was scary to me. I had been convinced it wasn't possible. Although the initial withdrawal symptoms were eased with phenobarbital, I was always tired, had no memory, and was very depressed. I went from meeting to meeting. I learned all the facets of drug addiction. My peers represented all of society: from famous musicians and professionals to laborers. They were of all ages. My job was to learn about myself.

OrthoInfo Unveils Website Redesign

Stuart J. Fischer, MD

Providing patients with high-quality orthopaedic information is easier than ever The AAOS patient education website, OrthoInfo.org, provides patients and their families with convenient access to more than 500 easy-to-understand articles and videos on orthopaedic conditions and treatments, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and healthy living.

CMS Designates the AAOS Orthopaedic Quality Resource Center a QCDR for 2018

Erik Michalesko

As it embarks on registry expansion and integration with the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR), AAOS remains dedicated to improving the quality of musculoskeletal care that orthopaedic surgeons can deliver. Within this mission, the AJRR, the national hip and knee registry, has maintained a U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)–approved qualified clinical data registry (QCDR) since 2014.

In Memoriam

January 2017 North Tustin, Calif. Robert F. Premer, MD April 13, 2017 Minneapolis Kurt W. Rathjen, MD Nov. 20, 2017 Dallas Dean G. Lorich, MD Dec. 10, 2017 Southampton, N.Y. James P. McAuley, MD Dec. 28, 2017 London, Ontario, Canada

Communities in Motion Heads to New Orleans

Alan S. Hilibrand, MD

According to a CNN.com article, each New Year, nearly one in four Americans make resolutions that include improving their level of fitness and activity. On the first day of the 2018 AAOS Annual Meeting, we have an opportunity to help a New Orleans community do the same, and improve their bone and joint health in the process. In 2017, the AAOS engaged children and parents with a pilot Communities in Motion event held during the Annual Meeting in San Diego.

Advocacy at the Annual Meeting – Mark Your Calendar!

As we continue with a new administration and changing Congress, 2018 will be a milestone year for healthcare reform. Many legislative and regulatory issues central to orthopaedic practice and the orthopaedic profession as a whole, including potential Medicare reform, are at stake. Mark your calendars and plan to take advantage of the following opportunities at the AAOS 2018 Annual Meeting.

Specialty Day Concludes the Annual Meeting

Specialty Day, Saturday, March 10, is a day set aside for scientific programs presented by organizations that are members of the Board of Specialty Societies (BOS). All programs provide AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society 7 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Great Hall B American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine/Arthroscopy Association of North America 7:10 a.m.–3 p.m. Theater B American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons 7:25 a.m.–5 p.m.

Global Volunteerism: Learn How to Maximize Your Impact

Katie McMullen; Amanda Decker

There is a long and rich history of volunteerism in the orthopaedic community, and in recent years, the interest in global volunteerism has grown. "There's certainly more people who are interested in doing this work, particularly younger people," said Coleen Sabatini, MD. "There's an incredible interest, enthusiasm, and true passion for this work." Dr.

Political Analyst David Gergen to Speak at Annual Meeting

Peter Pollack

Political commentator David Gergen has been selected as the presidential guest speaker for the AAOS 2018 Annual Meeting. Mr. Gergen is a senior political analyst for CNN and professor of public service and codirector of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. He has served as an advisor in the administrations of Presidents Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Ronald W. Reagan, and William J. Clinton. Mr. Gergen was born in Durham, N.C.

New Orleans Offers Something for Everyone

The National WWII Museum offers a compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail through thought-provoking exhibits. French Market stretches six blocks and caters to all visitors with restaurants, cafes, boutique shops, music venues, parks, and public monuments. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 was established in the late 1700s and is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans. Preservation Hall is open nightly for intimate acoustic New Orleans jazz concerts.

Our Academy Meeting Focused on You

AAOS 2018 Annual Meeting attendees will have the ability to completely customize their own unique education program from a wide range of topics, learning styles, and expert viewpoints. From relevant best practices and emerging trends, the Annual Meeting provides an unparalleled career-advancing experience. Only at the Annual Meeting can attendees evaluate the most current research, identify current and future scientific and technologic developments, and expand your network.

AAOS Welcomes Italy as 2018 Guest Nation

Amanda Decker

AAOS is pleased to welcome Italy as the Guest Nation at the 2018 AAOS Annual Meeting in New Orleans next month. The orthopaedists of Italy are represented by the Società Italiana di Ortopedia e Traumatologia (SIOT). "SIOT is honored to take part in the AAOS Guest Nation program," said Prof. Giuseppe Sessa, SIOT president. "We look forward to this exciting cultural meeting and exchange of ideas, as well as working with the AAOS on future projects."

Electronic-Only Balloting Scheduled for April 2018

AAOS will transition to an electronic-only balloting process for approval of bylaws amendments, resolutions, and nominees for the 2019 Nominating Committee. Electronic balloting will open in late April 2018, and communication about the balloting process will be distributed via email. Visit www.aaos.org/myaaos (login required) to ensure that your email address is current. To update your email address, click on "Account Settings." For more information, contact Donna J.